01.024
Library:Garuda is hungry and starts eating Nishadas.
Sūta said:
Garuda, having been addressed by the serpents, then spoke to his mother, "I am going to fetch the nectar; I want to know what food to bring."
Vinata spoke:
In the secluded abode of Nishada, located in the ocean's bosom, enjoy the nectar of countless thousands and bring them.
However, you should never intend to kill a Brahmin. A Brahmin is inviolable among all beings, indeed comparable to fire.
When a Brahmin becomes angry, he is like fire, the sun, poison, or a weapon. Among beings, the Brahmin is the foremost consumer, the best of castes, a father, and a teacher.
Garuda spoke:
O Mother, please explain to me the auspicious characteristics by which I can recognize a Brahmin, as I am asking you for this reason.
Vinata spoke:
The one who has entered your throat and is swallowed like a hook, burns like a burning coal. O son, know him to be the best among Brahmins.
Sūta said:
Vinatā, understanding the immense strength and blessings, spoke these words to him from her son's heart.
May the wind guard your wings, the moon your back, dear son. But let the fire protect your head, and the sun take care of everything else.
My dear son, I am always devoted to your peace and welfare. Go on your path without obstacles, dear, for the accomplishment of your objectives.
After hearing his mother's words, he spread his wings and soared into the sky. Then, strong and hungry like the great destroyer time, he approached the Nishadas.
He then destroyed those Nishadas, raising a great dust that touched the sky, dried up the water in the ocean's belly, and shook the nearby mountains.
Then he created a great face, obstructing the path of the Nishadas, the king of birds. Then the Nishadas quickly left, towards the face of the serpent eater.
The birds, distressed like the sky, approached that very large and open face in thousands, confused by the dust of the wind, in the forest where the great wind had shaken the trees.
Then the mighty bird, known as the enemy tormentor, swiftly gathered and destroyed various fish eaters, being hungry, as the lord of the sky wanderers at that time.