Therefore, O Kasyapa, this sacred rite was properly begun with the purpose of restraining him. When Kasyapa explained this, the ascetics responded truthfully, “So be it.” Then Kasyapa, lord of creatures, spoke to them with gentle words, saying, “Indra was appointed to rule the three worlds by Brahma’s command, and you ascetics have also exerted yourselves for Indra’s sake. O excellent ones, you should not act against Brahma’s word, for your intentions, too, are never false. Let this one become the Indra of the birds—exceedingly strong and powerful. Grant this favor to the king of the gods, who makes this request.” Hearing Kasyapa’s words, the Vālakhilya sages, rich in austerity, honored the great sage and replied, “O lord of creatures, our effort is for Indra’s sake, but your endeavor is for offspring. Therefore, let this act bear fruit through your acceptance; do here as you see best.” At that very time, Vinatā, the auspicious daughter of Daksha—virtuous and renowned—desired a son. She performed austerities and observed strict vows, purifying herself by bathing in the Puṃsavana rite. Then, approaching her husband, Kasyapa spoke to her, “O lady, your wish will be fulfilled. You will bear two heroic sons, destined to be lords of the three worlds. By the austerity of the Vālakhilyas and by my own resolve, two illustrious sons will be born, honored throughout the three worlds.” Again, the venerable Kasyapa instructed her, “Let this great and auspicious pregnancy be carried with utmost care. Of your sons, one will become the Indra of all the birds—a hero esteemed in the world, able to assume any form at will.” Pleased, the lord of creatures then spoke to Śatakratu, Indra, “Two mighty brothers will be your allies. There will be no fault for you, O Purandara, because of them. Let your anxiety cease, O Śakra, 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 who are easily angered.” Thus addressed, Indra departed without fear to heaven, and Vinatā, her purpose fulfilled, was filled with joy. In due 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, O descendant of Bhṛgu, listen to the great deed of Garuḍa. From that great mountain, Garuḍa, king of birds—mighty and swift—arose and approached the gods. Seeing him, so exceedingly strong, the gods trembled. In confusion and alarm, they seized all their weapons, preparing for battle. Among them was a being of immeasurable nature, radiant like lightning and fire, of great might, born of the earth, and protector of Soma. Garuḍa, the lord of birds, attacked him fiercely, wounding him with his wings, beak, and claws. After a brief but fierce struggle, Garuḍa slew him in combat. Then, soaring through the sky, Garuḍa raised a great cloud of dust with the wind of his mighty wings, darkening the worlds and showering dust upon the gods. Shrouded by this dust, the gods fell into confusion and could not see the guardian of the nectar. Thus did Garuḍa shake the celestial realm, and with blows from his wings and beak, he tore the gods apart. Seeing the chaos, the thousand-eyed Indra swiftly urged Vāyu, the Wind, “Dispel this shower of dust, O Marut! This is your task!” At once, Vāyu, powerful and swift, swept away the dust with force. When the darkness was cleared, the gods attacked the bird. Garuḍa, mighty and unshaken, roared loudly like a thundercloud, terrifying all beings even as the hosts of gods struck him. The valiant king of birds soared above the gods, stationed in the sky. All the gods, together with Indra, showered him with lances, clubs, spears, maces, and a multitude of blazing, razor-edged discs, striking him from all sides. Yet Garuḍa waged a most terrible battle, undaunted. The mighty son of Vinatā, as if burning the sky, scattered the gods all around with his wings, chest, and beak. Struck and scattered by Garuḍa, the gods fled, wounded by his claws and beak, shedding much blood. The Sādhya gods and Gandharvas fled east, the Vasus south, and the Rudras together, all routed by the king of birds. The Ādityas went west, the Ashvins north, repeatedly looking back at the mighty Garuḍa fighting. The king of birds battled with the hero Ashvakranda, with Renuka, with the valiant Krathana, and with Tapana, the sky-roamer. He fought also with Uluka and Svasana, with Nimesha, with Praruja, and with Pulina. Enraged like Shiva at the end of an age, Garuḍa struck them with the tips of his wings, claws, and beak, scorching his foes and displaying his unrivaled might.