Myths and Legends
The Tale of Two Brothers
Reading time: 4 to 5 min
An ancient feud between an ascetic elephant and tortoise provides Garuda with a mighty feast.
The Curse of Two Brothers
Once, there lived a great seer named Vibhavasu, a man of immense wisdom but quick to anger. He had a younger brother, Supratika, also an ascetic of great renown. Unlike Vibhavasu, however, Supratika was discontented with their shared inheritance. He tirelessly argued that they should divide their property, believing it best for them both.
One day, Vibhavasu, enraged at his brother's insistence, rebuked him sternly:
Foolish are those who seek to divide what is held in common. For once divided, possessions cloud the mind, and even kin become strangers. Hidden enemies, disguised as friends, seize the chance to sow discord among them. Estranged by greed, they grow weaker, and soon, downfall follows. That is why the wise do not favor division among those who walk the path of righteousness and wish each other well. But you, Supratika, are beyond reasoning! Since you endlessly crave the division of our property, I curse you—may you become an elephant!
Furious at his brother's words, Supratika retaliated:
And so shall you become a tortoise that dwells in the sea!
Thus, bound by their mutual curses, the brothers were transformed—Supratika into a mighty elephant, and Vibhavasu into an enormous tortoise. Greed and anger had clouded their judgment, and now, as beasts, they remained shackled to their old quarrels, their pride in their strength fueling an endless battle.
It is here, in this very lake, that their ancient feud continues. Approaching from the dense forest is the colossal elephant, in its majestic form, shaking the ground as it trumpets its challenge. At the sound, the giant tortoise emerges from the depths, disturbing the waters with its powerful ascent. The lake churns, waves crashing as fish scatter in fear. The elephant curls its trunk, preparing for battle, and with tusks bared and limbs thrashing, it charges at its old adversary with all its might. The tortoise, undeterred, rises from the depths, ready to meet the onslaught.
The elephant stands six leagues tall, its body stretching twice as long. The tortoise, though shorter at three leagues in height, is massive, spanning ten leagues around. And now, locked in their relentless fury, they clash once more—two mighty beasts, lost in their endless struggle.
Sage Kashyapa then instructs Garuda to seize the moment and devour them both as they fight, consumed by their battle rage, and then swiftly complete the task Garuda has set for himself.