What Does Garuda Symbolize?

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. ... Garuda is a national symbol of India, Indonesia and Thailand.

What does the Garuda represent?

Garuda appear in many traditions and stories, especially in Java and Bali. In many stories Garuda symbolises the virtue of knowledge, power, bravery, loyalty, and discipline. As the vehicle of Vishnu, Garuda also bears the attributes of Vishnu, which symbolise preservation of cosmic order.

Why is Garuda Worshipped?

According to the tradition connected with this temple Garuda, the vehicle (vahana) of God Vishnu once undertook severe penance on the rock in Anthili and had a vision (darshan) of Vishnu as Lakshmi Narasimha. Garuda requested the deity to remain in this place so that other devotees could also worship here.