Garuda, Vishnu's divine vahana, holds a unique place in Indian mythology. This eagle-like being symbolizes strength, speed, and unwavering devotion. His primary role as Vishnu's mount emphasizes his importance, representing divine power and protection. Originating from Hindu epics like the Mahabharata, Garuda's tales, particularly his quest for amrita, highlight his heroic nature.
Depicted with a human torso, avian wings, and a beak, he embodies a powerful fusion. He is renowned as the Nagantaka, the destroyer of serpents, signifying his role in upholding dharma. Beyond Hinduism, Garuda's influence extends into Buddhism, where he's a protector of the Dharma, and to a lesser degree, Jainism. The Garuda Purana, a significant Hindu text, further solidifies his prominence.
The concept of Garuda is found in Buddhist and Jain text book like those of the Hindu scriptures. In Buddhism, the Garuda (Sanskrit; garuḷā) are large enormous predatory birds with a long wingspan; often described as suparṇa (Sanskrit: supaṇ;a), meaning "well-winged, having good wings". Just like Nagas, they possess the characteristics of animals and divine beings. In Buddhist art, they are shown as sitting and listening to the sermons of the Buddha and are enemies of the Nāgas (snakes) and are sometimes depicted with a serpent held between their claws. In the Maha-samaya Sutta (Digha Nikaya 20), the Buddha is shown making temporary peace between the Nagas and the Garudas.
Like the Hindu art, both zoomorphic (giant eagle-like bird) and partially anthropomorphic (part bird, part human) iconography is common across Buddhist traditions .The Garudas were the guardians appointed by Śakra to guard Mount Sumeru and the Trāyastriṃśa heaven from the attacks of the asuras....
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| Garuda statue in Belur temple, Karnataka. |
Garuda in Hindu temples:
While Garuda is primarily revered in Vishnu temples, a few dedicated ones exist, the most notable being the Vellamassery Garuda Temple (Garudan Kavu) in Kerala, known for its ancient roots and unique flying-form Garuda idol.
Worship protocols generally involve offering prayers for protection, strength, and relief from snake-related ailments. Devotees may present offerings and participate in rituals, especially during festivals like Garuda Jayanthi and Garuda Sevai. To honor his exalted status and his devotion to god Vishnu annually Garuda Panchami is celebrated and it falls on the 5th day of Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in Shravan month and also annul Garuda Sevai at prominent places in South India.
The latter takes place at places like Srirangam, Tirupati, Kumbakonam, Kanchipuram, etc. The yearly 11 Garuda Sevai and Thirumangai Azhwar Mangala Sana Utsavam at Thiru Nangur, near Sirkazhi, Tamil Nadu is a popular one. Garuda Sevai highlights a colorful religious procession where deities, particularly Lord Vishnu, are taken on a ride atop Garuda, taken through the Raja or Ratha veedhis of the towns. More than 18 to 20 Garuda Sevai is a popular one at Thanjavur, TN
Though not as widespread as Vishnu worship, these religious practices highlight Garuda's enduring importance in Hindu tradition.
Various forms of Garuda in the historical Hindu temples of India:
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| Vishnu and Garuda - Nanjangud, Karnataka depositphotos.com |
Mysterious Kal Garuda, Nachiyar kovil. near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu:
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| Kal Garuda (stone Eagle), Nachiyar Kovil Pinterest.com |
Above image: Kal (stone) Garuda Vahana, Nachiyar Kovil, near temple town Kumbakonam, TN. Shrouded in mystery, the Kal garuda (stone bird made of Saligrama) vahana of Nachiyar Kovil (main deity Goddess Vajulavalli and God Srinivasa Perumal), near Kumbakonam shows gradual increase in weight when it is taken out of the shrine on to the street in a 6 hour religious procession carrying the deity. The stone vahana increases in weight in multiples of 8, 16, 32, 64 requiring more people to carry it. When returning to the temple, the vahana decreases in weight in multiples of 128, 64, 32, 16, 8 requiring minimum people (just four) to carry it. Then it is back to normal weight. This perplexing fact is still a riddle. So are the drops of sweat appearing on the stone image during the procession!
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| Srirangam Ranganathar temple, Garuda shrine . in.pinterest.com |
Soumya Keshava temple, Nagamangala, Karnataka,
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| Soumya Keshava temple, Nagamangala,KA. monidipa.net |
Above image: Image of Garuda, Soumya Keshava temple at Nagamangala, Karnataka, constructed in the 12th century by the rulers of the Hoysala empire. Here, Garuda is seen with wings spread. Image credit: Jay Shankar ( monidipa.net)
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| Garuda Sculpture in Madhavaraya temple tripadvisor.in |
Above; Garuda Sculpture in Madhavaraya temple, Andhra. This stone image is of small size.
