GARUDA

GARUDA

Garuda is a bird creature from Hindu mythology that has a mix of eagle and human features. He is the vehicle (vahana) of Vishnu and appears on the god's banner. Garuda represents birth and heaven, and is the enemy of all snakes. In Indian art, Garuda gradually acquired more human form over the centuries and so maintained only his wings. In Cambodia, however, he retains even today the great talons and vicious-looking beak of a bird of prey. Garuda is a national symbol of India, Indonesia and Thailand. Garuda can also be shown as a big bird with semi-opened wings. He is associated with a nature spirit of Jain Tirthankara Shantinatha and an Astasena and dharma-protector in Buddhism. He protects you from the serpent, which is a symbol of the underworld and death. Garuda was born of Kasyapa and Vinata. Vinata had a fight with her co-wife Kadru who was the queen of serpents. That is why Garuda does not like serpents. Garuda is married to Unnati and has a son named Sampati. Garuda appears in many mythological tales. He fought Kaliya, the many-headed serpent, he eats evil men, he attacked the Ocean on behalf of a sparrow and he tried to steal the water of life in an epic battle with Indra. He is able to shrink and grow at will and when he was born he almost destroyed everything in a large fireball. Garuda is immune to snake venom, according to the legends.