Myths and Legends
Beginning of Garuda's Rivalry with the Nagas
Reading time: 4 to 5 min
To ransom his mother from bondage, Garuda agrees to a perilous quest for the Elixir of Immortality.
The Quest Begins
The mighty Garuda, possessing immense strength and power, soared effortlessly to where his mother, Vinata, dwelled—reduced to servitude after being tricked by her sister Kadru in a wager over the divine horse, Uchchaihshravas. One day Kadru summoned Vinata and asked her to take Kadru to the splendid island of Ramaniyaka, the land of the Nagas.
Obeying his mother's wish, Garuda carried Kadru to the land of the serpents. But as he ascended toward the sun, the intense rays overwhelmed the Nagas, causing them to faint. Witnessing their plight, Kadru called upon Indra, the Lord of Thunder for aid, and in response, he veiled the sky with dark clouds, bringing forth a torrential downpour. The roaring storm revived the Nagas, and the earth was filled with water.
Upon reaching Ramaniyaka, the Nagas were enchanted by its beauty—wooded with rows of groves that glistened with fruit and blossoms, shimmering lotus lakes, and fragrant sandalwood trees. The divine island, beloved by Gandharvas and Apsaras, echoed with birdsong, enchanting the serpents. Filled with joy, the Nagas asked Garuda to take them to another beautiful place, believing he knew of many amazing lands.
At this, Garuda hesitated and questioned his mother on why he had to obey whatever they commanded. Vinata, filled with sorrow, narrated how she had lost a bet to his sister Kadru as she was deceived by the Nagas, and because of it she was bound to their servitude.
Understanding his mother's grief, Garuda turned to the Nagas and asked:
What must I do to free my mother from this bondage?
The Nagas replied:
Bring us the divine Amrit (Elixir of Immortality), and we shall release your mother from servitude.
Determined to embark on his quest, Garuda sought his mother's guidance, expressing his need for nourishment before retrieving the Amrita.
Vinata instructed him:
On the shore of a great ocean lies the land of the Nishadas (hill tribes). Feast upon them, but never kill a Brahmin, for they are sacred. Should you accidentally swallow one, you will know by the burning sensation in your throat.
Blessed by his mother, Garuda soared across the skies, descending upon the Nishadas like the force of time itself. He created a storm of dust, drained the waters of the bay, and struck fear into the hearts of the Nishadas. In terror, they rushed straight into his massive, gaping beak, and by the thousands, they perished.
However, amidst his feast, Garuda suddenly felt a searing fire within his throat. Realising he had unknowingly swallowed a Brahmin and his Nishada wife, he immediately let them go, saying:
O noble Brahmin, depart safely along with your Nishada wife, for I must never consume one of your kind.
The grateful Brahmin praised Garuda and departed to a land of his choice.
Still unsatisfied despite devouring thousands, Garuda sought his father, Sage Kashyapa, and told him of his mission:
I am on my way to steal the Amrita to free my mother, but even after feasting on the Nishadas, my hunger remains. Show me another meal so that I may gain the strength I need.
It was then that Kashyapa recounted the tale of two ascetic brothers, Vibhavasu and Supratika.
Thus, Garuda prepared for his great feat—the theft of Amrit, setting the stage for his eternal rivalry with the Nagas.