The gods, unmatched in strength, valor, and brilliance, stood firm in their resolve to protect the nectar of immortality. Their bodies blazed like fire, and they shone with a radiance befitting the destroyers of demon cities. Gathered for a great battle, the gods readied themselves amidst a host of iron clubs, so numerous that the area gleamed like the sky lit by the sun’s rays. At this point, a question arose: What fault or negligence had Indra, the king of the gods, committed? How did Garuḍa, the mighty bird, arise from the austerities of the Vālakhilya sages? How did the king of birds, son of Kaśyapa and Vinatā, become invincible and free-roaming, able to fulfill any wish and dwell in the sky? These mysteries, recounted in the Purāṇas, beckoned to be told. Listen, then, to this ancient tale. When the great sage Kaśyapa, lord of creatures, was performing a sacrifice in his desire for sons, he was assisted by sages, gods, and Gandharvas alike. To gather the necessary sacrificial fuel, Kaśyapa appointed Indra, the powerful king of the gods, along with the diminutive Vālakhilya sages and other deities. Indra, mighty as a mountain, easily lifted a vast load of fuel, carrying it as if it were nothing. As he went, he saw the Vālakhilya sages—no larger than a thumb, emaciated from their austerities, faint with hunger, their limbs withdrawn into themselves—struggling together to carry a single palasha twig. They labored along the path, barely able to cross a puddle formed in a cow’s hoof-print. Amazed and intoxicated by his own strength, Indra laughed at the sages, mocking them before moving quickly past. Stung by this insult, the Vālakhilyas were seized by intense anger. With a resolve that would terrify even Indra, they undertook a mighty act of austerity, performing proper rites and offering oblations into the fire while chanting potent mantras. Their wish was clear: “May there arise, by our austerity, another Indra, endowed with desire, strength, and freedom of movement, who will bring fear to the king of the gods. May one be born, dreadful and a hundred times greater than Indra in heroism, strength, and speed, as the fruit of our austerity.” When Indra learned of their intent, he was deeply troubled. He sought refuge with Kaśyapa, steadfast in his vows, and told him of the sages’ actions. Hearing this, Kaśyapa approached the Vālakhilyas and inquired about their rite: “With what desire did you begin this sacrificial act? Tell me truthfully, for I am eager to know.” The sages replied, “Indra, blinded by arrogance and lacking judgment, scorned us and cast aside good conduct. Therefore, we began this rite to obstruct him.” Kaśyapa spoke gently to them: “Indra was appointed ruler of the three worlds by Brahma’s command, and you, too, have exerted yourselves for Indra’s sake. You should not act contrary to Brahma’s word, for your intention is never false. Let another become Indra among the birds—one exceedingly strong and powerful. Grant this favor to the king of the gods, who requests it.” The Vālakhilyas, rich in austerity, honored Kaśyapa and replied, “This endeavor of ours is for Indra’s sake, but your desire is for offspring. Let this act bear fruit through your acceptance, and do as you see best.” At that very time, Vinatā, the auspicious daughter of Daksha, virtuous and renowned, desired a son. She performed austerities, observed vows, and purified herself through the Puṃsavana rite before approaching her husband Kaśyapa. Kaśyapa said to her, “O lady, your desire will be fulfilled. You will give birth to two heroic sons, lords of the three worlds. By the austerity of the Vālakhilyas and through my resolve, two illustrious sons will be born, honored throughout the three worlds. Let this great and auspicious pregnancy be carried with utmost care.” He continued, “One of them will become Indra of all the birds, a hero esteemed in the world, able to assume any form at will.” Kaśyapa then assured Indra: “Two mighty brothers will be your allies. You need not fear any fault because of them. Let your anxiety cease, for you alone will remain Indra. But remember, never again insult the speakers of Brahman or despise those whose words are powerful and who are easily angered.” Thus reassured, Indra departed for heaven without fear, and Vinatā, her purpose fulfilled, became joyful. In time, she gave birth to two sons: Aruṇa, who was deformed and became the forerunner of the sun, and Garuḍa, who was anointed as Indra among the birds. Now, listen to the tale of Garuḍa’s great deeds.