The Naga who won the heart of Garuda

Once, a very distinguished Naga (snake/serpent) wanted to see the great bathing ceremony of the rato machindra, the famous Buddhist rain-god, which was to take place on a full moon night of Chaitra (April). He went disguised as a human, telling his wife not to tell anyone about his whereabouts. Soon Garuda, a mythical bird and enemy of all naga s, went to the Nagas wife asking where her husband was. Upon the insistence of the Garuda she told him where her husband was and that he could be recognized as he would appear to be the tallest man in the crowd watching from the Lagan Stupa as that was the best place from where the ceremony could be viewed.

The garuda went to the ceremony and found the Naga. The garuda got hold of him and commanded him to present himself for the Garudas next meal. Thje naga was neither surprised nor frightened at the prospect of being swallowed up by the Garuda, for he knew that there was no escape. Instead, he pleaded the garuda saying that he would readily be the garudas meal if the garuda would allow him to see the ceremony of the Rato Macchindra, to whom he was deeply devoted. The garuda agreed.

When the festival was over, the naga went home to bid farewell to his wife. He was not angry at his wife, but he explained what had happened and went to the Garudas home on time. The Garuda was greatly moved by his truthfulness and loyalty. The Garuda then decided that the Naga should be presented to the rato macchindra. Till this day, the Rato Macchindra wears a necklace called Satya Naga.