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Garuda ( Sanskrit: ; Pāli: ; Vedic Sanskrit: गरुळ Garuḷa) is a Hindu demigod and divine creature mentioned in the
Hindu Hindus (; ) are people who religiously adhere to Hinduism.Jeffery D. Long (2007), A Vision for Hinduism, IB Tauris, , pages 35–37 Historically, the term has also been used as a geographical, cultural, and later religious identifier for ...
, Buddhist and Jain faiths. He is primarily depicted as the mount (''vahana'') of the Hindu god Vishnu. Garuda is also the half-brother of the
Devas Devas may refer to: * Devas Club, a club in south London * Anthony Devas (1911–1958), British portrait painter * Charles Stanton Devas (1848–1906), political economist * Jocelyn Devas (died 1886), founder of the Devas Club * Devas (band), ...
, Daityas, Danavas and Yakshas. He is the son of the sage Kashyapa and Vinata. He is the younger brother of Aruna, the charioteer of the Sun. Garuda is mentioned in several other texts such as the
Puranas Purana (; sa, , '; literally meaning "ancient, old"Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of Literature (1995 Edition), Article on Puranas, , page 915) is a vast genre of Indian literature about a wide range of topics, particularly about legends an ...
and the Vedas. Garuda is described as the king of the birds and a kite-like figure. He is shown either in a zoomorphic form (a giant bird with partially open wings) or an anthropomorphic form (a man with wings and some ornithic features). Garuda is generally portrayed as a protector with the power to swiftly travel anywhere, ever vigilant and an enemy of every serpent. He is also known as Tarkshya and Vainateya. Garuda is a part of state insignia of India, Indonesia and Thailand. The Indonesian official coat of arms is centered on the Garuda. The national emblem of Indonesia is called ''
Garuda Pancasila The national emblem or coat of arms of Indonesia is called ''Garuda Pancasila''. The main part is the Garuda with a heraldic shield on its chest and a scroll gripped by its legs. The shield's five emblems represent '' Pancasila'', the five prin ...
''. The Indian Army also uses the Garuda on their Guards Brigade coat of arms, and named their special operations unit after him as the Garud Commando Force. It is often associated with the Greater adjutant stork (''Leptoptilos dubius'').


Hinduism

In Hinduism, is a divine eagle-like sun bird and the king of birds., Quote: "His vehicle was Garuda, the sun bird" (p. 21); "(...) Garuda, the great sun eagle, (...)" (p. 74) A ''Garutman'' is mentioned in the '' Rigveda'' who is described as celestial
deva Deva may refer to: Entertainment * ''Deva'' (1989 film), a 1989 Kannada film * ''Deva'' (1995 film), a 1995 Tamil film * ''Deva'' (2002 film), a 2002 Bengali film * Deva (2007 Telugu film) * ''Deva'' (2017 film), a 2017 Marathi film * Deva ...
with wings. The ''Shatapatha
Brahmana The Brahmanas (; Sanskrit: , ''Brāhmaṇam'') are Vedic śruti works attached to the Samhitas (hymns and mantras) of the Rig, Sama, Yajur, and Atharva Vedas. They are a secondary layer or classification of Sanskrit texts embedded within ea ...
'' embedded inside the ''Yajurveda'' text mentions Garuda as the personification of courage. In the ''Mahabharata'', Garutman is stated to be same as Garuda, then described as the one who is fast, who can shapeshift into any form and enter anywhere. He is a powerful creature in the epics, whose wing flapping can stop the spinning of heaven, earth and hell. He is described to be the vehicle mount of the Hindu god Vishnu, and typically they are shown together. He is younger brother of Aruna. Aruna is the charioteer of the
sun god A solar deity or sun deity is a deity who represents the Sun, or an aspect of it. Such deities are usually associated with power and strength. Solar deities and Sun worship can be found throughout most of recorded history in various forms. The ...
. According to George Williams, Garuda has roots in the verb ''gri'', or speak. He is a metaphor in the Vedic literature for ''Rik'' (rhythms), ''Saman'' (sounds), ''Yajna'' (sacrifices), and the ''atman'' (Self, deepest level of consciousness). In the Puranas, states Williams, Garuda becomes a literal embodiment of the idea, and the Self who attached to and inseparable from the Supreme Self (Vishnu). Though Garuda is an essential part of the Vaishnavism, he also features prominently in Shaivism, Shaiva texts such as the ''Garuda Tantra'' and ''Kirana Tantra'', and Shiva temples as a bird and as a metaphor of ''atman''.


