Shloka 25
Ananta-Śeṣa Tapas and the Bearing of the Earth (अनन्त-शेष-तपस् तथा महीधारणम्)
ज्वलन्तमग्निं तममित्रतापन: समास्तरत्पत्ररथो नदीभि: | ततः प्रचक्रे वपुरन्यदल्पं प्रवेष्ठकामो 5ग्निमभिप्रशाम्य,तब वेगशाली महात्मा गरुडने अपने शरीरमें आठ हजार एक सौ मुख प्रकट करके उनके द्वारा नदियोंका जल पी लिया और पुनः बड़े वेगसे शीघ्रतापूर्वक वहाँ आकर उस जलती हुई आगपर वह सब जल उड़ेल दिया। इस प्रकार शत्रुओंको ताप देनेवाले पक्षवाहन गरुडने नदियोंके जलसे उस आगको बुझाकर अमृतके पास पहुँचनेकी इच्छासे एक दूसरा बहुत छोटा रूप धारण कर लिया
jvalantam agniṁ tam amitra-tāpanaḥ samāstarat patra-ratho nadībhiḥ | tataḥ pracakre vapur anyad alpaṁ praveṣṭu-kāmo 'gnim abhipraśāmya ||
Śaunaka said: Garuḍa, the tormentor of foes, whose chariot is formed of wings, drew upon the waters of the rivers and poured them over that blazing fire, quenching it. Then, intent on entering further to reach the nectar, he assumed another form—very small—so that his purpose could be fulfilled without obstruction. The episode highlights resolute effort guided by a clear aim, and the disciplined use of power to remove obstacles rather than to indulge in destruction.
शौनक उवाच
Educational Q&A
Power is best directed by a clear aim and restraint: Garuḍa uses strength and ingenuity to remove an obstacle (the fire) and then adopts a smaller form, showing adaptability and disciplined focus rather than reckless display.
Garuḍa encounters a blazing fire blocking his path to amṛta. He draws on river waters to extinguish it, then takes on a very small form to proceed and enter toward the nectar.