Garuda asks his father Kashyapa for food to gain strength
Garuda has eaten thousands of Nishadas, but his hunger remains. He tells his father Kashyapa he must steal the divine soma to free his mother, but he needs more strength. He asks for a meal that will make him strong enough to steal the amrita (nectar of immortality).
Garuda found his father, the sage Kashyapa. Kashyapa asked after his welfare, and Garuda told him the truth: the snakes had sent him to steal the supreme soma. He would bring it that very day to free his mother from her slavery.
His mother, Vinata, had instructed him to eat the Nishadas — the forest people — on his journey. He had done so, consuming them in their thousands. But even that feast had not satisfied his hunger.
He looked at his father. "O illustrious one! O lord!" he said. "Show me some other food that I can eat, so that I am strong enough to steal the amrita."
His mission was clear, his will absolute. The only thing standing between him and the theft of the nectar of the gods was an emptiness that would not be filled.