Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c7.179

c7.179

There was a reason for Garuḍa's birth from the powers of the tapas of the Bālakhilyas, and also for Indra to be put into the present predicament due to the curse of the Bālakhilyas. Kaśyapaprajāpati, a long time ago, began a terrific yajña for a son, and Indra and the Bālakhilyas who numbered more than 60,000 were deputed by Kaśyapa to collect firewood for the yajña. The Bālakhilyas were only of the size of a thumb, and Indra who very easily collected all the firewood needed for the yajña laughed at the tiny Bālakhilyas who were carrying small twigs etc. for firewood. Angered at the insult the Bālakhilyas removed themselves to another place nearby and began a yajña directed against Indra who alarmed at it sought the help of Kaśyapa who then held peace talks with the Bālakhilyas. They transferred their yāgaśakti (yājñic powers) also to Kaśyapa and agreed to be satisfied with the condition that as the result of Kaśyapa's yajña a son should be born to him, who (the son) would defeat Indra. Thus, for the time being Indra escaped from the wrath of the Bālakhilyas. After the yajña was over Vinatā came to Kaśyapa and he blessed her with a son wishing that he should become exceptionally strong and powerful, and that was Garuḍa. (Ādi Parva, Chapter 30).