Shloka 129
Ādi-parva Adhyāya 3 — Janamejaya’s Rite, Dhaumya’s Parīkṣā, and Uttanka’s Kuṇḍala Quest (सर्पसत्रप्रस्तावना–गुरुपरीक्षा–उत्तङ्कोपाख्यान)
तस्य तक्षको दृढ्मासन्न: स तं जग्राह गृहीतमात्र: स तद्रूपं विहाय तक्षकस्वरूपं कृत्वा सहसा धरण्यां विवृतं महाबिलं॑ प्रविवेश,वास्तवमें वह नागराज तक्षक ही था। दौड़नेसे उत्तंकके अत्यन्त समीपवर्ती हो गया। उत्तंकने उसे पकड़ लिया। पकड़में आते ही उसने क्षपणकका रूप त्याग दिया और तक्षक नागका रूप धारण करके वह सहसा प्रकट हुए पृथ्वीके एक बहुत बड़े विवरमें घुस गया
tasya takṣako dṛḍham āsannaḥ sa taṃ jagrāha gṛhītamātraḥ sa tadrūpaṃ vihāya takṣakasvarūpaṃ kṛtvā sahasā dharaṇyāṃ vivṛtaṃ mahābilaṃ praviveśa
Takṣaka drew very near to him. The moment he was seized, he abandoned that assumed guise and, taking on his true form as the serpent Takṣaka, suddenly plunged into a vast opening in the earth. The episode underscores the peril of deception and the urgency of vigilance: even when wrongdoing is momentarily checked, it may escape through hidden paths unless pursued with steadiness and discernment.
राम उवाच
Educational Q&A
The passage highlights that adharma often operates through disguise and sudden evasion; therefore, one must combine righteous intent with alertness and discernment. Momentary success (catching the culprit) does not guarantee resolution unless the pursuit is sustained and guided by clear understanding.
Takṣaka comes very close to Uttaṅka and is immediately seized. At the instant of capture, Takṣaka abandons his assumed form, reveals his true serpent form, and swiftly enters a large opening in the earth to escape.