Garuda

Garuda, the king of birds, is a central celestial being in Hindu dharma, revered as the mount (vahana) of Lord Vishnu and a fierce enemy of serpents. His origin is detailed in the Mahabharata (Adi Parva) and the Puranas: he was born to the sage Kashyapa and Vinata, emerging from an egg after a five-hundred-year incubation. Garuda's birth was marked by his immense radiance, which the gods mistook for Agni, the fire god. He is also known as Suparṇa (beautiful-winged), Tārkṣya, and Vainateya (son of Vinata). According to the Mahabharata, Garuda stole the elixir of immortality (amrita) from the gods to free his mother from servitude to Kadru, the mother of serpents.

This act established his eternal enmity with snakes, whom he preys upon. In the Bhagavata Purana (10.52), Garuda serves as Vishnu's vehicle, symbolizing the swift and powerful conveyance of divine grace. Iconographically, Garuda is depicted as a humanoid eagle with golden wings, a sharp beak, and talons, often shown carrying Vishnu or with a serpent in his beak. His wings represent the Vedic mantras that lift the soul, and his speed symbolizes the rapid removal of obstacles. In Hindu cosmology, Garuda resides in Vaikuntha, the abode of Vishnu, and is considered a demi-god with dominion over the skies.

Regional worship traditions include the Garuda temple in Kerala (Thirunelli) and the Garuda pillar in Nepal. In Southeast Asia, Garuda is a national symbol in Thailand and Indonesia. The Garuda Purana, one of the eighteen major Puranas, is named after him and contains teachings on death, afterlife, and cosmology. Garuda is also invoked in mantras such as 'Om Garuḍāya namaḥ' for protection from snake bites and poison, reflecting his anti-venom attribute. His role as a devotee of Vishnu exemplifies bhakti, and his strength and speed are celebrated in rituals and art across the Hindu world.

Eagle-like humanoid with golden wings, sharp beak, and talons. Often shown carrying Vishnu. Depicted with a serpent in his beak or claws.