Kashyapa Grants Boons to His Wives Kadru and Vinata
Pleased with his wives, the great ascetic Kashyapa offers each a boon. Kadru asks for one thousand splendid naga sons. Vinata asks for just two sons, but demands they be greater than Kadru's in every measure of power.
Kashyapa, a sage equal to Prajapati (the creator), had two beautiful wives: the sisters Kadru and Vinata. He was happy with them, and in his pleasure, he offered each a boon.
Hearing their husband was willing to grant wishes, the two women were transformed with joy. Kadru spoke first. She wished for one thousand nagas as her sons, each equal to the others in splendour.
Vinata asked for something different. She wanted only two sons. But she specified their quality: they must be greater than Kadru’s sons in strength, form, energy, and valour.
Kashyapa granted both their wishes. He told Vinata it would be as she desired. Satisfied with the promise of two immensely powerful sons, Vinata was happy. Kadru, too, was content with her boon of one thousand splendid sons.
Having granted the boons, the great ascetic gave his wives one instruction: “Nurture the embryos with care.” Then he departed for the forest, leaving his two wives behind, each satisfied with the promise she carried.