A view of the western part of Pamban island from the summit of Mt. Gandhamadana which is the tallest peak on Pamban Island, which lies in the Palk Strait between mainland India and Sri Lanka. It is believed by many people that Hanuman Ji resides on this mountain. (The image is available on a Creative Commons — CC BY 2.5 IN — license and has been contributed by Ravichander84).
Note: In the previous post, we read about how Vibhavasu became a tortoise and Supritika became an elephant.
In this post, we will read about how Garuda seized the fierce and violent animals and what happened when he went in search of a place where he could eat them.
After telling the story of the hostile brothers who were reborn as an elephant and a tortoise, Sage Kasyapa blessed his son, Garuda, with the following words.
“O son may you be blessed when you have to fight the gods. May water pitchers filled to the brim, brahmanas, cows, and other auspicious objects bless you. O Garuda of great strength, when you are in combat with the gods, may the Riks, the Yajus, the Samas, the sacred sacrificial butter, and all the mysteries explained in the Upanishads contribute to your strength.”
Blessed by his father, Garuda went to the sacred lake of clear water with birds all around. The noble bird, who could move very quickly seized the elephant with one flaw and the tortoise with another.
With the violent animals in his claws, the noble bird soared high into the sky to search for a proper location where he could place the animals to eat them. In his search, he first reached a sacred place called Alamva which had many divine trees that were capable of granting any wish. When Garuda flew close to the trees the tremendous wind created by his flapping wings caused those holy trees, which had golden branches, to tremble with fear. Garuda saw the trees filled with fear and decided to go somewhere else.
As he flew ahead, he soon reached another sacred place that had huge trees adorned with fruits of gold and silver. The branches of these trees were covered with precious gems. Being close to the sea, these trees were washed by sea-water. Among these trees was an unusually large banian tree which had a branch that was a hundred yojanas long. The tree called out to Garuda and said, “Sit on this branch that is a hundred yojanas long and eat the elephant and tortoise.
However, when the massive bird, Garuda, who resembled a mountain, sat on the branch, it shook and snapped. The branch which was a hundred yojanas long and filled with leaves and birds, detached from the tree and fell due to Garuda’s impact. When Garuda looked around, he saw Valakhilya rishis, who were engaged in severe penances, hanging upside down from the branch. The noble bird was afraid that the rishis might die because of his fault and he also desired to save them. Therefore, without wasting any time, he caught the massive branch firmly in his beak while still clutching the elephant and the tortoise with his claws
The Valakhilya rishis were filled with wonder when they saw Garuda hold such a massive branch with his beak – a feat that would have been difficult even for the devas. The great rishis said, “May this foremost of birds be called Garuda.”
Note: The name, Garuda, means — one who can bear heavy weights.
Desirous to save the rishis, Garuda flew over many places searching for a location where he could gently place the huge branch and allow the rishis to escape unhurt. However, unable to find any suitable place, he flew towards Mount Gandhamadana, where he once again saw his father, Sage Kasyapa, performing ascetic devotions.
Note: In the next post, we will read about how Sage Kasyapa guides Garuda to avoid sin, and also guides the Valakhilya Rishis to safety.
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Note: In the previous post, we read about the interaction between Sage Kasyapa and Garuda. When Garuda expressed that he needed to eat more food before he could fight the gods for the amrit, Kasyapa suggested that he eat a violent elephant and tortoise who lived in a sacred lake.
In this post, we will find out the identity of that elephant and tortoise and why they constantly fought with each other.
Sage Kasyapa said to Garuda, “O son, now I will tell you who this violent elephant and tortoise were in their past lives.”
There was once a great but wrathful rishi called Vibhavasu. He had a younger brother called Supritika.
These brothers had inherited wealth which they managed jointly. However, Supritika did not like keeping his share of the wealth jointly with Vibhavasu. Therefore, at every opportunity, he would insist upon partitioning the wealth so he could get full ownership of his share.
Annoyed by his continuous insistence, Vibhavasu told Supritika, “It is due to foolishness that people who are blinded by wealth wish to partition their inheritance. Such deluded people continue to fight with each other even after they have taken their share. Moreover, there are people in society who are enemies in the guise of friends. Such people will create further quarrels between siblings after they’ve separated. Such siblings, once separated, stop following the shastras and live in constant fear of each other. Eventually, the separated family faces absolute ruin. That is the reason wise people do not approve of partitioning ancestral wealth.”
As Vibhavasu spoke, he became angrier and cursed Supritika saying, “O Supritika, but you always insist on partitioning your share of the wealth. Therefore, you shall become an elephant.”
Hearing his brother’s words, Supritika also cursed Vibhavasu. He said, “Then you shall become a tortoise who lives in water.”
Sage Kasyapa explained to Garuda how, because of their anger, Supritika and Vibhavasu became inferior animals and, proud of their strength, still continue to fight with each other.
“Look there!” Kasyapa once again pointed to the lake.
Garuda saw a huge elephant roaring with anger. Hearing the loud voice of the elephant, the tortoise, who lived deep within the lake, came to the surface and moved his feet wildly to create turbulence in the water. Following the tortoise, the elephant also curled his trunk and began to agitate the water with his curled trunk and feet.
These two animals were huge. The elephant’s height was six yojanas and his overall circumference was twelve yojanas. The tortoise was three yojanas in height and ten yojanas in circumference. Both animals rushed toward the other, with their heads raised, for an encounter, bent upon killing each other.
Sage Kasyapa said, “O Garuda, eat these fierce animals, and then, accomplish your task of bringing the amrit.”
Note: In the next post, we will read about how Garuda seized the violent brothers (who had become animals) and went in search of a place where he could eat them. However, due to a certain incident, Garuda had to take a detour to protect a group of tiny, thumb-sized rishis, called Valakhilya rishis.
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Note: In the previous post, we read about how Garuda ate the Nishadas to satisfy his hunger, and, as advised by Vinata, he did not hurt any brahmanas.
In this post, we will read about Garuda’s interaction with his father.
After eating the Nishadas, Garuda once again ascended the skies. This time, he saw his father, Sage Kasyapa, meditating on Gandhamadana mountain. Garuda flew towards his father.
The noble sage greeted his son and asked him some questions. Garuda’s answers pleased the sage and then he inquired about his son’s welfare.
“O child, is everything well with you? Do you get enough food everyday in the world of humans?”
Garuda replied, “My mother is well. My brother and I are also fine, but father, I don’t always obtain sufficient food. I am going to heaven to fetch the excellent amrit for the snakes to free my mother from bondage.”
