Always serving the Lord
This article describes Garuda's unwavering devotion and service to Lord Narayana (Vishnu) across various Hindu mythologies and avatars, including his roles as a servant, friend, vehicle, and protector. It highlights Garuda's significance in Vishnu temples and specific festivals like Garuda Sevai, and his role in events such as the war against Ravana.
Why it matters
It provides insight into Hindu mythology and religious practices, illustrating the cultural and spiritual significance of deities and their companions, and how these narratives shape religious traditions and temple rituals.
Always serving the Lord Garuda is always with Lord Narayana. In Brindavana, wherever Krishna went, Garuda flew above Him, sheltering Him from the sun. In his Stotra ratna, Alavandar enumerates the ways in which Garuda serves the Lord, said Thenthirupperai Aravindalochanan in a discourse. Alavandar points out that Garuda is the Lord’s servant, His friend, His vehicle, His seat, His flag, His canopy, and His fan. Alavandar further says that Garuda is the embodiment of the Vedas. In all Vishnu temples, we find a shrine for Garuda, where Garuda faces the Lord. When the Lord looks at Garuda, who is the Vedas personified, He is reminded of the fact that the Vedas sing His praises. During the war against Ravana, Indrajit used the naga pasa to bind Rama and Lakshmana.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in