Buddha’s preaching gained popularity and many disciples started visiting him. When he had around 60 disciples, Buddha requested them to leave Sarnath and travel and spread the knowledge to other people. Gautama Buddha also left for Magadh province.

While walking towards Magadh city, he came near a river. He saw a hut and met three brothers who were leading an ascetic life. As it was evening, Gautama Buddha requested the eldest brother of he could spend a night in their hut. The three brothers gladly agreed but also warned the Buddha that there was a very big poisonous serpent who was staying in their kitchen. Gautama Buddha said he was ok to sleep in the kitchen. He went inside the kitchen, made his bedding with green grass and sat down to rest. When the serpent heard the noise, he came out of his hole in the wall and came to bite Gautama Buddha. Gautama Buddha looked at the serpent with kindness and this confused the serpent who was used to people getting scared of him and running away. Because of this confusion, and a very different energy, the snake could do no harm. 

The next morning when the brothers came to the kitchen, they saw Gautama Buddha meditating. Surprised that he was still alive, they asked him about the serpent. Gautama Buddha smiled and opened his alms bowl. Once the bowl opened, the serpent came out hissing. The three brothers were terrified and were about to run away when Buddha stopped them and told them how to tame the serpent. The three brothers became devotees of Lord Buddha.