The Tale of Uttanka, the Devoted Student of Sage Gautama

In ancient India, there lived a wise and respected sage named **Gautama**. Gautama had an ashram where he taught young students the scriptures, the ways of the world, and the path to enlightenment. Among his disciples was a devoted student named **Uttanka**. Uttanka was known for his loyalty, discipline, and eagerness to serve his guru. He was always ready to follow his teacher’s instructions and complete any task assigned to him.

After years of rigorous study and service, Uttanka had completed his education and was ready to leave the ashram. But before departing, he approached Gautama and his wife to seek their blessings. As a final act of gratitude, he asked if there was anything he could do to repay his teacher and express his gratitude for the knowledge he had received.

Gautama’s wife, who was deeply pleased by Uttanka’s devotion, said, “Uttanka, I have a wish. As your guru-dakshina (offering to a teacher), I would like a pair of earrings from the queen.” Though surprised by the unusual request, Uttanka agreed without hesitation. He bowed respectfully and set off on his journey to fulfill his teacher’s wife’s wish.

After days of traveling, Uttanka reached the palace of **King Paushya**, who ruled a nearby kingdom. He explained his purpose to the king, who, impressed by Uttanka’s loyalty and dedication, agreed to help. The king invited Uttanka to meet the queen, who graciously offered her pair of beautiful, precious earrings as a gift to Uttanka for his guru’s wife.

With the queen’s earrings in hand, Uttanka began his journey back to his guru’s ashram. However, as he traveled through a dense forest, an unexpected danger awaited him. **Takshaka**, the king of serpents, had heard about the precious earrings and, tempted by their value, transformed himself into a massive snake to steal them from Uttanka.

Takshaka seized the earrings and fled into the underworld. Determined to fulfill his promise to his guru’s wife, Uttanka didn’t give up. He followed Takshaka into the dangerous world of serpents, braving numerous perils in his pursuit of the earrings. His unwavering focus and courage led him deep into the realm of the serpents, where he eventually found Takshaka and demanded the earrings back.

Takshaka was taken aback by Uttanka’s courage and devotion and agreed to return the earrings. However, he tested Uttanka’s patience, creating numerous illusions and distractions. Yet, Uttanka’s determination remained unbroken. Seeing this, Takshaka finally relented and returned the earrings.

On his journey back, Uttanka encountered **Lord Indra**, the king of the gods, who had been observing his dedication and loyalty from the heavens. Indra offered Uttanka his thunderbolt (Vajra) to help him travel safely back to his guru’s ashram, protecting him from any remaining obstacles on the way. Uttanka accepted the divine assistance and returned to Gautama’s ashram without further delay.

When Uttanka finally arrived and presented the earrings to his guru’s wife, she was moved to tears by his devotion and determination. Gautama blessed Uttanka, pleased by his steadfastness and dedication. Uttanka’s loyalty to his teacher became legendary, and he was celebrated as an ideal disciple who would go to any lengths to fulfill his duty.

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**Moral of the Story:**

The tale of Uttanka teaches us the value of **devotion, loyalty, and perseverance**. Uttanka’s unwavering dedication to his teacher and his willingness to overcome challenges show that true discipleship requires both commitment and courage. The story reminds us that genuine loyalty, combined with steadfast effort, brings blessings and success, even in the face of adversity.