Iconography

The Hindu texts on Garuda iconography vary in their details. If in the bird form, he is eagle-like, typically with the wings slightly open as if ready and willing to fly wherever he needs to. In part human-form, he may have an eagle-like nose, beak or legs, his eyes are open and big, his body is the color of emerald, and his wings are golden-yellow. He may be shown with either two or four hands. If he is not carrying Vishnu, he holds a jar of ''amrita'' (immortality nectar) in one hand in the rear and an umbrella in the other, while the front pair of hands are in ''anjali'' ( namaste) posture. If he is carrying Vishnu, the rear hands provide the support for Vishnu's feet. According to the text ''Silparatna'', states Rao, Garuda is best depicted with only two hands and with four bands of colours: "golden yellow colour from feet to knees, white from knees to the navel, scarlet from navel to neck, and black above the neck". His hands, recommends the text, should be in ''abhaya'' (nothing to fear) posture. In ''Sritatvanidhi'' text, the recommended iconography for Garuda is a kneeling figure, who wears one or more serpents, pointed bird-beak like nose, his two hands in ''namaste'' posture. This style is commonly found in Hindu temples dedicated to Vishnu. In some iconography, Garuda carries Lord Vishnu and his two consorts by his side: Lakshmi(Thirumagal) and Bhūmi (Bhuma-Devi). Garuda iconography is found in early temples of India, such as on the underside of the eave at Cave 3 entrance of the
Badami cave temples The Badami cave temples are a complex of Hindu and Jain cave temples located in Badami, a town in the Bagalkot district in northern part of Karnataka, India. The caves are important examples of Indian rock-cut architecture, especially Badami ...
(6th-century).


Mythology

Garuda's mythology is linked to that of Aruna – the charioteer of
Surya Surya (; sa, सूर्य, ) is the sun as well as the solar deity in Hinduism. He is traditionally one of the major five deities in the Smarta tradition, all of whom are considered as equivalent deities in the Panchayatana puja and a m ...
(The Hindu Sun god). Both Aruna and Garuda developed from an egg. According to one version related by George Williams, Kashyapa Prajapati's two wives Vinata and Kadru wanted to have children, and Kashyapa granted each of them a boon. Kadru asked for one thousand Nāga sons, while Vinata asked for just two, but each an equal to all of Kadru's thousand sons. Kashyapa blessed them, and then retreated to a forest to meditate. Later, Kadru gave birth to one thousand eggs, while Vinata gave birth to two eggs. After incubating them for five hundred years, Kadru's eggs hatched and out came her 1,000 sons. Vinata, eager for her own sons, impatiently broke one of her eggs. From this egg emerged the partially formed Aruna, looking radiant and reddish as the morning sun - but not as bright as the midday sun as he was promised to be. Aruna chided his mother, Vinata for her impatience, and warned her to not break open the second egg, cursing her to be a slave until his brother rescued her. Aruna then left to become the charioteer of Surya, the sun god. Vinata waited, and after many years the second egg hatched, and Garuda was born. After losing a bet to Kadru through trickery, Vinata was forced to become her slave. Garuda later on asked his brothers to free his mother from her slavery, to which they demanded Amrita from heaven. Garuda waged a war against gods with his extraordinary might and abilities beyond thinking, and defeated all of them, including
Indra Indra (; Sanskrit: इन्द्र) is the king of the devas (god-like deities) and Svarga (heaven) in Hindu mythology. He is associated with the sky, lightning, weather, thunder, storms, rains, river flows, and war.  volumes/ref> I ...
. He then took Indra's nectar vessel and flew back to earth. Vishnu then came to Garuda, and asked him to be his ride, to which he agreed. Indra requested that Garuda not give the Amrita to the Nagas though, as it would bring great trouble later, so they forged a plan. Upon reaching his brothers Garuda placed the vessel before them, and asked them to first purify themselves before drinking. Meanwhile, Jayanta (the son of Indra) stole the vessel back. On returning, the nagas were all devoured by Garuda. Some myths present Garuda as so massive that he can block out the sun. The text '' Garuda Purana'' is named after him. Garuda is presented in the Mahabharata as one who eats snake meat, such as the story about him planning to kill and eat Sumukha snake, where
Indra Indra (; Sanskrit: इन्द्र) is the king of the devas (god-like deities) and Svarga (heaven) in Hindu mythology. He is associated with the sky, lightning, weather, thunder, storms, rains, river flows, and war.  volumes/ref> I ...
intervenes. Garuda in anger, vaunt about his feats and compares himself to Indra's equal. Vishnu teaches lesson to Garuda and cured his pride on might. Garudas are also a race of birds who devour snakes in the epic. The ''
Suparṇākhyāna The ''Suparṇākhyāna'', also known as the ''Suparṇādhyāya'' (meaning "Chapter of the Bird"), is a short epic poem or cycle of ballads in Sanskrit about the divine bird Garuda, believed to date from the late Vedic period.Barnett, L. D“Bull ...
'', a late Vedic period poem considered to be among the "earliest traces of epic poetry in India," relates the legend of Garuda, and provides the basis for a later, expanded version which appears within the ''
Mahābhārata The ''Mahābhārata'' ( ; sa, महाभारतम्, ', ) is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India in Hinduism, the other being the ''Rāmāyaṇa''. It narrates the struggle between two groups of cousins in the Kuruk ...
''.


