Emaciated and sustained only by their severe austerities, a group of sages known as the Vālakhilyas became so faint with hunger that their limbs seemed to withdraw into themselves. In this pitiable state, they struggled merely to gather a little water from a puddle left by a cow’s hoof-print. As they endured these hardships, Purandara—Indra, king of the gods—happened upon them. Filled with amazement at their condition and intoxicated by his own strength, Indra laughed at the sages, mocked them, and passed by without a second thought. Stung by his scorn, the Vālakhilyas were seized by intense anger. Their wrath was so great that it inspired them to undertake a mighty act, one so fearsome that even Indra himself would tremble. With proper rites and rituals, the ascetics began to offer oblations into the sacred fire, reciting both exalted and humble mantras. Their hearts burned with a single desire: “May there arise, by our austerity, another Indra—one endowed with desire, strength, and movement at will—who will bring fear to the king of the gods. Let one be born, dreadful and a hundred times greater than Indra in heroism, strength, and speed, as the result of our penance.” When Indra learned of the sages’ intention, he was greatly troubled. Fearful for his place as king of the gods, he sought refuge with Kaśyapa, the steadfast lord of creatures. Hearing Indra’s plea, Kaśyapa approached the Vālakhilyas and asked them about their sacrificial rite: “With what desire did you begin this act? Tell me truthfully, for I am eager to know.” The sages replied, “We were scorned by Indra, the king of the gods, who, blinded by arrogance and lacking in judgment, cast aside good conduct. Therefore, O Kaśyapa, this rite was properly begun to obstruct him.” “So be it,” they acknowledged. Kaśyapa, with gentle words, addressed them: “This Indra was appointed over the three worlds by the command of Brahma, and you ascetics too have exerted yourselves for Indra’s sake. O excellent ones, you should not act contrary to Brahma’s word, for your intentions are 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 now 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; act here as you see fit.” At that very time, Vinatā, the virtuous and renowned daughter of Daksha, longed for a son. Having performed austerities and devoted herself to sacred vows, she purified herself through the Puṃsavana rite and approached her husband, Kaśyapa. Kaśyapa spoke kindly 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.” Pleased, Kaśyapa reassured Indra as well: “Two mighty brothers will be your allies. There will be no fault for you, O Purandara, because of them. Let your anxiety cease, for you alone will remain Indra. But henceforth, do not insult the speakers of Brahman, nor, out of pride, despise those whose words are like thunderbolts and easily angered.” Thus comforted, Indra departed without fear to heaven, while 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. Listen now to the great deed of Garuḍa. From that great mountain arose Garuḍa, the mighty and swift king of the birds. He approached the gods, and seeing his immense strength, the gods trembled. In their fear, they attacked each other and seized all their weapons. Among them stood a being of immeasurable nature, radiant like lightning and fire, of great might, born of the earth and the protector of Soma. In the fierce battle that followed, this guardian was wounded by Garuḍa’s wings, beak, and claws, and after a brief but intense struggle, he was slain. Then Garuḍa, moving through the sky, stirred up a great cloud of dust with the wind of his wings, darkening the worlds and showering dust upon the gods. Covered by this dust, the gods fell into confusion and could no longer see the guardian of the nectar. Thus Garuḍa shook the celestial realm, and with blows from his wings and beak, he tore through the gods. Seeing the chaos, the thousand-eyed Indra swiftly urged Vāyu, the Wind-god: “Dispel this shower of dust, O Wind; this is your task, Marut!” Vāyu, powerful and swift, swept away the dust with force, and as the darkness cleared, the gods attacked Garuḍa. The mighty bird roared loudly like a great cloud in the sky, terrifying all beings as he was struck by the assembled gods.