When Ambarisha reached Pushkara he decided to rest for a while. At that time Sunasepha saw his maternal uncle Visvamitra performing austerities, accompanied by other sages. Thirsty and tired, he fell into the lap of Visvamitra seeking protection like a son from a father, saying " I have no mother or father'. He also requested Visvamitra that Ambarisha's purpose should be fulfilled but he, Sunasepha should live long! Consoling him Visvamitra asked of his sons who among them would go in exchange of Sunasepha "This way Sunasepha will have a protector, the sacrifice will continue without impediment, the gods will be gratified and my promise will be redeemed" he said.

The sage's sons Madhuchanda and the others asked, "How come you can abandon your own son to save some one else's?To us it is a forbidden act like eating the flesh of a dog!" Enraged at their insolence Kausikatoldhis accusers that their words were arrogant and opposed to dharma. He denounced them saying "May you inhabit the earth for a thousand years, as fellow beings of Vasishta's sons, born into the mushtika race!" He then advised Sunasepha that, while bound to the sacrificial post he should invoke Agni with the two hymns that Visvamitra would teach him to save his life. Memorizing the hymns Sunasepha returned to Ambarish, full of profound humility, urging the king to proceed with the yagna. Delighted with the enthusiasm of the young victim, the king made his way to the sacrificial grounds. With the consent of the priests, Sunasepha was bound to the post, smeared with red sandal paste and garlanded in red. Sunasepa then chanted the hymns in praise, of Agni' who pleased with the silent adoration, granted the young man a long life! The king also received innumerable gifts from Indra, with whose help the human sacrifice was successfully averted and Visvamitra continued with his austerities for several centuries, at the holy Pushkara.