Symbolism

Garuda's links to Vishnu – the Hindu god who fights injustice and destroys evil in his various avatars to preserve
dharma Dharma (; sa, धर्म, dharma, ; pi, dhamma, italic=yes) is a key concept with multiple meanings in Indian religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and others. Although there is no direct single-word translation for '' ...
, has made him an iconic symbol of king's duty and power, an insignia of royalty or dharma. His eagle-like form is shown either alone or with Vishnu, signifying divine approval of the power of the state. He is found on the faces of many early Hindu kingdom coins with this symbolism, either as a single-headed bird or a three-headed bird that watches all sides. Throughout the Mahabharata, Garuda is invoked as a symbol of impetuous violent force, speed, and martial prowess. Powerful warriors advancing rapidly on doomed foes are likened to Garuda swooping down on a serpent. Defeated warriors are like snakes beaten down by Garuda. The Mahabharata character
Drona Droṇa ( sa, द्रोण, Droṇa), also referred to as Dronacharya ( sa, द्रोणाचार्य, Droṇācārya), is a major character of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. In the epic, he serves as the royal preceptor of the Kaurav ...
uses a military formation named after Garuda. Krishna even carries the image of Garuda on his banner.


Buddhism

Garuda, also referred to as ''Garula'', are golden-winged birds in Buddhist texts. Under the Buddhist concept of ''
saṃsāra ''Saṃsāra'' (Devanagari: संसार) is a Pali/Sanskrit word that means "world". It is also the concept of rebirth and "cyclicality of all life, matter, existence", a fundamental belief of most Indian religions. Popularly, it is the c ...
'', they are one of the
Aṣṭagatyaḥ The Japanese Buddhist Pantheon designates the multitude (the Pantheon) of various Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and lesser deities and eminent religious masters in Buddhism. A Buddhist Pantheon exists to a certain extent in Mahāyāna, but is especially ...
, the eight classes of inhuman beings. In Buddhist art, they are shown as sitting and listening to the sermons of the Buddha. They are enemies of the Nāgas (snakes) and are sometimes depicted with a serpent held between their claws. Like the Hindu art, both zoomorphic (giant eagle-like bird) and partially anthropomorphic (part bird, part human) iconography is common across Buddhist traditions. In Buddhism, the Garuda (Sanskrit; Pāli: ) are enormous predatory birds with a wingspan of 330 yojanas. They are described as beings with intelligence and social organization. They are also sometimes known as (Sanskrit; Pāli: ), meaning "well-winged, having good wings". Like the Nāgas, they combine the characteristics of animals and divine beings, and may be considered to be among the lowest of the
devas Devas may refer to: * Devas Club, a club in south London * Anthony Devas (1911–1958), British portrait painter * Charles Stanton Devas (1848–1906), political economist * Jocelyn Devas (died 1886), founder of the Devas Club * Devas (band), ...
. The Garudas have kings and cities, and at least some of them have the magical power of changing into human form when they wish to have dealings with people. On some occasions Garuda kings have had romances with human women in this form. Their dwellings are in groves of the ''simbalī'', or
silk-cotton tree Silk-cotton tree is a common name for several plants and may refer to: *''Bombax ceiba'', native to the Asian tropics *''Ceiba pentandra'', native to the American tropics and west Africa *''Cochlospermum religiosum ''Cochlospermum religiosum'' i ...
. Jataka stories describe them to be residents of Nagadipa or Seruma. The Garuda are enemies to the nāga, a race of intelligent serpent- or dragon-like beings, whom they hunt. The Garudas at one time caught the nāgas by seizing them by their heads; but the nāgas learned that by swallowing large stones, they could make themselves too heavy to be carried by the Garudas, wearing them out and killing them from exhaustion. This secret was divulged to one of the Garudas by the ascetic Karambiya, who taught him how to seize a nāga by the tail and force him to vomit up his stone (Pandara Jātaka, J.518). The Garudas were among the beings appointed by Śakra to guard Mount Sumeru and the heaven from the attacks of the
