Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c9.3085

c9.3085

At that time Kaśyapa [There is a version that it was Dhanvantari who was thus sent back by Takṣaka. 9th Skandha, Devī Bhāgavata] was the greatest of all physicians and māntrikas and, greedy that he was, he started to the palace of Parīkṣit thinking that it would be the best opportunity to obtain some money from the King. Takṣaka also was going to the palace in the guise of a brahmin. On the way Takṣaka met Kaśyapa and knowing well that the presence of the celebrated Kaśyapa at the palace would be an obstacle to the achievement of his mission, he approached Kaśyapa. They talked on the way and Kaśyapa said he was going to the palace to save the King from the bite of Takṣaka. Then Takṣaka, revealing his identity, said that it was impossible to save anybody from the result of his bite. Both then decided to test their skill then and there. A huge banyan tree with many branches spreading wide was standing nearby and Takṣaka gave it a bite. Within seconds the huge tree was charred to destruction; Kaśyapa then took some water and reciting a mantra poured the water over the ashes of the tree and then to the surprise of Takṣaka, the tree rose up and stood in its original form. On seeing that Takṣaka confessed that Kaśyapa was superior to him. Takṣaka then coaxed him to his side and giving him a huge amount as bribe bade him return home.