And so ends the twenty-second section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva.

SECTION XXIII

(Astika Parva continued)

“Sauti said, ’Having crossed the Ocean, Kadru of swift speed, accompanied by Vinata, soon alighted near the horse.  They then both beheld that foremost of steeds of great speed, with body white as the rays of the moon but having black hairs (in the tail).  And observing many black hairs in the tail, Kadru put Vinata, who was deeply dejected, into slavery.  And thus Vinata having lost the wager, entered into a state of slavery and became exceedingly sorry.

“In the meantime, when his time came, burst forth from the egg without (the help of his) mother, Garuda of great splendour, enkindling all the points of the universe, that mighty being endued with strength, that bird capable of assuming at will any form, of going at will everywhere, and of calling to his aid at will any measure of energy.  Effulgent like a heap of fire, he shone terribly.  Of lustre equal to that of the fire at the end of the Yuga, his eyes were bright like the lightning-flash.  And soon after birth, that bird grew in size and increasing his body ascended the skies.  Fierce and vehemently roaring, he looked as terrible as second Ocean-fire.  And all the deities seeing him, sought the protection of Vibhavasu (Agni).  And they bowed down to that deity of manifold forms seated on his seat and spake unto him these words, ’O Agni, extend not thy body!  Wilt thou consume us?  Lo, this huge heap of thy flames is spreading wide!’ And Agni replied, ’O, ye persecutors of the Asuras, it is not as ye imagine.  This is Garuda of great strength and equal to me in splendour, endued with great energy, and born to promote the joy of Vinata.  Even the sight of this heap of effulgence hath caused this delusion in you.  He is the mighty son of Kasyapa, the destroyer of the Nagas, engaged in the well-being of the gods, and the foe of the Daityas and the Rakshasas.  Be not afraid of it in the least.  Come with me and see.’  Thus addressed, the gods from a distance.

“The gods said, ’Thou art a Rishi (i.e., one cognisant of all mantras), share of the largest portion in sacrifices, ever resplendent, the controller along with the Rishi wended their way towards Garuda and adored him of birds, the presiding spirit of the animate and the inanimate universe.  Thou art the destroyer of all, the creator of all; thou art the very Hiranyagarbha; thou art the progenitor of creation in the form of Daksha and the other Prajapatis; thou art Indra (the king of the gods), thou art Hayagriva the steed necked incarnation of Vishnu; thou art the arrow (Vishnu himself, as he became such in the hands of Mahadeva at the burning of Tripura); thou art the lord of the universe; thou art the mouth of Vishnu; thou art the four-faced Padmaja; thou art the Brahmana (i.e., wise), thou art Agni, Pavana, etc. (i.e.,