asuras Asuras (Sanskrit: असुर) are a class of beings in Indic religions. They are described as power-seeking clans related to the more benevolent Devas (also known as Suras) in Hinduism. In its Buddhist context, the word is sometimes translated ...
. In the Maha-samaya Sutta (Digha Nikaya 20), the Buddha is shown making temporary peace between the Nagas and the Garudas. In the Qing dynasty fiction '' The Story of Yue Fei'' (1684), Garuda sits at the head of the Buddha's throne. But when a celestial bat (an embodiment of the Aquarius constellation) flatulates during the Buddha's expounding of the Lotus Sutra, Garuda kills her and is exiled from paradise. He is later reborn as Song dynasty General
Yue Fei Yue Fei ( zh, t=岳飛; March 24, 1103 – January 28, 1142), courtesy name Pengju (), was a Chinese military general who lived during the Song dynasty, Southern Song dynasty and a national hero of China, known for leading Southern Song force ...
. The bat is reborn as Lady Wang, wife of the traitor Prime Minister Qin Hui, and is instrumental in formulating the "Eastern Window" plot that leads to Yue's eventual political execution. ''The Story of Yue Fei'' plays on the legendary animosity between Garuda and the Nagas when the celestial bird-born Yue Fei defeats a magic serpent who transforms into the unearthly spear he uses throughout his military career. Literary critic C. T. Hsia explains the reason why Qian Cai, the book's author, linked Yue with Garuda is because of the homology in their Chinese names. Yue Fei's courtesy name is Pengju (). A
Peng Peng may refer to: * Peng (surname) (彭), a Chinese name * Peng (state) (大彭), a state during the late Shang dynasty * Peng (mythology) (鵬), a legendary Chinese creature * ''Peng!'', 1992 album by Stereolab * ''PENG!'', a 2005 comic * P.Eng. ...
() is a giant mythological bird likened to the Middle Eastern Roc. Garuda's Chinese name is Great Peng, the Golden-Winged Illumination King ().


Jainism

The Garuda is a yaksha or guardian for Shantinatha in Jain iconography and mythology. Jain iconography shows Garuda as a human figure with wings and a strand-circle.


As a cultural and national symbol

In India and the rest of Southeast Asia the eagle symbolism is represented by Garuda, a large bird with eagle-like features that appears in both Hindu and Buddhist epic as the vahana (vehicle) of the god Vishnu. Garuda became the national emblem of Thailand and Indonesia; Thailand's Garuda is rendered in a more traditional anthropomorphic style, while that of Indonesia is rendered in heraldic style with traits similar to the real
Javan hawk-eagle The Javan hawk-eagle (''Nisaetus bartelsi'') is a medium-sized, dark brown raptor in the family Accipitridae. It is the national bird of Indonesia, where it is commonly referred to as Garuda, from the bird-like creatures in Hindu and Buddhist myt ...
.


Cambodia

The word Garuda ( km, គ្រុឌ – " ''Krud'' ") is literally derived from Sanskrit. * In Cambodia, Khmer architects have used the Garuda sculptures as the exquisite ornate to equip on temples, Viharas of wat and many elite houses since ancient time, especially from Khmer empire era until nowadays. * Garuda is also mentioned in many legendary tales as the vehicle of Vishnu and its main rival is
Naga Naga or NAGA may refer to: Mythology * Nāga, a serpentine deity or race in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain traditions * Naga Kingdom, in the epic ''Mahabharata'' * Phaya Naga, mythical creatures believed to live in the Laotian stretch of the Mekong Riv ...
.


China

*In China, Garuda (Chinese: Jiālóuluó) is considered one of the Eight Legions of Devas and Nāgas. Another Chinese name for Garuda is Great Peng, the Golden-Winged Illumination King () * In some temples in the Central Plains, Garuda is also considered to be a manifestation of Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva Guanyin.


