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Garuda, in Hindu folklore, is the bird (a kite or a falcon) and the vahana (mount) of the god Vishnu. In Rig veda, the sun is contrasted with a bird in its trip across the sky, and a falcon conveys the ambrosial soma plant from paradise to earth.
The fanciful record of Garuda's introduction to the world in the Mahabharata recognizes him as the more youthful sibling of Aruna, the charioteer of the sun god, Surya. Garuda's mom, Vinata, mother of the birds, was fooled into turning into the captive of her sister and co-spouse, Kadru, mother of the nagas (snakes).
The enduring ill will between the birds, especially Garuda, and the snakes is credited to this. The nagas consented to leave Vinata in the event that Garuda could get for them a beverage of the solution of eternality, the amrita, or soma.
Garuda played out that accomplishment, consequently enabling the snakes to swamp off their old skins, and, on his way back, met Vishnu and promised to serve him as his vahana and furthermore as his symbol.
Garuda likewise assumes a significant part in Krishna's manifestation as a part of the Mahabharata, helping him with a large number of his most frightening difficulties. Krishna and Satyabhama ride upon Garuda to kill Narakasura, the dictator leader of the realm of Pragjyotisha in Assam. Krishna rides Garuda to save the Elephant Gajendra.
Two of his hands are held out in veneration (Anjali mudra), and the other two convey an umbrella and the pot of amrita. In some cases, Vishnu rides on his shoulders.
Pictures of Garuda are utilized by worshippers of Vishnu to assign their affiliations; such pictures show up on coins of the Gupta period. Garuda is by and large a protector with the ability to quickly go anyplace, ever vigilant, and an adversary of the snake.
He is otherwise called Tarkshya and Vainateya. Garuda is a piece of state emblem in India, Indonesia, and Thailand. It is said that the individuals who need to be sky-conscious are the ones who have the advantage of having a Garuda statue or photograph in their home. Keeping Garuda statues at home is an auspicious positive thought of the individual and he prevails in reaching his personal goals.
FAQS
Q1. What does the name “Garuda” mean?
The name “Garuda” comes from the same Sanskrit name that means Eagle. Garuda is a bird from Hindu folklore that has a blend of falcon and human elements. He is the vehicle (vahana) of Vishnu. Garuda addresses birth and paradise and is the adversary of all snakes in the world.
Q2. How is Garuda described?
Garuda is portrayed in one text as emerald in complexion, with the nose of a kite, roundish eyes, brilliant wings, and four arms and with a bosom, knees, and legs like those of a kite. He is additionally portrayed as similar to a human, with wings and hawklike features.
Q4. What is the story behind Garuda’s birth?
The tale of Garuda's introduction to the world and deeds is told in the main book of the incredible epic Mahabharata. His dad was the creator-Rishi Kasyapa, while his mom was Vinata. Garuda was conceived out of an immense egg with the middle and appendages of a human male and the claws, wings, and nose of a bird.
When he originally burst out of his egg, Garuda showed up as a furious hellfire equivalent to the astronomical fire that consumes the world toward the end of each age. Terrified by his power, the divine beings beseeched him for benevolence, and Garuda agreed with their solicitations, altogether diminishing himself in both size and life.
Q5. Which direction should Garuda face?
It is an eagle with a human face. Lord Vishnu is considered the preserver and the one responsible for all life processes. His vehicle, the Garuda symbolizes the skills needed to manage and run a system. When placing the symbol at home, you can hang the Eagle, say as an artwork, on the right side of the living room.
Do not place images of the eagle in the bedroom or directly above the study desk. Decorating the living room with a figurine of the Golden Eagle is a great way to invite the good effects of the symbol. However, one needs to be cautious whilst putting the eagle which should face the northeast Vastu quarter.
Garuda, Lord Vishnu's trusted mount, is an eagle with a human face. If kept on a table in the South-West zone, it will enhance your capabilities, relationships, and far sightedness.
Q6. Can we keep Garuda idol at home?
When we have the Garuda deity in our homes, we are protected from all kinds of anxieties and bad energy. Lord Vishnu resides in Garuda's house wherever he is. An ancient principle emblem for the carrier of triumphant flights is Lord Garuda.
This bird can be distinguished by the way the eagle's wings spread out so far. Vastu recommends not keeping or displaying a single bird or animal in the couple’s bedroom. Nevertheless, its presence attaches great value.
