Garuda Gets Nectar From Heaven

How did Garuda get nectar from heaven?

When Garuda went to heaven, there was uneasiness in the denizens of heaven. Devaguru Brihaspathi said “Garuda is heading towards heaven to take nectar. None can oppose him, yet it is your duty to protect it. Be prepared for the event”.

Garuda carried heavy dust that blinded the whole area, and none were able to see. He defeated Gods and went to heavily guarded nectar. Its outer peripheral is protected by fire. Garuda took the form of 100 faces, collected water from holy rivers, and extinguished the fire. 

Going further, he saw lotus shaped iron rods with sharp spokes. Garuda reduced himself to a tiny size and passed through the blockage without getting hurt.

Further, two poisonous snakes with sharp eyes were protecting the nectar. Garuda threw dust on its eyes and killed them. Garuda took the nectar and was flying back.

Maha Vishnu observed that Garuda had no intention to consume nectar, though he possessed it. He was carrying it solely to get rid of slavery of his mother. Pleased Maha Vishnu blessed him and asked to seek a boon.

Garuda desired to stay above Him (as a flagpost) on the chariot. Mahavishnu was pleased and asked to serve as His Vehicle.

Garuda was confronted by Indra with his Vajrayuda. Garuda said, “ I respect Vajrayuda because it was made using bones of the revered Sage Dadichi. I respect you as the lord of 3 worlds”. Garuda politely went away.

Seeing Garuda’s immense strength, Indra asked his guru Brihaspathi,” What made Garuda so powerful as he dared to take away nectar from heaven?

Brihaspathi said, “Garuda has no desire to consume nectar. He is doing it to get rid of his mother’s slavery which is justifiable. He has not committed any errors.”

Indra proposed to befriend Garuda. Indra said “Sharing nectar with snakes is not beneficial to the world. Their reproduction is high and is harmful to the people”. 

How did Indra and Garuda trick the snakes?

Garuda said, ‘I am aware of it, and I am doing it to get rid of slavery of my mother's slavery. I will place the nectar before the snakes and find a suitable way to protect it. Indra agreed and followed Garuda incognito.

Nectar was placed on the divine Darba grass. Garuda said to snakes “ The Sun,The Moon, Varuna, Agni, and Prithvi are witnesses to the event”. The snakes were overwhelmed and agreed that slavery had ended for him and his mother, Vinata. 

Garuda said “Nectar is divine. Purify yourselves by taking a bath and performing Japa before consuming it”. Snakes readily agreed and did as was told. 

Meanwhile, Indra, who was witnessing the event, swiftly took nectar back to heaven. Snakes, on coming back, realized that they were tricked. They blamed themselves for their fate. The snakes licked on darba grass, and their tongue was split.