Sage Gautama's student Uttanka was very devoted. Gautama loved him very much and did not allow him to leave the ashram after completing his studies. When Uttanka grew too old to serve Gautama, he asked for permission to leave. Gautama agreed. He made Uttanka young again and married his daughter to him.

Before leaving, Uttanka asked Gautama's wife, what gift she likes as gurudakshina. She asked for the earnings that belonged to King Saudasa's wife. Uttanka went to Saudasa, who was living the life of a cannibal in a forest due to a curse. His wife gave Uttanka the earrings hoping that the good deed would remove the curse. She told Uttanka that the person who wore the earrings would be free from hunger and thirst and would be protected from danger.

While returning, Uttanka rested under a tree. A snake stole the earrings and entered an anthill. Uttanka started digging the anthill with his stick, but the kingdom of the snakes was very deep underground. Indra helped him by putting more power into his stick to help him dig faster. Agni, the god of fire, appeared in the form of horse surrounded by fire and filled the kingdom of snakes with smoke. The snakes came out and to save their lives returned the earrings to Uttanka, who took them to Gautama's wife.