India

India primarily uses Garuda as a martial motif: * Garud Commando Force is a
Special Forces Special forces and special operations forces (SOF) are military units trained to conduct special operations. NATO has defined special operations as "military activities conducted by specially designated, organized, selected, trained and equip ...
unit of the
Indian Air Force The Indian Air Force (IAF) is the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces. Its complement of personnel and aircraft assets ranks third amongst the air forces of the world. Its primary mission is to secure Indian airspace and to conduct aerial w ...
, specializing in operations deep behind enemy lines. * Brigade of the Guards of the Indian Army uses Garuda as their symbol * Elite bodyguards of the medieval Hoysala kings were called Garudas * Kerala and Andhra pradesh state road transport corporations use Garuda as the name for a/c mofussil buses * Garuda rock, a rocky cliff in Tirumala in Andhra pradesh * The insignia of the 13th century Aragalur chief, Magadesan, included Rishabha the sacred bull and the Garud * Indian Hindi-language TV serial ''
Dharm Yoddha Garud ''Dharm Yoddha Garud'' () is an Indian Hindi language mythological television serial. It depicts the story of Garuda. The show stars Faisal Khan, Toral Rasputra and Parul Chauhan. It is produced by Contiloe Entertainment. The show aired from Mar ...
'', based on the life of Garuda


Indonesia

Indonesia uses the Garuda in a form called the ''
Garuda Pancasila The national emblem or coat of arms of Indonesia is called ''Garuda Pancasila''. The main part is the Garuda with a heraldic shield on its chest and a scroll gripped by its legs. The shield's five emblems represent '' Pancasila'', the five prin ...
'' as its national symbol. It is somewhat intertwined with the concept of the Phoenix. The Garuda Pancasila is coloured black or
gilded Gilding is a decorative technique for applying a very thin coating of gold over solid surfaces such as metal (most common), wood, porcelain, or stone. A gilded object is also described as "gilt". Where metal is gilded, the metal below was tradi ...
, symbolizing both the greatness of the nation and the ''elang Jawa'' (
Javan hawk-eagle The Javan hawk-eagle (''Nisaetus bartelsi'') is a medium-sized, dark brown raptor in the family Accipitridae. It is the national bird of Indonesia, where it is commonly referred to as Garuda, from the bird-like creatures in Hindu and Buddhist myt ...
''Nisaetus bartelsi''). The black color represents nature. There are 17 feathers on each wing, 8 on the lower tail, 19 on the upper tail and 45 on the neck, which together make up the date 17 August 1945, when Indonesia proclaimed its independence. The shield it carries bears the motto ''
Panca Sila The Five precepts ( sa, pañcaśīla, italic=yes; pi, pañcasīla, italic=yes) or five rules of training ( sa, pañcaśikṣapada, italic=yes; pi, pañcasikkhapada, italic=yes) is the most important system of morality for Buddhist lay peo ...
'', which symbolizes self-defense and protection in struggle. *
Garuda Indonesia Garuda Indonesia is the flag carrier of Indonesia, headquartered at Soekarno–Hatta International Airport. A successor of KLM Interinsulair Bedrijf, it is a member of SkyTeam and the second-largest airline of Indonesia after Lion Air, operat ...
- national airline of Indonesia *
Garuda Contingent The Garuda Contingent (), abbreviated KONGA, is a group of peacekeepers drawn from the Indonesian military; currently titled Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI) and originally known as Angkatan Perang RI, that serve with the United Nations (UN). S ...
-
peacekeeping Peacekeeping comprises activities intended to create conditions that favour lasting peace. Research generally finds that peacekeeping reduces civilian and battlefield deaths, as well as reduces the risk of renewed warfare. Within the United N ...
force of the
Indonesian National Armed Forces , founded = as the ('People's Security Forces') , current_form = , disbanded = , branches = , headquarters = Cilangkap, Jakarta , website = , commander-in-chief = Joko Widodo , ...
*
Airlangga University Airlangga University (Indonesian: ''Universitas Airlangga''; jv, ꦈꦤꦶꦮ꦳ꦼꦂꦱꦶꦠꦱ꧀​ꦄꦲꦶꦂꦭꦁꦒ, abbreviated as Unair or UA) is the second-oldest university in Indonesia and also a public university located in Sura ...
, one of the oldest and leading university in Indonesia uses Garuda on its emblem. The emblem, containing a Garuda in a blue and yellow circle, is called "Garudamukha", and depicts Garuda as the bearer of knowledge, carrying a jug of '' Amrita'', the water of eternity, symbolizing eternal knowledge. * In
Bali Bali () is a province of Indonesia and the westernmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands. East of Java and west of Lombok, the province includes the island of Bali and a few smaller neighbouring islands, notably Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nu ...
and Java, the Garuda has become a cultural symbol. The wooden statue and mask of Garuda is a popular feature in artworks and souvenirs. ** The tallest Garuda statue, made of copper and brass standing tall (or 122 metres tall including the pedestal), is located in Garuda Wisnu Kencana complex in
Bali Bali () is a province of Indonesia and the westernmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands. East of Java and west of Lombok, the province includes the island of Bali and a few smaller neighbouring islands, notably Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nu ...
. * The stylized brush stroke that resembles Garuda appears in the logo of 2011 Southeast Asian Games, held in
Palembang Palembang () is the capital city of the Indonesian province of South Sumatra. The city proper covers on both banks of the Musi River on the eastern lowland of southern Sumatra. It had a population of 1,668,848 at the 2020 Census. Palembang ...
and
Jakarta Jakarta (; , bew, Jakarte), officially the Special Capital Region of Jakarta ( id, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta) is the capital and largest city of Indonesia. Lying on the northwest coast of Java, the world's most populous island, Jakarta ...
, Indonesia. * The stylized curves that took the form of Garuda Pancasila appears in the logo of Wonderful Indonesia tourism campaign.


