Bound by Karma And Freed by Devotion: Garuda’s Journey from Snakes to Sovereignty
(ANALYSIS) Garuda is well known as the loyal vehicle of Hindu deity Vishnu and is usually depicted as a large mythical eagle with a man’s upper body. Nevertheless, his duties do not confine him to merely being a divine servant. He also represents freedom and power.
For many years, Garuda had been burdened by family responsibilities and an inescapable fate resulting from his mother’s debt from karma. But it was through devotion for Lord Vishnu that he found strength within himself to break away from what held him down in order to become king among birds.
According to Hindu belief, the story of Garuda’s birth and upbringing is closely connected with karma — a cosmic law governing all existence through cause-and-effect relationships.
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Garuda's mother, Vinata, found herself entangled in a fierce rivalry with her sister Kadru, who gave birth to thousands of serpents. In an act of prideful ambition, both sisters entered into an ill-advised bet about coloration of divine horse Ucchaishravas’ tail, which ended up being won by deceitful means on the part of Kadru, thus leading Vinata becoming enslaved alongside other members from the snake clan.
Garuda’s life began right at the center, where there was constant strife among relatives rooted in karma servitude obligations. As a son born under such circumstances, he inherited this debt immediately after birth when liberation was still far beyond reach due to restrictions imposed upon them by designations from karma tied up within his mother's deeds.
Serpents asked Garuda for the ransom of the Amrita (nectar of immortality), which was fiercely guarded by the gods in order to free his mother from servitude. Undeterred even for a moment, the giant bird set out determined to accomplish what seemed impossible despite being aware of challenges lying ahead, which could have easily discouraged him or ended his life.
Garuda fought war against formidable celestial gods including Indra, the king of “devas” or gods, and came out victorious. He flew away with a nectar vessel out of Indra’s kingdom to free his mother.
Indra and Garuda later made a plan after which Garuda asked serpents to purify themselves by taking a shower before drinking nectar. Serpents removed bondage as soon as Garuda handed them nectar. In the meantime, Indra arrived and took the nectar vessel back while serpents were away.
Garuda’s contribution in churning of ocean, famously known as Samudra Manthan in “Mahabharata,” is also famously where the king of birds carried an entire mountain (Mount Mandara) when all Devas and Asuras failed to do so even after joining hands for this task.
The symbolic enemy of the Naga
The eagle-snake predator-prey relationship is deeply rooted within various parts of his tale; this enmity originated from an earlier mentioned family dispute and recurs frequently throughout other narratives where it serves as a central theme.
Garuda’s ability to consume serpents is interpreted as a symbolic representation of the triumph of good over evil, a theme prevalent in Hindu mythology. His battles against snakes, which often embody negative qualities and moral challenges, reinforce his role as a protector deity. This aspect is particularly resonant in traditions where serpents are seen as threats to the cosmic order.
Garuda's protective qualities are celebrated in various rites and depicted across cultural artifacts, where he is shown as a guardian figure, warding off evil and guiding the spiritual faithful.
Garuda’s devotion to Vishnu and philosophical insights
The alliance between Garuda and Vishnu was solidified through a mutual exchange of services and promises. Garuda's agreement to serve as Vishnu’s mount was sealed during their first encounter, which occurred during Garuda’s mission to retrieve the Amrita.
Vishnu assured Garuda of immortality without the need to consume the Amrita, and in return, Garuda pledged his eternal service. This bond epitomizes the concept of “Bhakti,” or devotion, which is fundamental to Vishnu's veneration in Hinduism.
The tales of Garuda frequently emphasize the qualities of bravery, loyalty and especially devotion, as he serves Vishnu not merely as a vehicle but as a dedicated follower actively engaged in the maintenance of the universe.
Garuda’s cultural impact
Garuda’s influence extends beyond the spiritual and enters the realm of national identity in several Southeast Asian countries. His image is prominently featured on the national emblems of Indonesia and Thailand, symbolizing authority and protection.
Garuda is revered in India as a deity. There are temples dedicated to him, one of the most famous being Vellamassery Garuda Temple in Triprangode, Kerala, which is believed to be 1,800 years old. One of the 18 Maha Puranas in Hinduism, Garud Purana is named after him. There’s also a Hindi TV serial named “Dharm Yoddha Garud,” which is based on the life of the king of birds.
In Indonesia, the Garuda Pancasila is the country’s national emblem and represents its philosophical foundations, which are the five principles of the nation’s ideology.
Garuda is also revered as a guardian figure in the royal insignia in Thailand, reflecting his protective and mighty attributes. This integration of Garuda into state symbols underscores his perceived power to safeguard and unify, linking him directly to sovereign authority and national pride.
Garuda’s story, starting with his mythical birth and ending with his influence over culture and national identity, is a tale of great spiritual and cosmic importance. As a supernatural combatant turned emblem for the entire nation, his many contributions to the development and preservation of cultural norms are apparent.
Suraj Santlani is a freelance writer. He can be reached at imsurajmls@gmail.com.