The Tittibha Birds and the Sea
On the shores of a vast ocean, a pair of Tittibha birds lived happily, preparing to start their family. The female Tittibha, expecting to lay eggs soon, urged her husband, “Dear, we need to find a safe place for our eggs. The sea is powerful, and its waves can wash away even the mightiest creatures.”
But the male Tittibha laughed and dismissed her worries. “My love, no place is safer than this shore. The sea wouldn’t dare harm our children!”
The sea, overhearing his arrogance, decided to teach the little bird a lesson.
A few days later, when the Tittibha birds were away searching for food, the sea raised its mighty waves and swallowed their eggs. When the pair returned to find their nest empty, the female bird wept bitterly.
“I warned you,” she cried. “Now our eggs are gone!”
But the male Tittibha, refusing to accept defeat, declared, “Fear not! I shall dry up this sea and retrieve our eggs.”
The female sighed. “How can you drain such an immense ocean?”
“With perseverance!” he replied confidently. “Even small creatures can overcome the strong if they are determined.”
Realizing she couldn’t change his mind, the female suggested, “If you truly wish to challenge the sea, seek help from our fellow birds.”
Taking her advice, the male Tittibha gathered his bird friends—swans, peacocks, and cranes. He shared his plight, vowing to drain the sea. The birds sympathized but knew the task was impossible.
“Instead,” they advised, “let us seek the aid of our mighty king, Garuda.”
So, they all flew to Garuda, the majestic eagle and king of birds, who served as the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. When they told him their sorrow, Garuda was enraged.
“This is an insult to my kin!” he roared. “If the sea dares to defy us, I will dry it up myself!”
Just then, a messenger arrived from Lord Vishnu, summoning Garuda for a divine task. But Garuda refused.
“My Lord rests upon the very sea that has wronged us,” he declared. “I will not serve Him unless He ensures justice for the Tittibha birds.”
When Lord Vishnu heard of Garuda’s protest, He smiled. Understanding his devotion, He decided to intervene.
Arriving at the seashore, Lord Vishnu, holding His divine thunderbolt, addressed the sea sternly, “How dare you wrong My devotee’s kin? Return the Tittibha birds’ eggs at once, or face My wrath!”
Terrified, the sea immediately repented and restored the lost eggs. The Tittibha birds rejoiced, and Garuda, satisfied with the justice served, bowed before Lord Vishnu and resumed His service.
Moral of the Story:
Never underestimate the power of the small. Even the weakest can triumph with determination and the right allies.