Vinatha and Kadru, two wives of Sage Kashyap, while playing a game, entered into a competition. The terms of competition were that the loser and her son would serve the winner and her son for the rest of their lives. Kadru emerged victorious. As per terms of competition, Vinatha and her son Garuda served Kadru and her son. One day, Kadru told Vinatha, “You are like my sister. I will free you, if you procure amritha-bhanda (vessel of nectar) from heaven.” Unable to bear the sufferings of his mother, Garuda undertook this stupendous task and brought amritha-bhanda from heaven, freeing himself and his mother from bondage. Pleased with Garuda’s devotion, Lord Vishnu showered His grace by making him His vehicle! What was the reason behind Garuda becoming the vehicle of Lord Vishnu? It was Garuda’s noble resolve (sat-sankalpa) that earned him proximity to the Divine!

- Divine Discourse, Sep 3, 1999.