Garuda continued, “I wanted to eat before seeking the amrit. Mother commanded me to eat the Nishadas. I ate thousands of them but my hunger is not yet satisfied. Therefore, O father, direct me to some other food so I may gain the strength to take the amrit by force from the beings of heaven.”
Kasyapa pointed to a lake and said, “This lake is sacred. It is well-known even in the heavens, but an elephant and a tortoise who are hostile toward each other have made this lake their home. Their constant hostility is disturbing the peace of the creatures that live in these sacred waters. Eat that elephant and tortoise to satisfy your hunger and proceed to get the amrit.”
“But before you go,” Sage Kasyapa added, “let me tell you the story of the elephant and, his older brother, the tortoise.”
Note: In the next post, we will find out the identity of the elephant and the tortoise and why they were constantly fighting with each other.
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Note: In the previous post, we read about how Garuda questioned his Slavery to the serpents and agreed to bring the amrit, they desired, to free his mother and himself.
In this post, Garuda will begin his quest to get the amrit from the gods. However, the young bird is hungry, so his mother directs him to food, along with a cautionary note about what he should not eat.
Garuda turned to his mother and said, “I am leaving to bring the amrit, but I’m hungry. I want to eat before I go to heaven. Please tell me where I can get food.”
Vinata replied, “The Nishadas live in a beautiful place in a remote region in the middle of the ocean. Eat all the Nishadas that live there and proceed to bring the amrit.”
Along with guiding Garuda towards food, Vinata also gave him some cautionary advice. She said, “But remember son, don’t ever eat a brahmana. When angered, a brahmana becomes like fire. He becomes dangerous like a sharp weapon or like poison. It has been said that the brahmana is the master of all creatures. It is for this and various other reasons that Brahmanas are adored by the virtuous. However angry you are, you should be careful to never slay a brahmana. O sinless Garuda, when a brahmana of rigid vows becomes angry, he can cause more destruction than the fire or the sun.”
Upon hearing his mother’s advice, Garuda asked, “O mother, what does a brahmana look like? What is his behaviour? What are his powers? Does a brahmana shine like fire or does he have a calm demeanour? What auspicious signs does he bear? O mother, advise me on how to recognise a brahmana.”
Vinata replied, “O Garuda, if you ever swallow a good brahmana, you will immediately feel as if a fish hook is torturing your throat or you will feel as if a blazing fire is burning you. You will never be able to digest a good brahmana.”
Vinata blessed Garuda and said, “May the god of wind protect your wings, may Surya and Soma protect your spine, may Agni protect your head, and may the Vasus protect your entire body.”
After blessing Garuda, Vinata said, “I will sit here and perform ceremonies for your safety and welfare. Go safely, O child, and bring the amrit.”
Blessed by Vinata, Garuda stretched his wings and ascended to the sky. When he reached the place where the Nishadas stayed, he swooped down upon them with great strength. At that moment, he was like another Yama.
The powerful bird raised a dust storm covering the entire sky. Then he blocked all the exit roads of the Nishadas and enlarged his beak in such a way that the fleeing Nishadas went straight into his mouth. Then the hungry lord of the bird closed his mouth, eating a large number of Nishadas who worked as fishermen.
A brahmana and his wife also got caught in Garuda’s mouth along with the Nishadas. The great bird’s throat began to burn like a flaming charcoal when the brahmana reached his throat.
Garuda remembered his mother’s cautionary words. He immediately addressed the brahmana, saying, “O brahmana, I will open my mouth for you. Come out quickly because I will not slay a brahmana even if he’s engaged in sinful practices.”
The brahmana replied, “O Garuda, this Nishada woman with me is my wife. Allow her also to escape with me.”
“Take your wife and come out of my mouth without any delay,” Garuda said.
As soon as the brahmana and his wife came out of Garuda’s mouth, the great bird once again spread his wings and ascended the sky.
After some time, as he flew across the sky, Garuda saw Sage Kasyapa, his father.
Note: In the next post, we will read about Garuda’s interactions with his father.
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Note: In the previous post, we read about the island called Ramanayika that the creator (Brahma) had dedicated to the Makaras (crocodiles). Kadru and her snake sons had commanded Vinata and Garuda to take them to the beautiful island on their backs.
In this post, we will find out what happened when the snakes made further demands of Garuda.
The snakes began to enjoy themselves after arriving in the forest in Ramanikiya. After they had satisfied themselves, they commanded Garuda once again.
“O Garuda, ranger of the skies, you must have seen many beautiful regions while flying. Now take us to another excellent island that has pure water.” The snakes said to Garuda.
When Garuda was thus commanded for the second time, he reflected for a moment and asked his mother, Vinata, “Mother, why do I have to obey the snakes?”
Vinata looked at her son who had been blessed with immense energy, strength, and every virtue. She said, “The snakes committed an act of deception and caused me to lose a bet because of which I was enslaved by my co-wife, Kadru.”
A word of thanks to the sponsor of this page: Shri Srinivas Solapurkar.
I met Srinivas Ji at Sri Aurobindo Nivas in Vadodara. He was very generous in sharing his spiritual knowledge and wisdom about the “Guru Charitra Granth — A text about the Leela of Shri Bhagwan Dattatreya.
Along with yoga and naturopathy guidance, he also offers services as a Heritage Tour Guide in Vadodara.
Garuda became dejected after hearing his mother’s story. He was filled with sadness. Wanting to find a way out of slavery, he asked the snakes, “Tell me O snakes, how can we gain freedom from this bondage to you? Do you desire an object or some knowledge? I can bring them for you to win our freedom. If you desire, I can do an act that requires immense strength. Tell me, what can I do to acquire freedom?”
The snakes replied, “O great bird, bring us the amrit from the gods, even by force, if you must. You and your mother will be freed if you can do this for us.”
Note: The next few posts contain the adventures of Garuda as he goes to heaven and battles with the devas for the amrit.
Note: In the previous post, we read about how Vinata and Garuda were commanded by Kadru and her Snake Sons to take them on their shoulders to a beautiful island in the middle of the ocean.
In this post, we will find out what the enchanted island of Ramanayika looked like.
The downpour of rain drenched and gladdened the nagas. Riding on Garuda’s back, they soon reached the island called Ramanayika, which had been designated as an abode for the makaras.
On the island, they saw the terrible ocean of salt called Lavanya Samudra.
Then they saw a beautiful forest washed by the sea waters and resounding with celestial music and the notes of various birds. It had clusters of trees filled with various fruits and flowers. There were many tall trees that grew only on the hills of Malaya. These trees were so tall that they seemed to reach the heavens. And then, there were trees whose flowers were scattered all around by the breeze which itself smelled of incense.
