Gajendra, the king of elephants, was enjoying himself in a celestial lake when a crocodile caught his leg. For a thousand years, they struggled. Gajendra's family and friends abandoned him as his strength slowly drained.

In total helplessness, Gajendra remembered a prayer from his previous life. He picked a lotus from the lake and offered it to the Supreme Lord.

Responding to his cry, Lord Vishnu appeared instantly on His mount, Garuda. The Lord used His Sudarshana Chakra to kill the crocodile and liberated Gajendra. This tale highlights that the Lord is the friend of the helpless (Dinabandhu).