Shloka 12
Vālakhilya-Tapas and the Birth of Garuḍa (वालखिल्यतपः-गरुडोत्पत्तिः)
स विचिन्त्याब्रवीत् पक्षी मातरं विनतां तदा । कि कारणं मया मात: कर्तव्यं सर्पभाषितम्,गरुडने कुछ सोचकर अपनी माता विनतासे पूछा--“माँ! क्या कारण है कि मुझे सर्पोंकी आज्ञाका पालन करना पड़ता है?”
sa vicintyābravīt pakṣī mātaraṃ vinatāṃ tadā | ki kāraṇaṃ mayā mātaḥ kartavyaṃ sarpabhāṣitam |
After reflecting, the bird (Garuḍa) spoke to his mother Vinatā: “Mother, for what reason must I obey the command imposed by the serpents?” In this moment the narrative foregrounds the ethical tension between filial duty and the injustice of coerced servitude, as Garuḍa seeks the true cause behind an obligation that conflicts with his sense of rightful freedom.
पितामह उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights ethical inquiry: before accepting an imposed duty, one should understand its cause and legitimacy. Garuḍa’s question frames dharma not as blind obedience, but as responsibility examined through reason, justice, and compassion—especially when duty arises from coercion affecting one’s family.
Garuḍa, after thinking, questions his mother Vinatā about why he must follow the serpents’ orders. This sets up the explanation of Vinatā’s servitude and the conditions binding Garuḍa, motivating the subsequent actions he undertakes to free his mother.