Hearing the growing anxiety among the gods, one of them spoke with conviction: “That bird, supreme among the mighty, is capable of taking the Soma; I believe he could accomplish anything—even what seems impossible.” The threat was clear, and Śakra, the lord Indra, turned to the guardians of the nectar, alerting them: “A bird of immense strength and power is now preparing to seize the Soma. I am warning you all—take up your defensive weapons and surround the nectar on every side, as I command.” Bṛhaspati, wise counselor of the gods, urged them further: “Guard it, O heroic gods, so that he does not seize it by force; for his strength is unmatched.” Stirred by these words, the gods, astonished yet resolute, gathered around the nectar, determined to protect it. Indra himself, radiant and thunderous, stood among them. The gods donned splendid golden armor, adorned with precious gems and beryl, their minds unwavering. They wore shining, sturdy coats of mail, and wielded a dazzling array of terrifying weapons—discus, iron clubs, tridents, battle-axes, sharp spears, spotless swords, and fearsome maces—each suited to their divine forms. Adorned with celestial ornaments and bearing radiant weapons, the hosts of gods shone brilliantly, their bodies free from all stain. Unmatched in strength, valor, and brilliance, firm in their purpose to protect the nectar, these destroyers of demon cities stood with bodies blazing like fire. Thus prepared for a great battle, the area was crowded with hundreds and thousands of iron clubs, shining like the sky lit by the rays of the sun. At this point, a question arose: “What was Indra’s fault, and what was his negligence, O charioteer’s son? How did Garuḍa arise from the austerity of the Vālakhilyas? How did the king of birds, son of Kaśyapa and Vinatā, become invincible and invulnerable among all beings? How did he become a free-roaming, wish-fulfilling, sky-dwelling being? I wish to hear all this, if it is told in the Purāṇa.” The reply came: “This is indeed a topic of the Purāṇa about which you inquire; listen as I recount it to you in brief, O twice-born. When Kaśyapa, lord of creatures, was performing a sacrifice desiring sons, the sages, gods, and Gandharvas assisted him. For gathering the sacrificial fuel, Kaśyapa appointed Indra along with the Vālakhilya sages and other groups of deities.” Indra, powerful as he was, lifted a mountain-like load of fuel and carried it with ease, as if it were nothing. On his way, he saw the Vālakhilya sages, small in stature, their bodies no larger than a thumb, carrying together a single palasha twig along the path. Emaciated, sustained by austerity, faint with hunger, their limbs withdrawn, they struggled in a puddle of water at a cow’s hoof-print. Filled with amazement and intoxicated by his own strength, Purandara laughed at them, mocked them, and quickly passed by. Angered and deeply offended, the sages undertook a mighty act, terrifying even to Indra. With proper rites, they offered oblations into the fire, reciting both high and low mantras. Their wish was clear: “May there arise, by our austerity, another Indra, endowed with desire, strength, and movement at will, who will bring fear to the king of the gods. May one be born, dreadful, a hundred times greater than Indra in heroism, strength, and speed, as the fruit of our austerity.” Learning of this, Indra, king of the gods and performer of a hundred sacrifices, was greatly troubled. He sought refuge with Kaśyapa, steadfast in his vows. Hearing Indra’s concerns, Kaśyapa approached the Vālakhilyas and inquired about the completion of their rite: “With what desire did you begin this sacrificial act? Tell me truthfully, for I am eager to hear.” The sages replied: “We were scorned by Indra, the king of the gods, who, blinded by arrogance and lacking judgment, cast aside good conduct. Therefore, O Kaśyapa, this rite was properly begun for the purpose of obstructing him.” “So be it,” they said truthfully, and Kaśyapa, lord of creatures, addressed them with gentle words: “This Indra was appointed over the three worlds by the command of Brahma; and you ascetics also exerted yourselves for Indra’s sake. O excellent ones, you should not act contrary to Brahma’s word; your intention, too, is never false. Let this one be the Indra of the birds, exceedingly strong and powerful; grant this favor to the king of the gods, who requests it.” Thus addressed, the Vālakhilyas, rich in austerity, honored Kaśyapa and replied: “This endeavor of ours, O lord of creatures, is for Indra’s sake; but your endeavor, which you desire, is for offspring. Therefore, let this act bear fruit through your acceptance; and act here as you see best.” At that very time, the auspicious daughter of Daksha, Vinatā by name, virtuous and renowned, desired a son. Having performed austerities, devoted to vows, purified by bathing in the Puṃsavana rite, she approached her husband. Then Kaśyapa spoke to her.