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Library: Significance of the birth of Garuda explained.
Śaunaka spoke:
O son of Suta, what offense or negligence did Mahendra commit? How did Garuda come into being through the penance of the Valakhilyas?
How did the son of Kaśyapa and the twice-born, the king of birds, become invincible and immortal among all beings?
I wish to hear how he, who moves with desire and is powerful in desire, becomes a sky-walker, if this is mentioned in the Purana.
Sūta said:
This is the subject of the Purāṇa that you inquire about; listen to my brief explanation, O learned one.
The sages, gods, and Gandharvas indeed assisted Kaśyapa, the lord of creatures, in his sacrifice as he desired a son.
In that place, Indra was indeed appointed by Kashyapa to bring the fuel, along with the sages, Valakhilyas, and other groups of deities.
Indra, the lord, effortlessly lifted and brought a mountain-like load of fuel, as if it was not difficult for him.
Then he saw the sages, who were short and had thumb-sized bellies and joints, carrying together a single palāśa leaf stalk on the path.
The ascetics, appearing as if absorbed in their own limbs, were weak and suffering without food, in a cow's hoofprint filled with water.
Indra, overwhelmed with pride and drunk with power, laughed at them all, swiftly moved past, crossing over and disregarding them.
Then, filled with intense anger and greatly enraged, they began a formidable task that was terrifying to Indra.
The sages, with great austerity and according to the rules, offered to the fire god with various chants. Listen to the desire by which they did so.
The one who possesses the power of love and strength, who fulfills desires and instills fear in the king of gods, is considered another Indra among all gods, as those with disciplined vows believe.
Let the one who is a hundred times more valorous and stronger than Indra, and who possesses the speed of mind, be born today as a result of our penance.
Realizing the situation, the greatly troubled king of gods, Indra, sought refuge with Kashyapa, who was steadfast in his vows.
Upon hearing this, Kaśyapa, the progenitor, approached the Vālakhilyas and inquired about the success of their task.
The truth-speakers replied to him, "Let it be so." Then Kaśyapa, the lord of creatures, addressed them with words of conciliation.
This Indra was appointed by Brahma's command in the three worlds. For the sake of Indra, you all, the diligent sages, must also act.
O best ones, the word of Brahma is never false. You should not act otherwise. Your resolve and my intention are true.
Let Indra, who is very powerful and virtuous, be the lord of the birds. May the grace of the king of gods be granted to the one who is asking.
After being addressed by Kashyapa, the Valakhilya sages, who were ascetics, respectfully replied to the eminent sage and lord of creatures.
This endeavor is meant for Indra, O lord of creatures, and is desired by you for the sake of progeny, for all of us.
Accept this fruitful action indeed, and act here in such a way as you perceive to be for the best.
At this very moment, the auspicious goddess Dākṣāyaṇī, known as Vinatā, who was virtuous and desired a son, was renowned.
After performing austerities and being dedicated to her vows, she bathed in the puṃsavana rite and approached her husband in purity. Then, Kaśyapa spoke to her.
O goddess, your desired beginning will be successful. You will give birth to two heroic sons who will be lords of the three worlds.
By the penance of the Vālakhilyas, my sons born of resolve will be greatly fortunate and worshipped by the world.
The divine sage Mārīca advised her once more, emphasizing the importance of carefully nurturing the highly auspicious embryo.
One bird, renowned in the world and possessing desired strength, will become the lord of all birds.
Then, pleased, the lord of creatures, Indra, said: "These two birds will become your companions and brothers."
There will be no fault from these two towards you, Purandara. Let your sorrow go, Shakra; you will indeed become Indra.
The speakers of Brahman should not be insulted again by you, nor should they be disrespected out of arrogance with your poisonous words, which make them very angry.
Having been addressed in this way, Indra went fearlessly to heaven. At that time, Vinata also became successful and was filled with joy.
Two sons were born, Varuna and Garuda. Among them, Aruna, though imperfect, became the charioteer of Aditya.
Garuda was appointed as the king of birds. Listen to this great deed of his, O descendant of Bhrigu.