The forest also contained beautiful mansions, water tanks filled with lotuses, and several pure-water lakes.
The forest was also filled with bees that were maddened with the honey they sucked from the flowers.
The Gandharvas loved this charming forest because it filled them with delight. This forest, capable of charming anybody with its beautiful objects, was delightful and holy.
Kadru’s snake sons, who were immensely delighted by this forest, began to enjoy themselves in various ways.
Note: In the next post, we will read about a demand that the snakes make which causes Garuda to reflect on why he is bound to obey them and how he can free his mother and himself.
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Note: In the previous post, we read about how Garuda’s brother, Aruna, saved the earth from Surya’s wrath.
In this post, we will read about how Vinata and Garuda served Kadru and her son’s by taking them on their backs to a charming island in the middle of the ocean, and what happened when Garuda soared high in the sky with the snakes on his back.
After appointing his elder brother, Aruna, as Surya’s charioter, Garuda, filled with great strength and energy and capable of traveling to any place at will, went to his mother who was on the other side of the great ocean with Kadru and her Snake sons.
On the other side of the ocean, Garuda’s mother, Vinata, had been enslaved by her sister Kadru, and lived the life of a slave.
Garuda saw his mother Vinata prostrate in front of Kadru when she was called. Kadru said, “There is a delightful place in the middle of the ocean that’s inhabited by the nagas. Take me there.”
Hearing Kadru’s command, Vinata bore her sister on her shoulders and asked Garuda to allow Kadru’s snake sons on his shoulders.
With the snakes on his shoulders, Garuda, the ranger of the skies, started ascending towards the sun. As he ascended, the sun’s rays started scorching the snakes, putting them in distress and danger. When Kadru saw her sons in that state, she immediately prayed to Indra, for their protection, in the following words:
“I bow to you, O lord of the gods!
I bow to you, O Slayer of Vritra!
I bow to you, O Slayer of Namuchi!
O, Indra of a thousand eyes and consort of Sachi!
You have the power to protect the snakes by causing rainfall.
O best of deities, you are our great protector.
O Purandara, you are able to cause torrential rainfall. You are vayu (air), clouds, fire, and lightning. You are the force that moves the clouds. You have also been called the great cloud.
Note: The Great Cloud refers to the phenomenon that will cause darkness in the universe at the end of a yuga.
You are the fierce and incomparable thunder. You are the roaring clouds.
You are the creator and destroyer of the worlds. You are unconquered.
You are the light of all creatures, Aditya, Vibhavasu, and the wonderful elements.
You are the king of gods. You are Vishnu. You have a thousand eyes. You are a god and the final resource.
O Indra, you are the amrit and the adored soma.
You are the moment, the lunar day, the bala (minute), and the kshana (4 minutes). In the two fortnights that constitute the lunar month, you are the fortnight of the waxing moon and the fortnight of the waning moon. You are the kala, kashtha, and truti. You are the year, the seasons, the months, the nights, and the days.
Note: Kala means time. According to the Shrimad Bhagavatam, truti is the smallest unit of time, and is described as follows:
Quoting carakasamhitainline.com, “Truti is described in following way – the combination of two paramaanu forms an anu. Three anu combine to form a trasarenu. Trasarenu are the particles that are visible as particles when a beam of sunlight enters the room through window.”
You art the beautiful earth with her mountains and forests. You are also the sky, brightly lit up with the sun. You are the great ocean with its massive waves, filled with whales and large creatures that swallow the whales, and crocodiles, and various fishes.
You are the great one who is always adored by the rishis and wise people whose minds are in a state of deep contemplation.
For the good of all creatures, you drink the ghee (clarified butter) and the soma offered in sacrifices. You are always worshipped at sacrifices by brahmanas who desire the fruits of their sacrifices.
O Indra of incomparable strength and size, you are mentioned in the Vedas and the Vedangas. That is the reason why learned Brahmins, who have the desire to perform sacrifices, study the Vedas carefully.”
When Indra, the king of the gods, who had the best of horses to ride on, heard this adoration by Kadru, he covered the entire sky with blue clouds. And he commanded the clouds to pour down with rain. Upon Indra’s command, the clouds roared and hit each other causing thunder and lightning and a downpour of rain.
The terrible and roaring clouds with their torrential rain gave the impression that the end of the yuga had come. The overcast sky blocked the rays of the sun and the moon.
The snakes on Garuda’s back rejoiced as they found relief from the sun’s scorching rays. The whole earth was filled with water. There was so much water everywhere that it seeped into the earth and reached the nether regions.
The snakes, thus protected by Indra, safely reached the beautiful island, in the middle of the ocean, called Ramaniyaka.
Note: In the next post, we will find out how the island called Ramanayika looked and what Kadru and the snakes did there.
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Note: In the previous post, we read why Surya Deva felt let down by the other gods, and, consequently, decided to destroy the world. In this post, we’ll read about how the world was saved from his wrath.
After the sun set in the western direction, he began to radiate immense heat for the destruction of the world.
When the rishis perceived the heat, they approached the gods and said, “the heat radiated by Surya in the middle of the night is terrifying. It will destroy all three worlds.”
Concerned about the impact of Surya Deva’s wrath, the rishis and devas met Brahma Dev and said, “Surya has not yet risen, but still a great heat is emanating from him. It is creating much panic in the world. This being the situation when he has not yet risen, it is certain that the world will be destroyed when he rises.”
Brahma Dev replied, “Indeed, I am aware that Surya will burn and destroy everything in the world when he rises tomorrow, but I have thought of a remedy. Aruna, the intelligent son of Kasyapa, has a huge body and great splendor. He will stay in front of Surya and be his charioter. Aruna will also shield the earth from Surya’s excess heat. This will ensure the safety of the worlds, rishis, and the denizens of heaven.”
Aruna agreed to Brahma Deva’s command and Garuda appointed him as Surya Deva’s charioter. The next day, when Surya rose, the world was protected by Aruna who stayed in front of Surya.
Note: There is a possibility this story of Surya increasing his heat is symbolic of an astronomical event.
In the next post, we will return to the story of Vinata’s slavery to her sister, Kadru.
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Note: In the previous post, we read about how the gods praised Garuda with love to request him to reduce his size. In this post, we will find out why Surya Deva wanted to destroy the world.
After reducing his size, Garuda said, let no creature be afraid of me. And having said that, Garuda, that ranger of the skies, took his elder brother, Aruna, and went to his mother, who was on the other side of the great ocean.
