The mighty garuda
His wonderous birth and the servitude of his mother
Garuda, second son of Vinata, broke his shell and shining forth like a blazing fire, that bird suddenly grew to an enormous size and took to the sky. This bird of great stamina and strength, who could travel wherever he desired, crossed to the far side of the ocean of milk and approached his mother. Yet, having lost a wager with her sister Kadru, his mother Vinata had become her menial servant.
Then once upon a time, Kadru called for Vinata, and said to her in the presence of her son: "My sister take me and my sons to the secluded and most gorgeous island called Ramaniyaka where my sons, the Nagas live. Vinata carried her sister and Garuda, at his mother's request, carried a host of snakes, Kadru's sons. Carried by Garuda, the serpents quickly reached a land surrounded by the ocean's water and vibrant with the songs of birds. Lush with variegated forests of fruit and flower bearing trees, that land was developed with charming houses and lakes of the most refreshing water. Celestial scents wafted about the land, carried on breezes of the cleanest air. This land was dear to the Gandharvas, who entertain the gods with their music and songs, and also the Apsaras, who are courtesans to the gods.
The charming land gladdened the heart and gave joy to the sons of Kadru. Entering the lovely woods, the serpents sported with great pleasure and then said to the mighty Garuda: "Soaring here and there, sky-goer, you see many charming places, therefore, take us yet to an other island that is most charming and full of fresh water."
Garuda thought over the matter and asked his mother of the reason for their joint servitude. Then Garuda spoke these words to the serpents: "What must I obtain or learn, what feat must I perform, to free myself from the bondage to you? All of you, speak the truth, serpents!" Hearing these words, the serpents said: "Bring nectar from the gods by your own strength, and you shall then be free."