Garuda, the mighty bird, spoke of the task entrusted to him by the serpents: he had been sent to fetch the best soma, the divine nectar, to free his powerful mother from bondage. He declared with resolve that, on this very day, he would accomplish this mission. He explained further, saying that his mother had instructed him to feed on the Nishadas to gain the strength needed for his quest. Yet, even after consuming thousands of them, his hunger remained unsatisfied. Therefore, he humbly requested guidance: “O lord, show me some other food, by eating which I may gain the power to bring back the nectar. Tell me, revered one, of some food that will truly quench my hunger and thirst.” In response, the wise Kashyapa told Garuda of an elephant that continually drags his elder brother, the tortoise, with his face turned downward. Kashyapa promised to recount, without delay, the story of the deep enmity between these two beings from a previous birth, a tale that would foster detachment and bring blessings to the listener. The story unfolded: long ago, two brothers quarreled over the division of their father’s wealth. The elder, Vibhavasu, was a sage prone to anger, while his younger brother, Supratika, was also a great ascetic. Vibhavasu did not wish to share the wealth, but Supratika persisted, urging for division. Vibhavasu warned his brother of the dangers in dividing wealth: “Division brings many faults, and those blinded by greed lose respect for one another. When brothers are divided, others sow discord, and destruction swiftly follows. The virtuous do not praise division among brothers.” Yet, Supratika ignored these words and continued to insist on dividing the inheritance. Pressed repeatedly, Vibhavasu cursed his brother: “Since you cannot be restrained and desire wealth through division, may you become an elephant.” In turn, Supratika cursed Vibhavasu: “You too shall become a turtle, dwelling in water.” Thus, driven by anger and blinded by greed, the two brothers were transformed—one into an elephant, the other into a tortoise. Even in their new forms, their mutual hatred persisted. Both, proud of their strength, continued to battle each other, their enmity undiminished. In the great lake where they dwelled, the mighty elephant would approach, his thunderous roar disturbing the waters. The turtle, roused by the noise, would rise up to confront him, the entire lake trembling at their contest. The elephant stood six yojanas tall and twice as long; the turtle was three yojanas high and ten yojanas in circumference. Both, maddened for battle and intent on each other’s destruction, clashed with all their might. Kashyapa then instructed Garuda, “Bring that elephant, immense as a mountain and terrifying in form, along with the tortoise. Eat them, and with their strength, take the nectar.” Having given these instructions, Kashyapa performed auspicious rites for Garuda, blessing him: “May good fortune attend your battle with the gods. You will receive all that is excellent and auspicious—full vessels, brahmins, cows, and blessings for your journey. As you contend with the mighty gods, the hymns of the Rig, Yajur, and Sama Vedas, the purifying mantras, sacrificial offerings, and all the secret teachings will strengthen you.” Thus blessed by his father, Garuda departed. Flying swiftly, Garuda soon saw pure waters teeming with birds, and, remembering his father’s words, he moved with tremendous speed. With one talon, he seized the elephant; with the other, the tortoise. Then, with both mighty creatures in his grasp, Garuda soared high into the sky. He reached a place of support and approached the divine trees. Struck by the wind of his wings, the trees trembled in fear. Among them were wish-fulfilling trees with golden branches, their moving limbs whispering, “Let us not be broken.” Garuda then approached other wondrous trees, whose fruits shone with gold, silver, and beryl, great trees encircled by the ocean’s waters. Among them stood the most beautiful of all—a thousand yojanas tall, with many branches—the Rauhina tree, abode of birds. Whoever rested in its shade found instant contentment. As Garuda rushed upon the Rauhina tree with tremendous force, the tree spoke to him: “This great branch of mine, a hundred yojanas long—rest upon it and eat the elephant and tortoise.” Garuda, swift and powerful as a mountain, alighted upon the branch. The tree, teeming with thousands of birds, shook under his weight. With the force of Garuda’s feet, the branch, dense with leaves, broke off from the tree. Garuda held the massive branch, ready to fulfill his purpose.