#Thread
GARUDA: SHRI VISHNU’s VAHANA

Garuda, described as Khagesvara, the king of birds is the vahana of Shri Vishnu and worshipped for being a protector of dharma. In Garuda Panchasat, Vedanta Desika says that the Gayatri mantra constitutes Garuda’s eyes.
@RatanSharda55

Rishi Kashyap was married to Kadru and Vinta who were sisters but very jealous of each other. Kadru asked Kashyap to grant her 1000 sons of incomparable strength. Vinta,then, asked for only two sons but that they should eclipse the sons of her sister in strength, valor and fame.

While Kadru became the mother of a thousand serpents, Vinta mothered Aruna and Garuda. Garuda was born with exceptional radiance, so much that the Devas were unable to see him properly. Upon their request, he reduced his radiance a thousand fold.

Once, Garuda’s mother Vinta was tricked into being a slave to her sister Kadru and her offspring, the Nagas. To free her, the Nagas demanded of Amrit, kept in Indra’s custody. When Indra saw that Amrit was being stolen, he discharged his weapon Vajra towards Garuda.

As a mark of respect to Rishi Dadhichi whose bones were used to create Vajra, Garuda shed one feather. Else he remained unharmed and took away Amrit vessel. He met Sri Vishnu on the way who granted him a boon, in appreciation of his selflessness.

Garuda chose the boon that he should always be higher than Vishnu, and that he would be immortal, even without the aid of Amrit. Vishnu granted him this boon and set him on his flagstaff, thus giving him a great position(Garuda-dhwaj).

Garuda tricked the Nagas and prevented them from drinking Amrit after his mother was freed. Since then, Garuda became the enemy of Nagas and he eats snakes as food. Amrit vessel was restored to Indra and Garuda was honoured as King of birds and the faithful mount of Sri Vishnu.

In Southeast Asian culture, Garuda is often invoked as a protector. In Thailand, Garuda is not just Vishnu’s mount, but also as protector of various sites. He is frequently depicted on amulets and charms meant to ward off snakes and snake bites.
@desi_thug1 @hindupride202