The tale begins with Uṣā, the beloved daughter of Tvaṣṭṛ, who, transformed into a mare, fled swiftly from her husband, Bhānu, who himself took the form of a horse to pursue her. Wherever Uṣā ran, Bhānu followed, driven by the force of love that compels even the wise to act in unusual ways. Uṣā crossed the mighty Bhāgīrathī and other rivers, traversing dense forests and groves in her flight. Her journey carried her over the Narmadā and the Vindhya, both facing south, until, agitated by fear, she reached the banks of the Gautamī river. In that region, Janasthāna, sages were known as protectors. Uṣā, still in her mare form, entered the hermitage of these sages on the Gautamī. Soon, Bhānu, still as a horse, arrived. The young sages of Janasthāna tried to restrain him, but angered by their interference, Bhānu cursed them, declaring, “Because you restrain me, you shall become fig trees.” Yet, with the vision granted by knowledge, the sages recognized the horse as Bhānu, lord of Uṣā, and joyfully praised him as the lord of gods and lords. Honored by the sages, Bhānu approached the mare, and their mouths joined together. Recognizing her husband, Uṣā, the daughter of Tvaṣṭṛ, emitted seed from her mouth, and from their union, the two Aśvins were born in the sacred waters of the Gaṅgā. At that moment, hosts of gods, siddhas, sages, rivers, cows, herbs, and luminaries gathered. The virtuous chariot of the Sun, drawn by seven horses with Aruṇa as charioteer, arrived, accompanied by Yama, Manu, Varuṇa, and Śani, son of Vivasvat. The sacred rivers Yamunā and Tāpi, each in their own form, came as well, filled with wonder at the sight. Amazed, they arrived, as did Uṣā’s father, Tvaṣṭṛ. Understanding his intention, Bhānu spoke to his father-in-law, saying, “For the delight of Uṣā, who is performing supreme austerity, O Prajāpati, make me mounted on a machine and cut my radiance into many parts—cut it as much as will bring her comfort.” Tvaṣṭṛ answered, “So be it,” and, in the presence of Somanātha, divided Bhānu’s radiance. From then on, that place was known as Prabhāsa. Where Uṣā was united with her husband in the Gautamī, in the form of a horse—the place where the Aśvins were born—became known as Aśvatīrtha. It was also called Bhānutīrtha, and the hermitage of Pañcavaṭa. Tāpi and Yamunā came to see their father as well. At the auspicious confluence of the rivers Aruṇā, Varuṇā, and Gaṅgā, the gods assembled at their own sacred places. There, nine thousand sacred places of great merit exist, and bathing and giving gifts there bestows inexhaustible merit. By remembering, reciting, or even hearing this story, O Nārada, one is freed from all sins, becomes righteous, and attains happiness. Now, listen to the greatness of the sacred place called Gāruḍa, which removes all obstacles. There was a mighty son of Śeṣa named Maṇināga. Out of fear of Garuḍa and with devotion, Maṇināga pleased Lord Śaṃkara. The blessed Lord, supreme Maheśvara, was pleased and said, “Choose a boon, O serpent.” Maṇināga replied, “O Lord, grant me freedom from fear of Garuḍa.” Śaṃbhu granted the boon, saying, “So be it; you shall be free from fear of Garuḍa.” Fearless now, Maṇināga departed to the place where Aruṇa’s younger brother, who lies in the Milk Ocean, resides near the ocean. The serpent moved about comfortably, and Garuḍa also dwelled there, visiting the place. Seeing the serpent moving fearlessly, Garuḍa seized him and threw him into his own abode, binding him with his own bonds. At that moment, Nandī spoke to the Lord of the world, saying, “Surely the serpent does not come; he has either been eaten or bound by Garuḍa, O Lord of the gods. If the serpent were alive, he would not delay.” Hearing Nandī’s words, Shambhu understood and spoke, “The serpent is bound in Garuḍa’s house. Go quickly and praise Vishnu, the Lord of the worlds, Janardana. Bring the bound serpent, son of Kashyapa, yourself at my command.” Obeying, Nandī went to Vishnu, the refuge of the worlds, and conveyed the message. Pleased, Narayana spoke to Garuḍa, “Son of Vinata, give the serpent to Nandī at my command.” Trembling, Garuḍa replied, “No,” and angrily spoke to Vishnu near Nandī, “Whatever is most dear, O mighty lord, others may give to their servants, but what I have brought will not be taken by anyone but you. See, the three-eyed god will release the serpent for Nandī. The serpent I have brought, you must give to Nandī. I always carry you, master; what is mine should always be yours. It is not proper for me to give the serpent I have brought to Nandī. This should not be the conduct of noble masters toward virtuous servants. The good give to their servants; you, whom I have brought, take away. You conquer the demons in battle only by my strength, O Kesava. Though I am very powerful, you boast in vain.” Hearing Garuḍa’s words, the wielder of discus and mace, Vishnu, laughed, standing beside Nandī and watched by the guardians of the worlds.