आस्तीक पर्व — गरुडको कथा

Shaunaka said: O son of Suta, what was the fault of Indra and what was his carelessness? How was Garuda born owing to the penances of the Valakhilyas?

Why had Kashyapa, a Brahmana, the king of the birds for his son? Why was he invincible of all creatures and indestructible of all?

Why was that bird capable of going every where and mastering any misuse of strength at will? I am willing to hear all this, if they are narrated in the Puranas.

Sauti said: What you ask me is narrated in the Puranas. O Brahmana, listen to them. I shall briefly narrated them all.

When Prajapati Kashyapa from the desire of begetting offspring was engaged in a sacrifice, the Rishis, the Devas and the Gandharvas all gave him help.

Indra with Valakhilya Rishis and other celestial were appointed by Kashyapa to bring fuel for the sacrifice.

And Lord Indra, taking up according to his great strength a weight which was mountainlike, brought it without any fatigue.

He saw on the way some Rishis, as small in size as the thumb, carrying together one single stalk of Palasa leaf.

They were exceedingly lean for want of food and they were much distressed when they fell into an indentation in the road caused by the hoop of a cow.

Purandara (Indra), madly proud of his strength, saw them with surprise and laughing at them in derision, passed them, crossing over their heads and thus grossly insulting them.

On this the Rishis became exceedingly angry and were filled with sorrow. They began a great act which was a terror to Indra.

Hear, Sir, desiring what these excellent Rishi's poured ghee in the sacrificial fire loudly reciting Mantras, saying,

“There will be another Indra of all the celestials, capable of going everywhere at will mustering any measure of strength at will and imparting fear to the present Indra.

By the fruit of our penances, let there be born a hero, who is hundred times stronger and valorous than Indra, fleet as the mind and frightful to present Indra."

The Lord of the celestials Shatakratu, becoming very much alarmed, went to ask the protection of the great ascetic, the selfcontrolled Rishi Kashyapa.

Prajapati Kashyapa, having heard every thing from Indra, went to the Valakhilyas and asked whether their act had been successful.

Thus addressed, those truthful Rishis said, “Yes, it is done.” Then Prajapati Kashyapa pacified them and said,

“The present Indra has been appointed the lord of the three worlds by Brahma. O Rishis you are also trying to create another Indra.

O excellent men, you should not make the words of Brahma untrue and I too do not wish to make your desire futile.

Let there be an Indra of the winged creatures, endued with great strength. Be gracious to Indra who is suppliant to you."

Having been thus addressed by Kashyapa, the Valakhilya Rishis saluted the great Prajapati and spoke thus,

The Valakhilyas said : O Prajapati, our this action (penance) is for creating an Indra. It is also meant for a son being born to you.

Let this successful act be accepted by you; and in this matter, do whatsoever you think good and proper.

Sauti said: At this time, the good and illustrious daughter of Daksha, named Vinata, being desirous of having an offspring an having purified herself by bathing after her season of impurity, came to her husband and Kashyapa spoke to her thus.

“O Lady, the sacrifice, commenced by me, has borne fruit. What you have desired to get, you will get. Two heroic sons will be born in you who will be the lords of the three worlds.

Owing to the penances of the Valakhilyas and by virtue of the desire with which I had began my sacrifice, those sons will be of exceeding good fortune and they will be worshipped by the three worlds.

The illustrious Kashyapa again spoke to her, "Carefully bear these auspicious seeds.

These two will be the lords of all the winged creatures. They will be birds, capable of assuming any form at will and they will be great heroes, respected by all the worlds."

The Prajapati then addressed Indra thus, "You will have two brothers of great power and strength, who will be your helps.

O Purandara, by them will no injury be done to you. Let your sorrow cease. O Indra, you will remain as the only one Indra in the world.

But let not the utterers of Brahma, Brahmanas be ever slighted by you. Let not those, whose words are like the thunderbolt, be again insulted by you."

Having been thus addressed Indra, his fear being dispelled, went to heaven; and Vinata was much pleased, because her desire was accomplished.

She gave birth to two sons, Aruna and Garuda and the undeveloped-bodied Aruna became the fore-runner (charioteer) of the sun.

Garuda became the king of the birds. O descendent of Bhrigu, listen to his great deeds.