The cowherd men set out on a pilgrimage. Their destination was the forest of Ambika. They travelled in wagons drawn by oxen. There they came to the Sarasvati River. They bathed in its waters. They worshipped Shiva, known as Pashupati. They also honoured the goddess Ambika. Their worship included various offerings. They approached the observance with devotion. Nanda and Sunanda were among the cowherds.
The pilgrims gave gifts to the brahmanas. These included cows and gold. They also offered clothing. They gave grain prepared with honey. They prayed for the lord's pleasure. That night they remained beside the Sarasvati. They kept the vows of their observance. They fasted and drank only water. Nanda lay down to sleep there. During the night, a great snake approached.
The snake was extremely hungry. It came upon the sleeping Nanda. It began to swallow him. Caught in its grasp, Nanda shouted. He called Krishna's name again and again. He appealed to his dear son for rescue. He entrusted himself to Krishna's protection. The other cowherds heard his cries. They sprang up from their rest. They saw the danger surrounding Nanda.
In alarm, the men seized burning torches. They struck the snake with the firebrands. Even their burning blows could not free Nanda. The snake would not let him go. Then Krishna came to the place. He touched the snake with His foot. That touch removed the creature's sinful reactions. The serpent body was left behind. A radiant Vidyadhara appeared in its place. He stood before Krishna with his head bowed.
Golden necklaces adorned the shining figure. Krishna asked him to explain his identity. How had he received such a dreadful body? The Vidyadhara identified himself as Sudarshana. He had possessed wealth and physical beauty. He had travelled widely in a celestial vehicle. Once he had encountered sages of Angira's lineage. Proud of his looks, he mocked their appearance. The sages had cursed him for that offence. His own wrongdoing had brought the serpent birth.
Now Sudarshana regarded the curse as a kindness. It had brought him to Krishna's liberating touch. He acknowledged the sages' mercy. He praised Krishna as the teacher of the worlds. He spoke of Krishna removing His followers' fear. Freed from the curse, he requested leave to return. He offered himself to Krishna's direction. He praised the purifying power of Krishna's name. That name, he said, purifies speaker and hearers. He marvelled still more at Krishna's personal touch.
Krishna gave Sudarshana permission to depart. Sudarshana walked around Him in reverence. He bowed to Him before leaving. Then he returned to his heavenly home. Nanda was safe from the danger. The people of Vraja had witnessed Krishna's power. They were filled with wonder. They completed their religious observance there. Afterward they travelled back to Vraja. On the way they reverently recounted Krishna's deed.