Then he placed his brother, Aruna, of great brightness and immense size in the eastern regions, just when the Sun God, Surya, had resolved to burn the worlds with his fierce rays.’
Saunaka Kulapati, the sage of Naimisha Forest, was surprised to hear Sauti’s words about Surya Deva wanting to burn the world. He asked Sauti, “When did the revered Surya decide to burn the world? What provoked his anger?”
Sauti explained the issue to Saunaka Kulapati in these words.
After the gods got the amrit from Samudra Manthan, Surya (the Sun God) and Soma (the Moon God) had pointed out to everyone that the daitya, Rahu, had disguised himself as a Deva to drink the amrit.
From that day Rahu bore ill will towards Surya and Soma and Rahu decided to devour Surya.
When Surya reflected upon this matter, he felt that his enmity with Rahu was created because he (Surya) wanted to benefit all the devas by preventing Rahu from drinking the amrit, however, even though everyone benefited from that action, only Surya had to bear the consequences of the enmity with Rahu. All the other devas remained quiet at Surya’s misfortune without getting themselves involved in the matter. This angered Surya, and when he set in the west at the end of the day, he resolved to destroy the world during sunrise on the next day.
Note: In the next post, we will find out how the world was saved from Surya Deva’s anger.
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Note:In the previous post, we read how the gods were terrified when Garuda grew in size and brightness after his birth.
In today’s post, we will read about how the gods approached the great bird, with love and praise, to request him to reduce his brightness.
The gods along with Agni Deva went to Garuda and showed their love and praise for the might bird in these words:
“You are the destroyer of all and the creator of all. You are the Hiranyagarbha itself. You thought of creation and brought it forth in the form of Daksha and the other Prajapatis.
You are Indra — the king of God’s. You are Hayagriva, the horse-faced incarnation of Vishnu.
At the burning of Tripura, Vishnu became the arrow that was released by Mahadev for the destruction of the asuric city. You are the Lord of the universe. You are the mouth of Vishnu. You are the four-faced Padmaja. You are like a wise brahmana. You are the elements like Agni and Pavana.
You are knowledge and you are the illusion that we are all subject to. You are the all-pervading spirit. You are the truth and the god of gods. You are fearless and unchanged.
You are Brahma without attributes (possibly a reference to the supreme who is without any attributes).
You are the energy of the Sun. You are the intellect. You are our great protector.
You are an ocean of holiness. You don’t have any dark attributes. You are purity itself. You have the six high attributes. No one can defeat you in any contest.
O Garuda of excellent deeds, the whole universe has emanated from you. You are everything that has ever been or not been.
You are pure knowledge. Just like the Sun, you show us everything in the universe. Your splendour is greater than the Sun.
You are the destroyer of all. You are everything that is perishable and also everything that is imperishable. You are resplendent like Agni and you burn everything just like Surya does in his anger.
O great one, even the fire that destroys everything during the time of pralay, cannot destroy you.
O mighty Garuda, you who move in the sky, we seek your protection.
O lord of birds your energy is extraordinary. Your splendour is like that of the fire. Your brightness is like that of lightning and darkness cannot approach you. When you fly, you reach the very clouds. You are the cause and effect of all things. You are invincible and you are the giver of boons.
O Lord, the entire universe is heating up because of your splendour which resembles heated gold.
O Garuda, protect these high-souled gods, who in fear of you are flying in different directions in heaven.
O best of birds, lord of all, you are the son of the merciful and high-souled Rishi Kasyapa. Therefore, do not be angry. Have mercy on the universe. You are supreme. Pacify your anger and save us.
O great bird, the ten points of the universe, the sky, the heavens, the earth, and our hearts tremble when we hear you roar.
O Garuda, have mercy on us and reduce the heat and brightness of your body.
O illustrious one, grant us good fortune and joy.
When the gods praised Garuda with love, that great bird reduced his energy and brightness for their benefit.
Note: In the next post, we will find out how Garuda’s elder brother, Aruna, became Surya’s charioteer.
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Note: In the previous post, we read how Vinata became Kadru’s slave. Even though Vinata was cursed into slavery by her elder son, it was not indefinite slavery. He had given her a way out. If she cared for her second egg without losing patience then the son born out of that egg would set her free.
This time, Vinata did not repeat her mistake. She cared for the egg without any impatience, and, when the time was right, the egg hatched. The mighty bird, Garuda, was born.
In this post, we will read about the splendor of the newborn Garuda.
Garuda burst forth from the egg when the time for his birth had come, and this mighty bird blazed like the fire. He lit up the universe in every direction.
The noble bird was born with immense strength. He had the capability of taking any form at will. He could grow or reduce his size at will. Not only that, but he could also change his form to whatever he desired. He had the ability to go anywhere in the vast universe simply with the power of thought and he could call to his assistance any amount of energy from the cosmos.
Garuda looked like a blazing fire and he had eyes that resembled lightning flashes. Soon after his birth, he began to grow larger and larger. He roared as his body grew toward the sky. This fierce roar with the blazing fire of his body made him look as terrifying as the second ocean-fire.
Note: The phrase “second ocean-fire” carries an allegorical meaning. I’ll reach out to experts and add their thoughts in the comments section below.
Even the deities became scared of this fierce, fire-like, object that kept on growing. Assuming it was Agni himself, the deities went to Vibhavasu (another name for the fire god, Agni) and bowed down to that god of many forms. They said, “O Agni do not grow like this. This huge fire is spreading wide. Will you consume all of us?”
Agni replied, “O vanquishers of the asuras. What you are seeing is not me. This is Sage Kasyapa’s mighty son – Garuda. Born to help Vinata and bring her joy, he possesses the same splendor as me. He is the destroyer of the nagas (serpents). He is an enemy of daityas and rakshasas and a friend of the gods.”
Thus saying, Agni asked the gods to accompany him and meet Garuda.
Note: In the next post, we will read about how the gods requested this great bird to stop growing, lest he consumed the entire universe.
Note: In the previous post, Vinata and Kadru flew across the great ocean to check the color of Uchchaihsravas’ tail.
The description of the great ocean (the ocean of desires and illusions) was allegorical to the illusory world and all the creatures that inhabited it were symbols for various aspects of the material reality that have to be transcended to attain freedom from the illusion. I hesitate to equate that ‘freedom’ to moksha because on the other side of the ocean was the celestial horse, so the freedom that is referred to here might be freedom from the gross material reality of earth and an entry into the subtler celestial regions. This is only a hypothesis. I do not speak as an expert. Having said that, I will reach out to experts and request them to comment on the allegorical meaning of “the ocean and it’s inhabitants.” Their thoughts will appear in the comments section at the end of the post.