Sri Varadharaja Perumal temple of Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu:
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| Varadharaja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram,TN, |
Above image: Garuda on the mandapa roof corner of Varadharaja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram,TN, image. monidipa.net
Shri Vallabha temple at Thiruvalla, Kerala
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| Garuda image Sree Vallabha temple, kerala, journey.viakerala. journeyviakerala.wordpress.com |
Above image: Shri Vallabha temple at Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala.Old temple, older than 9th CE divyadesam shrines. Heavy Garuda image is above the roof facing the shrine.
A mystifying fact is how was a 3 foot tall massive metal idol of Garuda in sitting posture holding his hands in reverence.is set atop the tall metal-plated stone flag staff (with very deep foundation) facing the shrine.
Chennakesava temple, Belur, Karnataka State:
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| Garuda statue in Belur temple, Karnataka. |
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| Garuda statue in Belur temple, Karnataka.dreamstime.com |
Above images: This 12the century Hoysala temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, features a unique 8-foot-tall stampa with a statue of Garuda in anjali mudra (hands folded in reverence) in standing posture. It is outside the temple's sanctum in the courtyard of the Temple and is adorned with intricate carvings This stone structure is a testament to artistic excellence the sculptors of by-gone era This particular idol was added during the Vijayanagar reign.
Nuggehalli Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Karnataka state:
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| Nuggehalli Lakshmi Narasimha temple monidipa.net |
Above image: Garuda flanked by his consorts Rudra and Sukirthi, Nuggehalli Lakshmi Narasimha temple, 1246 CE, Image with wings wide open. Hoysala,Karnataka. Photo credits: Jay Shankar
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| small garuda image Teli ka Mandir, Gwalior fort monidipa.net |
Above image: Garuda on the top lintel of the doorway leading to the antarala in Teli ka Mandir, Gwalior fort, 8th c. CE.......
Vellamassery Garudan Kavu Temple (Vishnu in Koorma avatar) in Triprangode, Kerala:
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| Garuda Temple, Triprangode, kerala |
Above image: Vellamassery Garudan Kavu Temple (Vishnu in Korma avatar) in Triprangode, Thirur of Malappuram district, Kerala. The only Garuda Temple in Kerala and a few in India in his flying form; popular for finding solution to Sarpa Dosham (blemish). In this regard the Mutta Vazhipadu is popular here......
Garuda vahana, Jagadish Vishnu temple, Udaipur, Rajasthan.
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| Statue of Garuda,Jagdish temple, Udaipur Rajasthan |
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| Statue of Garuda,Jagdish temple, Udaipur Rajasthan |
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| Garuda vahana, Jagadish Vishnu temple, Udaipur, Rajasthan. |
Above image: Jagdish Temple ,a large Hindu temple,just outside the royal palace in the middle of Udaipur in Rajasthan, is a popular one, Since 1651 regular pujas and other rituals have been taking place without any break. A major monument on a smal hill in this state, the temple ateo story structure has two Pradakshina path. The brass Garuda here is an attractive one is on the way to the temple.
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| Iconography of Chaturbhuj Vishnu idolindiamart.com |
Sri Krishna Garuda Mahavishnu temple at Chemmanadu, Kerala:
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| Chemma Nadu Sree Krishna Garuda MahaVshnu temple, Kerala chemmanattappan.blogspot.com |
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
The 12-foot Garuda statue here is in the namaskara pose, facing the reclining deity of Anantha Padmanabha made of Salibrama. This tall image is a significant icon within the temple and is often referred to as “Garuda Vahana Moorthy.” The idol is richly decorated during festivals, showcasing its grandeur and symbolic importance.
Kumbakonam Sri Sarangapani Temple, Tamil Nadu: This massive temple historical temple houses a striking 10-foot Garuda idol which is believed to have immense spiritual power and is intricately detailed, with large wings and a majestic stance.
Sri Parthasarathy Temple of Chennai, Tamil Nadu:
In this popular and ancient temple in Thiruvallikeni, Chennai city, TN a large Garuda statue, measuring 9 feet tall, stands in front of the main sanctum dedicated to Lord Krishna who acted as a charioteer for Arjuna during the Kurukshetra war. Its grandeur is accentuated by its golden plating, makes it a visually stunning representation. (Note: For security reasons images of Garuda in many historical temples are not available)
Each of these Garuda images varies in size and artistic style, reflecting regional differences in temple architecture, design styles and worship protocols while preserving the core symbolism of Garuda as the epitome of devotion and vigilance.
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| en.wikipedia.org |
Above image: Garuda vanquishing the Naga clan, a Gandhara artwork, second century CE.
https://monidipa.net/2020/01/16/garuda-the-vahana-of-vishnu/
https://www.navrangindia.in/2022/09/garuda-deva-integral-part-of_25.html
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