King of Birds
Garuda soars through Hindu and Buddhist mythology as the mighty king of birds – a divine eagle of immense size and power who serves as the mount of Lord Vishnu. Part human and part eagle, Garuda represents speed, martial prowess, and the triumph of good over evil.
Divine Birth
Garuda was born to the sage Kashyapa and Vinata. His mother had been enslaved by her sister Kadru through a wager, forced to serve the Nagas – serpent beings. Even before hatching, Garuda blazed with such brilliance that the gods mistook him for Agni, the fire god.
Quest for Amrita
To free his mother, Garuda had to steal amrita, the nectar of immortality, from the gods. He defeated divine guardians, extinguished a ring of fire, and passed through whirling blades to seize the sacred drink. Though Indra eventually recovered the amrita, he was so impressed that he blessed Garuda with immortality.
Appearance and Powers
Garuda appears with the golden body of a man, the head, wings, talons, and beak of an eagle. His wings span vast distances, creating hurricane winds. His brilliance rivals the sun. He possesses the power to grow or shrink at will and moves faster than thought itself.
Eternal Enemy of Serpents
Because the Nagas enslaved his mother, Garuda became the eternal enemy of serpents. He devours them without mercy, representing the triumph of celestial forces over earthbound evil. This enmity appears throughout Hindu iconography.
Modern Significance
Garuda appears on the national emblems of Indonesia and Thailand. He remains central to Hindu worship and appears throughout Southeast Asian art and architecture as a symbol of divine power and protection.