In this post, we will find out how Vinata became Kadru’s slave.
Meanwhile, as Vinata and Kadru crossed the great ocean, Kadru’s snake children, whom she had recently cursed, were terrified of the cruel destiny that awaited them. The snakes consulted with each other and came to the conclusion that it would be best to obey their mother. They were afraid she might completely withdraw her affection towards them if they disobeyed her, while, on the other hand, if they followed her instructions, she might be pleased and free them from the curse. Having made that decision, they turned themselves into black hair and covered the celestial horse’s tail.
After crossing the ocean (as if flying over it), the sisters came down to the place where the celestial horse stood. They saw the great steed. Its body was as white as the moon but its tail had black hair.
Kadru won the bet and her dejected sister, Vinata, was immediately enslaved.
Coming back to the bet, we may be horrified by Kadru’s behavior. She cursed her own children with a terrible fate because they refused to participate in her deception and then she enslaved Vinata by that very deception. We aren’t privy to Kadru’s inner thoughts and what caused her to perform these adharmic actions. In all likelihood, she might have been a vicious woman and would suffer the consequences of her actions in the future, but, in the present moment, her viciousness set into motion events that were aligned with destiny. Thus the great wheel of time moved ahead bringing karmic fruit to Vinata because her son was born malformed due to her impatience. Kadru’s actions also set the stage for the snakes to suffer the karmic results of their own viciousness towards other creatures since she did not take back her curse even though they eventually obeyed her command and covered the horse’s tail with black hair.
In the next post, we will read about the greatness of Vinata’s second child – Garuda.
Garuda Takes a Detour to Protect the Valakhilya Rishis
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In this post, we will read about how Garuda seized the fierce and violent animals and what happened when he went in search of a place where he could eat them.
After telling the story of the hostile brothers who were reborn as an elephant and a tortoise, Sage Kasyapa blessed his son, Garuda, with the following words.
“O son may you be blessed when you have to fight the gods. May water pitchers filled to the brim, brahmanas, cows, and other auspicious objects bless you. O Garuda of great strength, when you are in combat with the gods, may the Riks, the Yajus, the Samas, the sacred sacrificial butter, and all the mysteries explained in the Upanishads contribute to your strength.”
Blessed by his father, Garuda went to the sacred lake of clear water with birds all around. The noble bird, who could move very quickly seized the elephant with one flaw and the tortoise with another.
With the violent animals in his claws, the noble bird soared high into the sky to search for a proper location where he could place the animals to eat them. In his search, he first reached a sacred place called Alamva which had many divine trees that were capable of granting any wish. When Garuda flew close to the trees the tremendous wind created by his flapping wings caused those holy trees, which had golden branches, to tremble with fear. Garuda saw the trees filled with fear and decided to go somewhere else.
As he flew ahead, he soon reached another sacred place that had huge trees adorned with fruits of gold and silver. The branches of these trees were covered with precious gems. Being close to the sea, these trees were washed by sea-water. Among these trees was an unusually large banian tree which had a branch that was a hundred yojanas long. The tree called out to Garuda and said, “Sit on this branch that is a hundred yojanas long and eat the elephant and tortoise.
However, when the massive bird, Garuda, who resembled a mountain, sat on the branch, it shook and snapped. The branch which was a hundred yojanas long and filled with leaves and birds, detached from the tree and fell due to Garuda’s impact. When Garuda looked around, he saw Valakhilya rishis, who were engaged in severe penances, hanging upside down from the branch. The noble bird was afraid that the rishis might die because of his fault and he also desired to save them. Therefore, without wasting any time, he caught the massive branch firmly in his beak while still clutching the elephant and the tortoise with his claws
The Valakhilya rishis were filled with wonder when they saw Garuda hold such a massive branch with his beak – a feat that would have been difficult even for the devas. The great rishis said, “May this foremost of birds be called Garuda.”
Desirous to save the rishis, Garuda flew over many places searching for a location where he could gently place the huge branch and allow the rishis to escape unhurt. However, unable to find any suitable place, he flew towards Mount Gandhamadana, where he once again saw his father, Sage Kasyapa, performing ascetic devotions.
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Vibhavasu the Tortoise and Supritika the Elephant
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In this post, we will find out the identity of that elephant and tortoise and why they constantly fought with each other.
Sage Kasyapa said to Garuda, “O son, now I will tell you who this violent elephant and tortoise were in their past lives.”
There was once a great but wrathful rishi called Vibhavasu. He had a younger brother called Supritika.
These brothers had inherited wealth which they managed jointly. However, Supritika did not like keeping his share of the wealth jointly with Vibhavasu. Therefore, at every opportunity, he would insist upon partitioning the wealth so he could get full ownership of his share.
Annoyed by his continuous insistence, Vibhavasu told Supritika, “It is due to foolishness that people who are blinded by wealth wish to partition their inheritance. Such deluded people continue to fight with each other even after they have taken their share. Moreover, there are people in society who are enemies in the guise of friends. Such people will create further quarrels between siblings after they’ve separated. Such siblings, once separated, stop following the shastras and live in constant fear of each other. Eventually, the separated family faces absolute ruin. That is the reason wise people do not approve of partitioning ancestral wealth.”
As Vibhavasu spoke, he became angrier and cursed Supritika saying, “O Supritika, but you always insist on partitioning your share of the wealth. Therefore, you shall become an elephant.”
Hearing his brother’s words, Supritika also cursed Vibhavasu. He said, “Then you shall become a tortoise who lives in water.”
Sage Kasyapa explained to Garuda how, because of their anger, Supritika and Vibhavasu became inferior animals and, proud of their strength, still continue to fight with each other.
“Look there!” Kasyapa once again pointed to the lake.
Garuda saw a huge elephant roaring with anger. Hearing the loud voice of the elephant, the tortoise, who lived deep within the lake, came to the surface and moved his feet wildly to create turbulence in the water. Following the tortoise, the elephant also curled his trunk and began to agitate the water with his curled trunk and feet.
These two animals were huge. The elephant’s height was six yojanas and his overall circumference was twelve yojanas. The tortoise was three yojanas in height and ten yojanas in circumference. Both animals rushed toward the other, with their heads raised, for an encounter, bent upon killing each other.
Sage Kasyapa said, “O Garuda, eat these fierce animals, and then, accomplish your task of bringing the amrit.”
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Garuda Meets his Father
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In this post, we will read about Garuda’s interaction with his father.