Japan

* The Karura () is a divine creature with human torso and birdlike head in Japanese Hindu-Buddhist epics. * The name is a transliteration of Garuda (Sanskrit: ; Pāli: ) a race of enormously gigantic birds in Hinduism, upon which the Japanese Buddhist version is based. The same creature may go by the name of konjichō (, lit. "gold-winged bird", Skr. ).


Mongolia

* The Garuda, known as Khangarid, is the symbol of the capital city of Mongolia,
Ulan Bator Ulaanbaatar (; mn, Улаанбаатар, , "Red Hero"), previously anglicized as Ulan Bator, is the capital and most populous city of Mongolia. It is the coldest capital city in the world, on average. The municipality is located in north cen ...
. According to popular Mongolian belief, Khangarid is the mountain spirit of the
Bogd Khan Uul The Bogd Khan Mountain ( Mongolian: Богд хан уул, ''lit. "Saint Khan Mountain"'') is a mountain in Mongolia that overlooks the nation's capital, Ulaanbaatar, from a height of to the south of the city. World Heritage Status The Bo ...
range who became a follower of Buddhist faith. Today he is considered the guardian of that mountain range and a symbol of courage and honesty. * Khangarid (Хангарьд), a football (soccer) team in the Mongolia Premier League also named after Garuda. * State Garuda (Улсын Гарьд) is a title given to the debut runner up in wrestling tournament during Mongolian National Festival Naadam.


Myanmar

* In Burmese epics, which was influenced by Hindu-Buddhist beliefs, Garuda is known as Galone, the nemesis of the Nāgas. *The Garuda symbolizes
Sunday Sunday is the day of the week between Saturday and Monday. In most Western countries, Sunday is a day of rest and a part of the weekend. It is often considered the first day of the week. For most observant adherents of Christianity, Sunday ...
in the
Burmese zodiac The Burmese zodiac ( my, ဇာတာ ရာသီခွင် ) is the traditional Burmese system of astronomy and astrology. While it is still an important component of the Burmese calendar, today, the zodiac is closely identified with Burmese ...
, which is based on the days of the week.


Nepal

* Garuda is found in Nepalese traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism. * The first sounding rocket of Nepal is named Garuda. * The central bank, Nepal Rastra Bank uses Garuda in their official logo. * Ancient palaces in Kathmandu Valley use statue of Garuda at their gates.


Philippines

* in Luzon Mythology, Garuda or Galurâ (in
Kapampangan Kapampangan, Capampañgan or Pampangan may refer to: *Kapampangan people of the Philippines *Kapampangan language Kapampangan or Pampangan is an Austronesian language, and one of the eight major languages of the Philippines. It is the primary ...
) is a winged assistant of Apúng Sinukuan (Mariang Sinukuan), he is represented by a giant eagle and believed to be the bringer of storms. * The Maranao people of southern Philippines believe in a race of creatures called ''garuda'' who dwell beneath the sea. These beings are winged, have big teeth, and huge talons that can carry six men. They look like eagles when flying in the sky but transform into humans when in their lairs. * Artifacts from the Tabon Caves in the island of Palawan ,is an image of Garuda, the bird who is the mount of Vishnu. The discovery of sophisticated Hindu imagery in gold


Suriname

* In
Suriname Suriname (; srn, Sranankondre or ), officially the Republic of Suriname ( nl, Republiek Suriname , srn, Ripolik fu Sranan), is a country on the northeastern Atlantic coast of South America. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north ...
, there is a radio and TV station called Radio en Televisie Garuda, which broadcasts programming from Indonesia, particularly Java, aimed at the Javanese Surinamese population.


