Shloka 5.1.123
समुद्रलङ्घनारम्भः — Commencement of the Ocean-Crossing
पूर्वं कृतयुगे तात पर्वताः पक्षिणोऽभवन्।ते हि जग्मुर्दिशः सर्वा गरुडानिलवेगिनः।।।।
pūrvaṃ kṛtayuge tāta parvatāḥ pakṣiṇo 'bhavan | te hi jagmur diśaḥ sarvā garuḍānila-veginaḥ ||
Long ago, dear one, in the Kṛta age, mountains had wings; and they flew in every direction, swift as Garuḍa and the Wind.
"Formerly in Kritayuga, O dear, mountains were endowed with wings. They used to move speedily in all directions like Garuda and the Wind-god.
The verse sets up an etiological tale: dharma is explored through cosmic order—unchecked power/motion in the world can require regulation for the welfare of beings.
Maināka begins a backstory about ancient winged mountains to explain his connection to Māruta and why he honours Hanumān.
Maināka’s truth-oriented instruction: he grounds his hospitality in remembered tradition (itihāsa).