After eating the Nishadas, Garuda once again ascended the skies. This time, he saw his father, Sage Kasyapa, meditating on Gandhamadana mountain. Garuda flew towards his father.
The noble sage greeted his son and asked him some questions. Garuda’s answers pleased the sage and then he inquired about his son’s welfare.
“O child, is everything well with you? Do you get enough food everyday in the world of humans?”
Garuda replied, “My mother is well. My brother and I are also fine, but father, I don’t always obtain sufficient food. I am going to heaven to fetch the excellent amrit for the snakes to free my mother from bondage.”
Garuda continued, “I wanted to eat before seeking the amrit. Mother commanded me to eat the Nishadas. I ate thousands of them but my hunger is not yet satisfied. Therefore, O father, direct me to some other food so I may gain the strength to take the amrit by force from the beings of heaven.”
Kasyapa pointed to a lake and said, “This lake is sacred. It is well-known even in the heavens, but an elephant and a tortoise who are hostile toward each other have made this lake their home. Their constant hostility is disturbing the peace of the creatures that live in these sacred waters. Eat that elephant and tortoise to satisfy your hunger and proceed to get the amrit.”
“But before you go,” Sage Kasyapa added, “let me tell you the story of the elephant and, his older brother, the tortoise.”
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Garuda Wants to Eat Before Battling for the Amrit
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In this post, Garuda will begin his quest to get the amrit from the gods. However, the young bird is hungry, so his mother directs him to food, along with a cautionary note about what he should not eat.
Garuda turned to his mother and said, “I am leaving to bring the amrit, but I’m hungry. I want to eat before I go to heaven. Please tell me where I can get food.”
Vinata replied, “The Nishadas live in a beautiful place in a remote region in the middle of the ocean. Eat all the Nishadas that live there and proceed to bring the amrit.”
Along with guiding Garuda towards food, Vinata also gave him some cautionary advice. She said, “But remember son, don’t ever eat a brahmana. When angered, a brahmana becomes like fire. He becomes dangerous like a sharp weapon or like poison. It has been said that the brahmana is the master of all creatures. It is for this and various other reasons that Brahmanas are adored by the virtuous. However angry you are, you should be careful to never slay a brahmana. O sinless Garuda, when a brahmana of rigid vows becomes angry, he can cause more destruction than the fire or the sun.”
Upon hearing his mother’s advice, Garuda asked, “O mother, what does a brahmana look like? What is his behaviour? What are his powers? Does a brahmana shine like fire or does he have a calm demeanour? What auspicious signs does he bear? O mother, advise me on how to recognise a brahmana.”
Vinata replied, “O Garuda, if you ever swallow a good brahmana, you will immediately feel as if a fish hook is torturing your throat or you will feel as if a blazing fire is burning you. You will never be able to digest a good brahmana.”
Vinata blessed Garuda and said, “May the god of wind protect your wings, may Surya and Soma protect your spine, may Agni protect your head, and may the Vasus protect your entire body.”
After blessing Garuda, Vinata said, “I will sit here and perform ceremonies for your safety and welfare. Go safely, O child, and bring the amrit.”
Blessed by Vinata, Garuda stretched his wings and ascended to the sky. When he reached the place where the Nishadas stayed, he swooped down upon them with great strength. At that moment, he was like another Yama.
The powerful bird raised a dust storm covering the entire sky. Then he blocked all the exit roads of the Nishadas and enlarged his beak in such a way that the fleeing Nishadas went straight into his mouth. Then the hungry lord of the bird closed his mouth, eating a large number of Nishadas who worked as fishermen.
A brahmana and his wife also got caught in Garuda’s mouth along with the Nishadas. The great bird’s throat began to burn like a flaming charcoal when the brahmana reached his throat.
Garuda remembered his mother’s cautionary words. He immediately addressed the brahmana, saying, “O brahmana, I will open my mouth for you. Come out quickly because I will not slay a brahmana even if he’s engaged in sinful practices.”
The brahmana replied, “O Garuda, this Nishada woman with me is my wife. Allow her also to escape with me.”
“Take your wife and come out of my mouth without any delay,” Garuda said.
As soon as the brahmana and his wife came out of Garuda’s mouth, the great bird once again spread his wings and ascended the sky.
After some time, as he flew across the sky, Garuda saw Sage Kasyapa, his father.
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Garuda Questions his Slavery
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In this post, we will find out what happened when the snakes made further demands of Garuda.
The snakes began to enjoy themselves after arriving in the forest in Ramanikiya. After they had satisfied themselves, they commanded Garuda once again.
“O Garuda, ranger of the skies, you must have seen many beautiful regions while flying. Now take us to another excellent island that has pure water.” The snakes said to Garuda.
When Garuda was thus commanded for the second time, he reflected for a moment and asked his mother, Vinata, “Mother, why do I have to obey the snakes?”
Vinata looked at her son who had been blessed with immense energy, strength, and every virtue. She said, “The snakes committed an act of deception and caused me to lose a bet because of which I was enslaved by my co-wife, Kadru.”
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Garuda became dejected after hearing his mother’s story. He was filled with sadness. Wanting to find a way out of slavery, he asked the snakes, “Tell me O snakes, how can we gain freedom from this bondage to you? Do you desire an object or some knowledge? I can bring them for you to win our freedom. If you desire, I can do an act that requires immense strength. Tell me, what can I do to acquire freedom?”
The snakes replied, “O great bird, bring us the amrit from the gods, even by force, if you must. You and your mother will be freed if you can do this for us.”
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An Island Called Ramanikiya
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In this post, we will find out what the enchanted island of Ramanayika looked like.
The downpour of rain drenched and gladdened the nagas. Riding on Garuda’s back, they soon reached the island called Ramanayika, which had been designated as an abode for the makaras.
On the island, they saw the terrible ocean of salt called Lavanya Samudra.
Then they saw a beautiful forest washed by the sea waters and resounding with celestial music and the notes of various birds. It had clusters of trees filled with various fruits and flowers. There were many tall trees that grew only on the hills of Malaya. These trees were so tall that they seemed to reach the heavens. And then, there were trees whose flowers were scattered all around by the breeze which itself smelled of incense.
The forest also contained beautiful mansions, water tanks filled with lotuses, and several pure-water lakes.
The forest was also filled with bees that were maddened with the honey they sucked from the flowers.
The Gandharvas loved this charming forest because it filled them with delight. This forest, capable of charming anybody with its beautiful objects, was delightful and holy.
Kadru’s snake sons, who were immensely delighted by this forest, began to enjoy themselves in various ways.