Thailand

Thailand uses the Garuda ( th, ครุฑ, khrut) as its national symbol, known as the ''Phra Khrut Pha'', meaning "Garuda, the vehicle (of Vishnu)," also used as the symbol of royalty. It adorns the banknote of their currency - the Baht - as well. * The Kingdom of Siam has had an image of Garuda in its coins at least since the
Ayutthaya era The Ayutthaya Kingdom (; th, อยุธยา, , IAST: or , ) was a Siamese kingdom that existed in Southeast Asia from 1351 to 1767, centered around the city of Ayutthaya, in Siam, or present-day Thailand. The Ayutthaya Kingdom is conside ...
. * Statues and images of Garuda adorn many Buddhist temples in Thailand. It also has become a cultural symbol of Thailand. * The figure of Garuda is also installed as the figurehead or masthead of Thai royal barges.


United States

The Electronic Attack Squadron 134 (
VAQ-134 Electronic Attack Squadron 134 (VAQ-134) is an electronic warfare Squadron (aviation), squadron of the United States Navy. It is nicknamed "Garudas" and is based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington (State), Washington. The squadron is ...
) of the United States Navy is named after and uses the Garuda Insignia.


Gallery

;Insignia File:Brigade of the Guards Insignia (India).svg, Garuda as the badge of Brigade of the Guards File:Coat of Arms of Indonesia Garuda Pancasila.svg, Garuda as national symbol of Indonesia File:Garuda Emblem of Thailand.svg, Garuda as national symbol of Thailand File:Ulanbataar.svg, Garuda (''Khangardi'') as the symbol of
Ulan Bator Ulaanbaatar (; mn, Улаанбаатар, , "Red Hero"), previously anglicized as Ulan Bator, is the capital and most populous city of Mongolia. It is the coldest capital city in the world, on average. The municipality is located in north cen ...
, Mongolia File:Seal of the Nepal Rastra Bank.jpg, alt=, Seal of the Nepal Rastra Bank
;Coins File:Skandagupta Kramaditya Circa 455-467 CE.jpg, 5th-century Gupta-era coin, Garuda with snakes in his claws File:Coin of Prasannamatra of the Sarabhapuriyas in Kosala Circa 525-550.jpg, 6th century coin with Garuda and Vishnu's chakra and conch on side File:Garuda 4 Pe - Scott Semans 02.jpg, A Cambodian coin during French Protection period 1853. ;Temples File:Garuda Idol - Radha Krishna Temple Complex - Sabarna Roy Choudhury Estate - Barisha - Kolkata 2012-10-23 1118.JPG, Garuda iconography at a Radha Krishna Temple in Kolkata. File:8th century Durga Surya temple Vishnu riding his Garuda vahana, Aihole Hindu temples monuments.jpg, 8th century Garuda carrying Vishnu in Aihole, Karnataka, India File:Airlangga.jpg, King Airlangga depicted as Vishnu mounting Garuda, 11th century East Java, Indonesia File:Ornate Garuda Thap Mam.jpg, 12th century Cham sculpture, Viet Nam, in the Thap Mam style depicts Garuda serving as an atlas File:Garudas in the bot of the Wat Phra Kaew.jpg, The statues of Krut battling naga serpent, a
Thai Buddhist Buddhism in Thailand is largely of the Theravada school, which is followed by 95 percent of the population. Thailand has the second largest Buddhist population in the world, after China, with approximately 64 million Buddhists. Buddhism in Th ...
adaptation of Garuda in Wat Phra Kaeo temple, Thailand. File:Vishnu on Garuda det.jpg, 12th century
bas relief Relief is a sculptural method in which the sculpted pieces are bonded to a solid background of the same material. The term ''relief'' is from the Latin verb ''relevo'', to raise. To create a sculpture in relief is to give the impression that the ...
at
Angkor Wat Angkor Wat (; km, អង្គរវត្ត, "City/Capital of Temples") is a temple complex in Cambodia and is the largest religious monument in the world, on a site measuring . Originally constructed as a Hinduism, Hindu temple dedicated ...
in Cambodia showing Vishnu in battle mounted on Garuda File:WLA haa Head of a Garuda Khmer.jpg, Head of a Garuda during the 14th century Cambodia, Honolulu Museum of Art File:Srivilliputtur15, a part.JPG, Garuda at Srivilliputur Temple, Tamil Nadu, India File:Statue of garuda.JPG, Garuda pillar, Nepal File:2005 02242010Kathnandu10022.JPG, Garuda at Durbar square in Kathmandu, Nepal. File:Garuda at the funeral of Bhumibol Adulyadej.jpg, Garuda at the funeral of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand in 2017
;Artworks File:--Garuda-- figure, gilt bronze, --Khmer Empire--, 12th-13th century, --John Young Museum--, --University of Hawaii at Manoa--.jpg, Garuda figure, gilt bronze, Khmer Empire Cambodia, 12th-13th century,
John Young Museum The John Young Museum of Art is located on the campus of the University of Hawaii at Manoa in Krauss Hall at 2500 Dole Street Honolulu, HI 96822. The 2,738 square foot teaching museum located at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, in Honolulu ...
, University of Hawaii at Manoa File:Garuda returning with the vase of Amrita.jpg, Garuda returning with the vase of Amrita File:Balinese garuda.jpg, Balinese Garuda statue at Ngurah Rai Airport,
Bali Bali () is a province of Indonesia and the westernmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands. East of Java and west of Lombok, the province includes the island of Bali and a few smaller neighbouring islands, notably Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nu ...
, Indonesia File:Garuda Vishnu Laxmi.jpg, Garuda carries Vishnu and Lakshmi


