With the virtuous chariot yoked to seven radiant horses, Aruṇa skillfully guided the Sun himself. Alongside them were Yama, Manu, Varuṇa, and also Śani, the son of Vivasvat—all illustrious beings journeying together. At this sacred moment, the holy rivers Yamunā and Tāpi, each assuming their divine forms, arrived there filled with awe and wonder, eager to witness the gathering. Amazed by the scene before them, the rivers and the Sun’s father-in-law also came, perceiving the Sun’s intention. The Sun addressed his father-in-law, saying, “O Prajāpati, for the delight of Uṣā, who is engaged in supreme austerity, mount me upon a machine and divide my radiance into many parts—diminish it as much as will bring her comfort.” Tvaṣṭṛ, the divine artisan, consented, saying, “So be it.” In the presence of Somanātha, he performed the division of the Sun’s radiance. From that time onward, that place became renowned as Prabhāsa. It was there, at the Gautamī, that Uṣā was united with her husband, both having taken the form of horses. From this sacred union, the Aśvins were born, and thus the place became known as Aśvatīrtha. This site is also called Bhānutīrtha, and nearby lies the hermitage of Pañcavaṭa. Both Tāpi and Yamunā, the rivers, came to visit their father at that time. At the auspicious confluence of the rivers Aruṇā, Varuṇā, and Gaṅgā, the gods themselves assembled, each at their own holy spot. There, at this sacred gathering, are said to be nine thousand holy places of immense merit; to bathe and give charity there bestows inexhaustible virtue. O Nārada, merely remembering, reciting, or even hearing of these sacred happenings frees one from all sins, leads to righteousness, and brings happiness. Now, hear of the greatness of the holy place called Gāruḍa, which removes all obstacles. There was a mighty serpent named Maṇināga, son of Śeṣa. Out of fear of Garuḍa, the king of birds, and with great devotion, Maṇināga pleased Lord Śaṃkara. Lord Maheśvara, gratified, said to the noble serpent, “Choose a boon, O serpent.” Maṇināga replied, “O Lord, grant me freedom from the fear of Garuḍa.” Śaṃbhu answered, “So be it; you shall be free from Garuḍa’s fear.” Thus assured, the serpent departed, now fearless, to the region near the Milk Ocean, where the younger brother of Aruṇa—Viṣṇu himself—lies. There, Maṇināga dwelled in comfort and coolness, moving freely, while Garuḍa also frequented that place. Yet, upon seeing the serpent fearlessly moving about, Garuḍa seized him and carried him to his own abode, binding him tightly with his own bonds. At that moment, Nandī approached the Lord of the world and said, “Surely the serpent does not come; he has either been eaten or bound by Garuḍa, O Lord of the gods. If he were alive, he would not delay.” Hearing Nandī’s words, Śaṃbhu realized the truth and said, “The serpent is bound in Garuḍa’s house. Go quickly and praise Viṣṇu, Janārdana, Lord of the worlds. Bring the bound serpent, son of Kaśyapa, to me at my command.” Nandī, hearing his master’s command, went straight to Viṣṇu, the refuge of all. He delivered the message, and Viṣṇu, pleased, spoke to Garuḍa: “Son of Vinatā, give the serpent to Nandī at my command.” Trembling, Garuḍa heard this and refused, speaking angrily to Viṣṇu in Nandī’s presence: “O mighty Lord, others may give what is most dear to their servants, but what I have brought will not be given to 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 is not the conduct of noble masters toward their 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 Keśava. Though I am very powerful, you boast in vain.” Hearing Garuḍa’s words, Viṣṇu—the wielder of discus and mace—laughed, standing beside Nandī, watched by the guardians of the worlds. “This wise one says to me, ‘You are weak.’ By your strength, O best of birds, I will defeat all the demons.” With his anger calmed, the Lord of fortune addressed Brahmā: “Place your little finger quickly near Nandī.” Brahmā did so, placing his finger on Garuḍa’s head, and Viṣṇu spoke again: “It is true you always carry me. Now, see righteousness, O bird.” As the finger touched him, Garuḍa’s head was pressed into his belly, and his belly into his foot; he was crushed and became so. Distressed, shamed, and with joined palms, Garuḍa cried out, “Save me, save me, Lord of the universe! I am your servant and offender. You are the master of all worlds, the supporter and the one to be supported. O mighty lord, you forgive thousands of offenses. Even when someone has committed a fault, your compassion is great. All the sages declare you alone to be the embodiment of compassion, the mother of the world, O lotus-dwelling Kamala. Protect me, a child, helpless and distressed, O you who cherish your offspring.” Moved by compassion, the goddess Śrī, consort of Viṣṇu, also spoke to Janārdana: “Protect, O Lord, your own servant Garuḍa, who has fallen into misfortune.” Janārdana then addressed Nandī, the bearer of Śaṃbhu: “Bring the serpent along with Garuḍa to Śaṃbhu’s presence; by his grace, Garuḍa, once seen by Maheśvara, will regain his own form.