Garuda, the Vahana of Lord Vishnu

I created this post because my cousin who resides in Indonesia told me about this Indonesia's famous mythical creature the "Garuda". I also thought that only few peeps recognize this beast and by creating a post about this creature will capture the eyes of many. So here it is. I hope you learn more knowledge about this mythical creature.

What is a "Garuda"?

Based on my source a Garuda is a large mythical bird or bird like creature that appears in both Hindu and Buddhist Mythology.

Trivia:

Garuda is the Hindu name for the constellation Aquila and the Brahminy Kite is considered to be the contemporary representation of Garuda.

In Hindu Mythology,

A Garuda is a lesser Hindu divinity, usually the mount vahanam of Vishnu. Garuda is depicted as having a golden body, white face, red wings, and an eagle's beak, but with a strong man's body. He wears a crown on his head. He is ancient and has a size enough to block out the sun. Worship of Garuda is believe to remove the effects of poisons from one's body.

In the Mahabharata,

The story of Garuda's birth and deeds is told in the first book of the great epic Mahabharata. According to the epic, when Garuda first burst forth from his egg, he appeared as a raging inferno equal to the cosmic conflagration that consumes the world at the end of every age. Frightened, the gods begged him for mercy. Garuda, hearing their plea reduced himself in size and energy.

Descendents

According to the Mahabharata, Garuda had six sons from whom were descended the race of birds. The members of their race were of great might and without compassion,subsisting as they did on their relatives, the snakes. Vishnu was their protector.

As a symbol

Throughout the Mahabharata, Garuda is invoked as a symbol of impetuous violent force, of speed, and of 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 field marshal Drona uses a military formation named after Garuda. Krishna even carries the image of Garuda on his banner.

In Buddhism,

In Buddhist mythology, the Garudas are enormous predatory birds with intelligence and social organization. Another name for Garuda is Suparna meaning "well-winged, having good wings". Like the Nagas, they combine the characteristics of animals and divine beings, and may be considered to be among the lowest devas.

The exact size of the Garudas is uncertain, but its wings are said to have a span of many miles. This may be a poetic exaggeration but it is also said that when a Garuda's wings flap, they create hurricane-like winds that darken the sky and blow down houses. A human being is so small compared to a Garuda that a man can hide in a plumage of one without being noticed. They are also capable of tearing up entire banyan trees from their roots and carrying them off.

There you go peeps! The Garuda's history is cited for you with the help of some trusted sites. I hope this gives you extra information and knowledge about the beast who become well known as the "Garuda". For other information you know about this beast,kinda e-mail me at rainer.panganiban@yahoo.com and I will include your details about the Garuda here in my blog.