18/08/2024
**The Legend of Garuda and Naga**
In ancient times, when gods, demons, and mystical creatures roamed the earth, there was a powerful bird known as Garuda. He was no ordinary bird; with his massive wings and golden feathers, Garuda was the king of all birds, possessing immense strength and the ability to soar between the heavens and the earth. He was the mount of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, and was revered by all for his bravery and loyalty.
Garuda's story, however, is intricately tied to that of the Nagas, a race of serpent-like beings who lived in the depths of the underworld and were guardians of treasures and secrets. The Nagas, with their shimmering scales and hypnotic eyes, were both feared and respected, often associated with water, fertility, and the earth's hidden riches.
The enmity between Garuda and the Nagas began long ago, with a tale of sacrifice and redemption. Garuda’s mother, Vinata, and the Nagas’ mother, Kadru, were once in a bitter rivalry. They were both married to the sage Kashyapa, but their jealousy towards each other led to a series of events that changed the course of their lives.
One day, Kadru and Vinata made a wager about the color of the celestial horse Uchchaihshravas, which had emerged during the churning of the ocean. Kadru deceitfully claimed that the horse was black, while Vinata insisted it was white. The wager was that the loser would become the winner’s slave.
To ensure her victory, Kadru instructed her snake-children, the Nagas, to coil around the horse and make it appear black. When Vinata saw the horse, she realized she had lost and was forced into servitude to Kadru and her Naga offspring.
Garuda, outraged by his mother’s plight, vowed to free her from this curse. He confronted the Nagas, demanding to know what it would take to release his mother from bo***ge. The Nagas, cunning as they were, told Garuda that they would free his mother only if he brought them the nectar of immortality, Amrita, which was guarded by the gods in the heavens.
Undeterred by the challenge, Garuda embarked on a perilous journey. He battled gods and demons, crossing through treacherous realms to reach the pot of Amrita. With his unmatched strength and divine blessings, Garuda managed to seize the nectar and flew back to the Nagas.
However, before handing over the Amrita, Garuda devised a plan. He instructed the Nagas to purify themselves before drinking the nectar, knowing that the gods would soon reclaim it. As the Nagas went to bathe, Lord Vishnu appeared, reclaiming the pot of Amrita before the Nagas could drink it.
Though the Nagas were furious, they had no choice but to honor their word. Vinata was freed, and Garuda was victorious. Impressed by Garuda’s courage and devotion, Lord Vishnu made him his eternal mount, granting him immortality and a place of honor among the gods.
Yet, the story didn’t end there. The enmity between Garuda and the Nagas continued throughout the ages, with Garuda often seen as a fierce adversary of the Nagas, symbolizing the eternal struggle between light and darkness, good and evil.
However, in some versions of the legend, the tale ends on a note of reconciliation. It is said that Garuda, having achieved his goals and proving his worth, eventually made peace with the Nagas, realizing that the cycle of hatred could only bring more suffering.
**Moral:** The legend of Garuda and Naga teaches us about the virtues of courage, loyalty, and the lengths one will go to protect those they love. It also serves as a reminder that even the fiercest rivalries can find resolution through wisdom and understanding.