Ruru Attempts to Kill an Old Dundubha Snake
Consumed by a vow to destroy all snakes after Pramadvara's revival, Ruru enters a large forest. He sees an old dundubha snake and raises his staff to strike — but the snake speaks to him.
Ruru's life after Pramadvara's return was shadowed by the bargain. He had given up half his long life for her, and it shortened his own. He lived with her in devotion, but he also lived with a new, burning anger. He took a vow to destroy snakes. Whenever he saw one, terrible rage possessed him. If it was near, he killed it.
One day, Ruru entered a very large forest. He saw an old dundubha snake lying on the ground. With the intention of killing it, he raised his staff — like the staff of death itself — and prepared to strike.
The dundubha spoke.
"O ascetic! I have not done you an iota of harm today. For what reason and in what violent rage do you wish to do violence to me?"