We know about Anant Naag - the great snake. Anant had a son by name Mani Naag. We know the snakes were all afraid of Garud, because he was their enemy. Once Mani Naag began to pray to Shiv. Having pleased Shiv, he obtained the boon from him that Garud would be able to do him no harm. Armed with this boon Mani Naag started to wander around freely and did not run away even when faced Garud. Garud found this to be exceedingly strange. Although he could not kill Mani Naag, he captured him and kept him imprisoned in his own house.

Nandee - the assistant of Lord Shiv, told Shiv - "Lord, what has happened to Mani Naag? We have not seen him for some time. I hope that Garud has not done any harm him". Shiv of course knew what had happened, so he advised Nandee to pray to Vishnu. Nandee approached Lord Vishnu, pleased Vishnu and asked for the boon that Mani Naag might be freed from Garud's imprisonment. So Vishnu asked Garud to release Mani Naag.

"Lord," Garud said to Vishnu, "this is very unfair. Other masters treat their servants very well. They give their servants gifts. See how Shiv has sent Nandee himself to rescue Shiv's devotee Mani Naag. But you never me any gifts. Moreover when I obtain something on my own you ak me to relinquish it. Is this proper on your part? It is on me that you ride when you go out to fight the demons. They get defeated because of my prowess. And yet it ticklesyour ego no end to think that you have defeated them yourself."

Vishnu smiled and replied - "Garud, You are quite right. You have become thin and lean from bearing my weight. It is quite true that I can defeat the demons only because of your prowess. You have a lot of strength. Why don't you bear the weight of my little finger and demonstrate your strength?"

Garud got ready for Vishnu's finger in his pride, so Vishnu placed his little finger on Garud's head. So heavy was the finger that Garud was crushed against the ground. Garud cried - "Please forgive me. I have been very stupid. I am an ignorant ass and you are the Lord of everything. I have been completely flattened by the weight of your little finger. Please tell me how I may regain my old self?"

Vishnu asked Nandee to take Garud to Shiv. Shiv would find a way of restoring Garud's old appearance. Mani Naag was released and Nandee took Garud to Shiv. Shiv asked Garud to bathe in Goutamee Gangaa. This would make his appearance normal again.

Garud did this. Not only was his old appearance restored, he became much stronger and swifter than he used to be. The place where Garud bathed is a Teerth known as Garud Teerth.