Garuda, the divine Vahana of the Hindu God Vishnu and his impact on other cultures

iGaruda in Tanjore painting. ndianfolkart.org

In South Indian temple architecture with reference to Vishnu temples, Garuda (half human and half bird), the divine eagle and vahana (vehicle) of Lord Vishnu, is a powerful symbol of  Sanatan Dharma and is often depicted in various forms and sizes, symbolizing devotion and protection. He is also known for his valor and wisdom besides swiftness.

He is depicted  in  temples as a Garuda Stambha (flag-post) and in scriptures.  It has been a tradition in the Vishnu temples to get the blessings from Garuda before proceeding to the main shrine to pray to  the deity and his consorts - Thayyars.  Also goes by the name of  Suprana or Pakshiraja, Garuda is Nityasuri - an exalted distinction of being  eternally liberated attendant of God Vishnu, according to the Hindu almanac and scriptures to honor him, annually Garuda Panchami is celebrated on the 5th day of Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in Shravan month. 

Each of these Garuda images in many Vishnu temples varies in size and artistic style, reflecting regional  influences and differences in temple architecture, design styles and worship protocols while preserving the core symbolism of Garuda as an  epitome of devotion and vigilance and trust. In many temples we would have come across the eternal associate of God Vishnu Garuda Deva, the carrier of the Supreme Lord with his wings spread, as if he is ready to fly out to carry on his duty to protect the righteous and support Vishnu in maintaining cosmic order. He represents freedom and the ability to traverse between realms in relentless pursuit of truth.

The image may in metal form and is placed near the temple flag-post (Kodi stampha) or atop  the mast.  In Thailand and Indonesia Garuda is a holy symbol and, as he is a symbol of speed and safety, he is the official emblem of Indonesian Airlines. 

The American government and the native Americans (Indian tribes) look upon  the eagle as a symbol of safety, protection and swiftness. To the ardent vaishnavas garuda is sacred, he is Periya Thiruvadi -holy patha( foot),

The impact of Garuda (eagle) on various  cultures

Its depiction in ancient temples, national symbols, and religious traditions highlights the deep-rooted influence of Hindu Dharma in these regions. The enduring presence of Garuda in Southeast Asia is a testament to the spread of Hinduism and its lasting impact on culture, spirituality, and identity.  It showcases  how ancient traditions transcend borders, embodying universal values of strength, unity, faith and spiritual enhancement. 

Garuda vanquishing serpents en.wikipedia.org

Above In Gandhara art (of preset day Afghanistan/west Pakistan) ) the garuda is vanquishing the naga (serpent) clan 2-3 CE),image credit: Ismoon (talk) . 

Garuda devouring serpent en.wikipedia.org

Above image: 13th century Cham  (SE  Asian culture sculpture depicts Garuda devouring a nāga serpent.image credit: DoktorMax at wikipedia....

upload.wikimedia.org

Above image:  Wingless statue of Garuda or Karura in Kofukuji Temple, Nara, Japan, eighth century.

Mongolia en.wikipedia.org

Above image: Mongolia  adopted  Garuda (Khangardi) as the symbol of Ulaanbaatar,  image: User:Saruul 04 .  The insignia's depiction is interesting. Khangardi has a Soyombo symbol on his forehead, meaning  statehood and knowledge. Right hand, he holding a vajra-bow key, meaning opening the gates to its people for progress. His left hand has  the lotus flower, which symbolizes pureness and a tranquil existence without suffering, the image depicts trampling a snake under his feet. It  represents the demolishing of the roots of evil. The insignia symbolizes the city’s great expansion and its glory throughout the world. Can you believe:  A football (soccer) team in the Mongolia Premier League is also named after Garuda........

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garuda_Shield

Above image:  Garuda Shield. This is the name of   a two-week joint military exercise between the United States Army and the Indonesian Army that took place first  in 2007. Purpose: To improve  and enrich the jungle warfare ability of both the U.S. Army and the Indonesian Army. This joint-exercise took place in Indonesia. This joint-exercise was first held in 2007.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garuda_Shield.......

Eagle and native American tribes stock.adobe.com/

Above image: To countless native American tribes like Lakota, Navajo, Hopi, Ute, Yakima, etc Eagle is  sacred and an important symbol of courage and valor...... 

Native American and bald eagle. vecteezy.com

Above image: In many Native American cultures, the eagle, particularly, the bald and golden eagles, hold immense spiritual significance, representing strength, power, wisdom, freedom, and a connection to the heavens. To them  eagle feathers are objects of reverence. The eagle  is also associated with the sun..........  

www.facebook.com

Above image: A traditional symbol of power and unity across various cultures. Garuda is Thailand's national bird....

https://www.facebook.com/WorldwideHinduTemples/posts/the-garuda-a-powerful-symbol-in-sanatan-dharma

US Navyen.wikipedia.org

Above image: The  US Government's  Electronic Attack Squadron 134 (VAQ-134) of the US Navy is named after and uses the Garuda Insignia........

US Navy's Electronic Squadron en.wikipedia.org

diplomacy.state.gov

Above image:  The official identity of the Usa is the Great Seal of Eagle. The Great Seal is impressed upon official documents such as treaties and commissions. The Department of State affixes about 3,000 seals to official documents yearly

https://diplomacy.state.gov/the-great-seal

https://www.navrangindia.in/2022/09/garuda-deva-integral-part-of_25.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garuda