The Curse of Kadru is a powerful tale from ancient Indian mythology, tied closely to the story of Astika and the age-old enmity between snakes and eagles. This curse, placed by Kadru, the mother of serpents, triggers a chain of events that stretches through generations. It all begins with a deep rivalry between Kadru and her sister, Vinata, and unfolds in the golden age (Satya Yuga).
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Kadru and Vinata’s Boons
Prajapati had two daughters, Kadru and Vinata, both of whom married the sage Kasyapa. One day, Kasyapa, pleased with his wives, offered each a boon. Kadru requested a thousand splendid serpent sons, while Vinata asked for two sons with unmatched strength and power. Kasyapa granted these wishes, and Kadru laid a thousand eggs while Vinata laid two. After bestowing these boons, Kasyapa retreated into the forest.
The Hatching of the Serpent Sons
After 500 years, Kadru’s eggs hatched, but Vinata’s eggs remained unhatched. Consumed by jealousy, Vinata broke one of her eggs prematurely, revealing a half-formed being, Aruna. Furious at his mother’s impatience, Aruna cursed her to become a slave, warning her that her second son, Garuda, would be her only chance for freedom. He then ascended to become the charioteer of the Sun god, Surya. After another 500 years, Garuda was born—a powerful being destined to be the serpent-eater.
Garuda’s Power and Aruna’s Role
When Garuda burst from his egg, he was instantly powerful, able to shapeshift at will and travel anywhere. His immense energy frightened all beings, including deities. Sensing their fear, Garuda diminished his size and assured them, “Do not fear me, I will diminish my energy.”
Garuda then placed his brother Aruna on his back and went in search of their mother, Vinata. They soon reached the shore where Vinata stood. There, Garuda placed Aruna in the east, where the Sun’s rays were burning the earth. Curious, Rishi Saunaka asked why the Sun god (Surya Dev) would want to burn the world.
Sauti explained that during the churning of the ocean for nectar, Surya and Soma (the Moon god) had identified Rahu as an intruder drinking the nectar. Ever since, Rahu harbored deep enmity against Surya, attacking him whenever possible. Tired of these constant attacks, Surya decided to destroy the world in his frustration. As the Sun set that evening, he began radiating intense heat in preparation to burn the world at dawn.
Fearing destruction, the sages and gods sought help from Lord Brahma. Brahma decreed that when Surya rose the next day, Aruna, with his vast body and strength, would act as Surya’s charioteer and absorb the heat, saving the world from total destruction.
The Deceptive Bet and the Curse of Kadru
Before Garuda’s birth, Kadru and Vinata had witnessed the celestial horse Uchchaihsravas, born from the churning of the ocean. Kadru claimed the horse had a black tail, while Vinata insisted it was white. They bet on the horse’s color, with the loser becoming the other’s slave. Confident, Vinata agreed without hesitation.
Determined to win, Kadru ordered her serpent sons to disguise themselves as black hairs and attach themselves to Uchchaihsravas’ tail. Initially reluctant, the serpents eventually complied, fearing their mother’s wrath. Kadru, in her fury, cursed them to perish in the snake sacrifice of King Janamejaya.
The Journey to Uchchaihsravas
The next morning, Kadru and Vinata set out to find Uchchaihsravas. After a long journey across vast oceans, filled with marine life, they reached their destination. To Vinata’s horror, the horse’s tail appeared black, thanks to Kadru’s deception. Kadru claimed her victory, enslaving Vinata as Aruna’s curse had foretold.
Garuda’s Sorrow and the Journey to Ramaniyaka
Garuda, saddened by his mother’s servitude, vowed to free her. Meanwhile, Kadru ordered Vinata to take her and her serpent sons to the beautiful region of Ramaniyaka, inhabited by the Nagas. Following his mother’s instructions, Garuda took them on his back and soared into the sky.
During the journey, however, the heat of the Sun began to burn Kadru’s sons. Fearing for their safety, Kadru prayed to Lord Indra, singing his praises. Pleased with her devotion, Indra caused rain to pour down, cooling the Nagas and quenching their thirst. Such was the rainfall that the water filled the far reaches of the region, delighting the Nagas.
When they finally arrived at Ramaniyaka, a lush island home to many Makaras (sea creatures), the Nagas were struck by its beauty. The island was covered in tall trees and filled with magnificent mansions surrounded by lotus-filled lakes. Even the Gandharvas came to the island for pleasure, enjoying the serenity of its landscapes.
Garuda Questions His Mother’s Servitude
After reaching the island, the Nagas, parched from their journey, commanded Garuda to find them fresh water. Confused by their orders, Garuda asked his mother why they must obey the serpents. Vinata explained her loss in the wager and the curse that had doomed her to servitude. As long as she remained bound to Kadru, they would have to follow the bidding of the serpents.
Garuda, deeply pained by his mother’s plight, realized that freeing her from this curse would be no simple task. The story of Astika, a future event, would bring hope for the liberation of the serpents and balance the fate of all creatures.
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