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Vinata and Garuda Serve as Slaves of Kadru and her Snake Sons
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In this post, we will read about how Vinata and Garuda served Kadru and her son’s by taking them on their backs to a charming island in the middle of the ocean, and what happened when Garuda soared high in the sky with the snakes on his back.
After appointing his elder brother, Aruna, as Surya’s charioter, Garuda, filled with great strength and energy and capable of traveling to any place at will, went to his mother who was on the other side of the great ocean with Kadru and her Snake sons.
On the other side of the ocean, Garuda’s mother, Vinata, had been enslaved by her sister Kadru, and lived the life of a slave.
Garuda saw his mother Vinata prostrate in front of Kadru when she was called. Kadru said, “There is a delightful place in the middle of the ocean that’s inhabited by the nagas. Take me there.”
Hearing Kadru’s command, Vinata bore her sister on her shoulders and asked Garuda to allow Kadru’s snake sons on his shoulders.
With the snakes on his shoulders, Garuda, the ranger of the skies, started ascending towards the sun. As he ascended, the sun’s rays started scorching the snakes, putting them in distress and danger. When Kadru saw her sons in that state, she immediately prayed to Indra, for their protection, in the following words:
“I bow to you, O lord of the gods!
I bow to you, O Slayer of Vritra!
I bow to you, O Slayer of Namuchi!
O, Indra of a thousand eyes and consort of Sachi!
You have the power to protect the snakes by causing rainfall.
O best of deities, you are our great protector.
O Purandara, you are able to cause torrential rainfall. You are vayu (air), clouds, fire, and lightning. You are the force that moves the clouds. You have also been called the great cloud.
You are the fierce and incomparable thunder. You are the roaring clouds.
You are the creator and destroyer of the worlds. You are unconquered.
You are the light of all creatures, Aditya, Vibhavasu, and the wonderful elements.
You are the king of gods. You are Vishnu. You have a thousand eyes. You are a god and the final resource.
O Indra, you are the amrit and the adored soma.
You are the moment, the lunar day, the bala (minute), and the kshana (4 minutes). In the two fortnights that constitute the lunar month, you are the fortnight of the waxing moon and the fortnight of the waning moon. You are the kala, kashtha, and truti. You are the year, the seasons, the months, the nights, and the days.
Quoting carakasamhitainline.com, “Truti is described in following way – the combination of two paramaanu forms an anu. Three anu combine to form a trasarenu. Trasarenu are the particles that are visible as particles when a beam of sunlight enters the room through window.”
You art the beautiful earth with her mountains and forests. You are also the sky, brightly lit up with the sun. You are the great ocean with its massive waves, filled with whales and large creatures that swallow the whales, and crocodiles, and various fishes.
You are the great one who is always adored by the rishis and wise people whose minds are in a state of deep contemplation.
For the good of all creatures, you drink the ghee (clarified butter) and the soma offered in sacrifices. You are always worshipped at sacrifices by brahmanas who desire the fruits of their sacrifices.
O Indra of incomparable strength and size, you are mentioned in the Vedas and the Vedangas. That is the reason why learned Brahmins, who have the desire to perform sacrifices, study the Vedas carefully.”
When Indra, the king of the gods, who had the best of horses to ride on, heard this adoration by Kadru, he covered the entire sky with blue clouds. And he commanded the clouds to pour down with rain. Upon Indra’s command, the clouds roared and hit each other causing thunder and lightning and a downpour of rain.
The terrible and roaring clouds with their torrential rain gave the impression that the end of the yuga had come. The overcast sky blocked the rays of the sun and the moon.
The snakes on Garuda’s back rejoiced as they found relief from the sun’s scorching rays. The whole earth was filled with water. There was so much water everywhere that it seeped into the earth and reached the nether regions.
The snakes, thus protected by Indra, safely reached the beautiful island, in the middle of the ocean, called Ramaniyaka.
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How Aruna Shielded the Earth From Surya’s Wrath
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After the sun set in the western direction, he began to radiate immense heat for the destruction of the world.
When the rishis perceived the heat, they approached the gods and said, “the heat radiated by Surya in the middle of the night is terrifying. It will destroy all three worlds.”
Concerned about the impact of Surya Deva’s wrath, the rishis and devas met Brahma Dev and said, “Surya has not yet risen, but still a great heat is emanating from him. It is creating much panic in the world. This being the situation when he has not yet risen, it is certain that the world will be destroyed when he rises.”
Brahma Dev replied, “Indeed, I am aware that Surya will burn and destroy everything in the world when he rises tomorrow, but I have thought of a remedy. Aruna, the intelligent son of Kasyapa, has a huge body and great splendor. He will stay in front of Surya and be his charioter. Aruna will also shield the earth from Surya’s excess heat. This will ensure the safety of the worlds, rishis, and the denizens of heaven.”
Aruna agreed to Brahma Deva’s command and Garuda appointed him as Surya Deva’s charioter. The next day, when Surya rose, the world was protected by Aruna who stayed in front of Surya.
In the next post, we will return to the story of Vinata’s slavery to her sister, Kadru.
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Why Surya Deva Wanted to Destroy the World
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After reducing his size, Garuda said, let no creature be afraid of me. And having said that, Garuda, that ranger of the skies, took his elder brother, Aruna, and went to his mother, who was on the other side of the great ocean.
Then he placed his brother, Aruna, of great brightness and immense size in the eastern regions, just when the Sun God, Surya, had resolved to burn the worlds with his fierce rays.’
Saunaka Kulapati, the sage of Naimisha Forest, was surprised to hear Sauti’s words about Surya Deva wanting to burn the world. He asked Sauti, “When did the revered Surya decide to burn the world? What provoked his anger?”
Sauti explained the issue to Saunaka Kulapati in these words.
After the gods got the amrit from Samudra Manthan, Surya (the Sun God) and Soma (the Moon God) had pointed out to everyone that the daitya, Rahu, had disguised himself as a Deva to drink the amrit.
From that day Rahu bore ill will towards Surya and Soma and Rahu decided to devour Surya.
When Surya reflected upon this matter, he felt that his enmity with Rahu was created because he (Surya) wanted to benefit all the devas by preventing Rahu from drinking the amrit, however, even though everyone benefited from that action, only Surya had to bear the consequences of the enmity with Rahu. All the other devas remained quiet at Surya’s misfortune without getting themselves involved in the matter. This angered Surya, and when he set in the west at the end of the day, he resolved to destroy the world during sunrise on the next day.