See also

*
Ababil Ababil or Ababeel may refer to: *Ababeel (NGO), a charitable organization based in Jammu and Kashmir *Ababeel (missile), a Pakistani MIRV-capable Medium-range ballistic missile *Ababil-100, an Iraqi single-stage Short-range ballistic missile *HESA A ...
* Fenghuang *
Garid Garid ( Mongolian: гарьд) is a Mongolian word corresponding to the Sanskrit Garuda with several connotations related Mongolian culture. The Garuda is a large mythical bird-like creature or humanoid bird that appears in both Hindu and Buddhist ...
* Garuda in the architecture of Cambodia *
Garuda Linux Garuda Linux is a Linux distribution based on the Arch Linux operating system. Garuda Linux is available in wide range of popular Linux desktop environments, including modified versions of the KDE Plasma 5 desktop environment. It features a rol ...
*
Garudasana Garudasana ( sa, गरुडासन; IAST: ''Garuḍāsana'') or Eagle Pose is a standing balancing asana in modern yoga as exercise. The name was used in medieval hatha yoga for a different pose. Etymology and origins The name comes fr ...
*
Harpy In Greek mythology and Roman mythology, a harpy (plural harpies, , ; lat, harpȳia) is a half-human and half-bird personification of storm winds. They feature in Homeric poems. Descriptions They were generally depicted as birds with the hea ...
* Kalaviṅka *
Krute Krute ( cyrl, Круте; ) is a village in the municipality of Ulcinj, southeastern Montenegro. It is located north-east of Ulcinj town. Name Krytha's name has its origin in the medieval Albanian tribe of Kryethi. It is alternatively known a ...
* List of avian humanoids * Roc * Simurgh * Sirin * Tengu *
Sarutahiko Ōkami Sarutahiko Ōkami ( ja, 猿田毘古大神, 猿田彦大神) is a deity of the Japanese religion of Shinto; he is the leader of the earthly ''kami''. Norito also mentions him with the title instead of . Sarutahiko Ōkami was the head of the ku ...
* Thunderbird * Garuda Purana * Karura


Notes


External links


The Garuḍa Purana (Sâroddhâra), by Ernest Wood and S.V.Subramanyam, 1918 (Online, downloadable PDF)
archive.org
The Garuda Purana (Wood and Subrahmanyam translation, 1911)
at
sacred-texts.com The Internet Sacred Text Archive (ISTA) is a Santa Cruz, California-based website dedicated to the preservation of electronic public domain religious texts. History The website was first opened to the public on March 9, 1999 by John Bruno Hare ...

Garuda Purana
{{Authority control Buddhist deities Characters in the Ramayana Dharmapalas Heraldic birds Hindu gods Hindu legendary creatures Mythological birds of prey Mythological human hybrids Non-human races in Hindu mythology Birds in religion Birds in Buddhism Phoenix birds Avian humanoids