“Saunaka said, ‘O son of Suta, what was Indra’s fault, what his act ofcarelessness? How was Garuda born in consequence of the ascetic penancesof the Valakhilyas? Why also Kasyapa–a Brahman–had the king of birdsfor a son? Why, too, was he invincible of all creatures and unslayable ofall?
“Sauti said, ‘O foremost of Brahmanas, the gods having prepared forbattle in that way, Garuda, the king of birds, soon came upon those wiseones. And the gods beholding him of excessive strength began to quakewith fear, and strike one another with all their weapons.
“Santi said, ‘And that bird, assuming a golden body bright as the rays ofthe Sun, entered with great force (the region where the Soma was), like atorrent entering the ocean. And he saw, placed near the Soma, a wheel ofsteel keen-edged, and sharp as the razor, revolving incessantly.
‘Sauti continued, ‘Garuda then said, ‘O Purandara, let there befriendship between thee and me as thou desirest.
“Saunaka said, ‘O son of Suta, thou hast told us the reason why thesnakes were cursed by their mother, and why Vinata also was cursed by herson. Thou hast also told us about the bestowal of boons, by theirhusband, on Kadru and Vinata. Thou hast likewise told us the names ofVinata’s sons. But thou hast not yet recited to us the names of thesnakes. We are anxious to hear the names of the principal ones.’
“Saunaka said, ‘O child, thou hast named many of the serpents gifted withgreat energy and incapable of being easily overcome. What did they doafter hearing of that curse?’
“Sauti said, ‘That best of snakes, viz., Vasuki, hearing the curse of hismother, reflected how to render it abortive. He held a consultation withall his brothers, Airavata and others, intent upon doing what they deemedbest for themselves.’
“Sauti said, ‘Hearing the respective speeches of all the snakes, andhearing also the words of Vasuki, Elapatra began to address them, saying,’That sacrifice is not one that can be prevented.
“Sauti said, ‘O best of regenerate ones, hearing these words of Elapatra,all the serpents, in great delight, exclaimed, ‘Well said, well said!’And from that time Vasuki set about carefully bringing up that maiden,viz., his sister Jaratkaru. And he took great delight in rearing her.
“Saunaka said, ‘O son of Suta, I desire to know the reason why theillustrious Rishi whom thou hast named Jaratkaru came to be so called onearth. It behoveth thee to tell us the etymology of the name Jaratkaru.’