It is said that those who want to be sky-conscious are the ones who have the benefit of having a Garuda statue or photo in their home. At the same time, keeping Garuda's photos at home is a positive idea for the person and he succeeds in reaching the goal.
Q7. What is the other name of Garuda?
Garuda is also known as the
1. Suparna (with the best wings, and feathers) || 2. Vainetey (son of Maa Vinta)
3. Nagari (enemies of snakes) || 4. Nagabhushan (terrible for snakes)
5. Jitantak (can defeat even Kaal or Death) || 6. Vishari (anti-poisonous)
7. Ajit (Invincible) || 8. Vishwaroopi (like Lord Vishnuji Himself)
9. Garutmaan (most powerful) || 10. Khageswar ('king of the birds')
11. Tarkshay (one name of Garud) || 12. Kashyap Nandan (son of sage Kashyap like Vaman Bhagwan)
13. Suvarnakaya ('golden bodied')
Garuda is a part of the state insignia of India, Indonesia, and Thailand.
Q8. Where should I store Garuda idols at home?
When placing the symbol at home, you can hang the Eagle, say as an artwork, on the right side of the living room. Do not place images of the eagle in the bedroom or directly above the study desk. Decorating the living room with a figurine of the Golden Eagle is a great way to invite the good effects of the symbol.
The nagas (snakes) agreed to release Vinata (mother of the birds) if Garuda could obtain for them a drink of the elixir of immortality, the amrita, or soma. Garuda performed that feat, thus giving the snakes the ability to slough off their old skins, and, on his way back from the heavens, he met Vishnu and agreed to serve him as his vehicle and also as his emblem.
Q9. What does the Garuda symbolize?
The Garuda symbolizes the virtue of knowledge, power, bravery, loyalty, and discipline. As the vehicle of Vishnu, Garuda also bears the attributes of Vishnu, which symbolize the preservation of cosmic order.
They are described as beings with intelligence and social organization. Thailand uses the Garuda as its national symbol, known as the Phra Khrut Pha, meaning "Garuda, the vehicle (of Vishnu)," also used as the symbol of royalty.
In India, the eagle is also a religious symbol as the Vahan of Lord Vishnu. If you dream of an eagle flying high in the sky it means that your fate shall improve. You shall gain wealth, respect, and status.
Garuda was invoked as a symbol of impetuous force, speed, and martial prowess during Mahabharata. Accordingly, nowadays, military brigades are named after Garuda. Powerful warriors advancing rapidly on doomed foes are likened to Garuda swooping down upon a serpent.
Garuda is also symbolically linked to emeralds. There is a belief that touching emeralds can mitigate the effects of poison. Garuda is represented by trampling underfoot evil spirits, in particular represented by the serpent (naga).
Q10. Where are wooden statues of the Garuda popular?
This wooden sculpture of a bird-like creature is found in many parts of South East Asia. In Thailand and Indonesia, it is their national symbol and is part of the Buddhist faith. In India, he is the god or deity known as 'Garuda' and is part of the Hindu group of gods.
Garuda is the Eagle, the King of Birds and the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. Its aesthetic figurines, statues, and pictures carved in fine quality wood are very popular in these countries. Even the wood artisans of South India are famous for their beautiful hand carving.
Some figurines are shown as his wings are spread wide and there are many cobras coiled around him with his hands held together in front of his chest in the Anjali mudra or Namaste/Namaskar position of greeting.
Q11. Who made the Garuda statue?
Garuda Visnu Kencana statue (also known as GWK statue) is a 122-meter tall statue located in Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, Bali, Indonesia. It was designed by Nyoman Nuarta and inaugurated in September 2018.
The GWK Cultural Park stretches across 60 hectares and is elevated at an altitude of 263 meters above sea level. The statue is 246 feet (75 meters) tall, It represents Vishnu, one of the main deities of Hinduism, riding on the back of his faithful mount Garuda.
The entire structure was built from 754 modules, weighing more than 3,000 tons, with a steel frame covered in a copper and brass skin and concrete core column. On top of Vishnu’s head sits a 3.5-ton crown covered with gold-plated mosaics. The outer covering measures 22000 m2 in area and the statue has a dedicated lighting arrangement.
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