Takshaka Seeks and Receives Refuge from Indra
Hearing the sacrifice has begun, the snake-king Takshaka flees in terror to Indra's palace, confessing his evil deeds and seeking protection. Indra reassures him, having already secured a boon from Brahma for Takshaka's sake.
As soon as Takshaka, king of snakes, heard that King Janamejaya had been instated in the snake-sacrifice, he knew his life was the primary target. He went to the palace of Purandara (Indra).
The supreme snake told Indra everything and, confessing the evil he had done, fearfully sought refuge. Indra was very pleased. He told Takshaka, “O king of snakes! You have nothing to fear here from the snake-sacrifice. For your sake, I have already pacified the grandfather (Brahma). Therefore, you need not be afraid. Drive this fever away from your mind.”
Thus reassured, the supreme among the snakes happily lived in Shakra’s (Indra’s) palace, safe from the sacrificial fire that was consuming his race.