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The Gods Request Garuda to Reduce His Brightness
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In today’s post, we will read about how the gods approached the great bird, with love and praise, to request him to reduce his brightness.
The gods along with Agni Deva went to Garuda and showed their love and praise for the might bird in these words:
“You are the destroyer of all and the creator of all. You are the Hiranyagarbha itself. You thought of creation and brought it forth in the form of Daksha and the other Prajapatis.
You are Indra — the king of God’s. You are Hayagriva, the horse-faced incarnation of Vishnu.
At the burning of Tripura, Vishnu became the arrow that was released by Mahadev for the destruction of the asuric city. You are the Lord of the universe. You are the mouth of Vishnu. You are the four-faced Padmaja. You are like a wise brahmana. You are the elements like Agni and Pavana.
You are knowledge and you are the illusion that we are all subject to. You are the all-pervading spirit. You are the truth and the god of gods. You are fearless and unchanged.
You are Brahma without attributes (possibly a reference to the supreme who is without any attributes).
You are the energy of the Sun. You are the intellect. You are our great protector.
You are an ocean of holiness. You don’t have any dark attributes. You are purity itself. You have the six high attributes. No one can defeat you in any contest.
O Garuda of excellent deeds, the whole universe has emanated from you. You are everything that has ever been or not been.
You are pure knowledge. Just like the Sun, you show us everything in the universe. Your splendour is greater than the Sun.
You are the destroyer of all. You are everything that is perishable and also everything that is imperishable. You are resplendent like Agni and you burn everything just like Surya does in his anger.
O great one, even the fire that destroys everything during the time of pralay, cannot destroy you.
O mighty Garuda, you who move in the sky, we seek your protection.
O lord of birds your energy is extraordinary. Your splendour is like that of the fire. Your brightness is like that of lightning and darkness cannot approach you. When you fly, you reach the very clouds. You are the cause and effect of all things. You are invincible and you are the giver of boons.
O Lord, the entire universe is heating up because of your splendour which resembles heated gold.
O Garuda, protect these high-souled gods, who in fear of you are flying in different directions in heaven.
O best of birds, lord of all, you are the son of the merciful and high-souled Rishi Kasyapa. Therefore, do not be angry. Have mercy on the universe. You are supreme. Pacify your anger and save us.
O great bird, the ten points of the universe, the sky, the heavens, the earth, and our hearts tremble when we hear you roar.
O Garuda, have mercy on us and reduce the heat and brightness of your body.
O illustrious one, grant us good fortune and joy.
When the gods praised Garuda with love, that great bird reduced his energy and brightness for their benefit.
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Garuda’s Splendor
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This time, Vinata did not repeat her mistake. She cared for the egg without any impatience, and, when the time was right, the egg hatched. The mighty bird, Garuda, was born.
In this post, we will read about the splendor of the newborn Garuda.
Garuda burst forth from the egg when the time for his birth had come, and this mighty bird blazed like the fire. He lit up the universe in every direction.
The noble bird was born with immense strength. He had the capability of taking any form at will. He could grow or reduce his size at will. Not only that, but he could also change his form to whatever he desired. He had the ability to go anywhere in the vast universe simply with the power of thought and he could call to his assistance any amount of energy from the cosmos.
Garuda looked like a blazing fire and he had eyes that resembled lightning flashes. Soon after his birth, he began to grow larger and larger. He roared as his body grew toward the sky. This fierce roar with the blazing fire of his body made him look as terrifying as the second ocean-fire.
Even the deities became scared of this fierce, fire-like, object that kept on growing. Assuming it was Agni himself, the deities went to Vibhavasu (another name for the fire god, Agni) and bowed down to that god of many forms. They said, “O Agni do not grow like this. This huge fire is spreading wide. Will you consume all of us?”
Agni replied, “O vanquishers of the asuras. What you are seeing is not me. This is Sage Kasyapa’s mighty son – Garuda. Born to help Vinata and bring her joy, he possesses the same splendor as me. He is the destroyer of the nagas (serpents). He is an enemy of daityas and rakshasas and a friend of the gods.”
Thus saying, Agni asked the gods to accompany him and meet Garuda.
Table of Contents (The Complete Mahabharata in Simple English)
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Vinata Becomes Kadru’s Slave
Table of Contents (The Complete Mahabharata in Simple English)
Previous Post: Vinata and Kadru cross the great ocean to see Uchchaihsravas
The description of the great ocean (the ocean of desires and illusions) was allegorical to the illusory world and all the creatures that inhabited it were symbols for various aspects of the material reality that have to be transcended to attain freedom from the illusion. I hesitate to equate that ‘freedom’ to moksha because on the other side of the ocean was the celestial horse, so the freedom that is referred to here might be freedom from the gross material reality of earth and an entry into the subtler celestial regions. This is only a hypothesis. I do not speak as an expert. Having said that, I will reach out to experts and request them to comment on the allegorical meaning of “the ocean and it’s inhabitants.” Their thoughts will appear in the comments section at the end of the post.
In this post, we will find out how Vinata became Kadru’s slave.
Meanwhile, as Vinata and Kadru crossed the great ocean, Kadru’s snake children, whom she had recently cursed, were terrified of the cruel destiny that awaited them. The snakes consulted with each other and came to the conclusion that it would be best to obey their mother. They were afraid she might completely withdraw her affection towards them if they disobeyed her, while, on the other hand, if they followed her instructions, she might be pleased and free them from the curse. Having made that decision, they turned themselves into black hair and covered the celestial horse’s tail.
After crossing the ocean (as if flying over it), the sisters came down to the place where the celestial horse stood. They saw the great steed. Its body was as white as the moon but its tail had black hair.
Kadru won the bet and her dejected sister, Vinata, was immediately enslaved.
Coming back to the bet, we may be horrified by Kadru’s behavior. She cursed her own children with a terrible fate because they refused to participate in her deception and then she enslaved Vinata by that very deception. We aren’t privy to Kadru’s inner thoughts and what caused her to perform these adharmic actions. In all likelihood, she might have been a vicious woman and would suffer the consequences of her actions in the future, but, in the present moment, her viciousness set into motion events that were aligned with destiny. Thus the great wheel of time moved ahead bringing karmic fruit to Vinata because her son was born malformed due to her impatience. Kadru’s actions also set the stage for the snakes to suffer the karmic results of their own viciousness towards other creatures since she did not take back her curse even though they eventually obeyed her command and covered the horse’s tail with black hair.
In the next post, we will read about the greatness of Vinata’s second child – Garuda.
Table of Contents (The Complete Mahabharata in Simple English)
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