Shloka 4
अध्याय ३४ — एलापत्रस्योपदेशः
Elāpatra’s Counsel on the Nāgas’ Deliverance
सपर्वतवनामुर्वीं ससागरजलामिमाम् । वहे पक्षेण वै शक्र त्वामप्यत्रावलम्बिनम्,इन्द्र! पर्वत, वन और समुद्रके जलसहित सारी पृथ्वीको तथा इसके ऊपर रहनेवाले आपको भी अपने एक पंखपर उठाकर मैं बिना परिश्रमके उड़ सकता हूँ
sa-parvata-vanām urvīṁ sa-sāgara-jalām imām | vahe pakṣeṇa vai śakra tvām apy atrāvalambinam indra ||
Garuḍa declares to Indra that he can, without strain, fly while bearing on a single wing the entire earth—complete with its mountains, forests, and ocean-waters—and even Indra himself who abides upon it. The statement asserts Garuḍa’s overwhelming strength and serves as a moral challenge to pride and coercive power: might alone does not guarantee rightful authority, and even the king of gods can be made to recognize limits.
गरुड उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores that worldly or divine rank can be checked by greater power, urging humility and restraint; authority should align with dharma rather than pride or coercion.
Garuḍa addresses Indra directly, boasting that he can lift the whole earth and even Indra on a single wing, establishing his superiority in strength within their confrontation.