What would you do if your teacher asked for a gurudakshina that could put your life in danger? In the Mahabharata, Uttanka faced exactly such a challenge. After completing his education and years of serving his guru, Uttanka insisted on offering a final gift before leaving. His guru, Rishi Veda, did not want anything. But when Uttanka approached his guru’s wife, she gave him a seemingly impossible task: bring the precious earrings worn by the queen of King Paushya. He had only four days. What Uttanka did not know was that Takshaka, the powerful king of the Nagas, also wanted those earrings.
