Suta said: "Having heard Elapatra's word, all the serpents, O best of the twice-born, with rejoicing hearts praised him: 'Excellent, excellent!' From that time Vasuki carefully guarded that maiden -- his sister Jaratkaru -- and attained great joy. Then not a very long time passed, and all the gods and asuras churned the abode of Varuna (the ocean). There the naga Vasuki, mightiest of the mighty, served as the rope [of the churning mountain]; and, having finished that task, the gods came to the Grandsire. The gods, together with Vasuki, said to the Grandsire: 'Lord, this Vasuki, in fear of the curse, is greatly tormented. Be pleased to draw out this thorn lodged in his heart, [born] of his mother's curse, O god -- [he] who wishes well to his kinsmen. For this king of serpents is ever beneficial to us and well-disposed; show your grace, O lord of the gods, and quench the fever of his heart.' Brahma said: 'This very word that the naga Elapatra spoke before was given by me in mind, O immortals. Let this king of serpents fulfill that word in its own time; those who are sinful will perish, but not those who live by dharma. The [sage] Jaratkaru has [already] been born, devoted to severe austerity, twice-born; let [Vasuki], in due time, give him his sister Jaratkaru. That word which the naga Elapatra spoke for the good of the serpents, O gods, shall be so, and not otherwise.' Suta said: "Having heard that word of the Grandsire, that king of serpents set many serpents to watch over Jaratkaru without fail, [saying]: 'When lord Jaratkaru wishes to take a wife, report to me at once -- therein will be our good.'"