GARUDA Whose master is the light of the world (i.e. the sun), and whose relative (brotner) is Garuda, the king of the birds,that Aruna is crippled because of his past actions. (Dhanasari Trilochan, p. 695) Govind (The Lord) came riding on Garuda, producing music of the wings (of Garuda). (Bhairo Namdev, p. 1166) The mouth in which there is Garuda-mantra, it does not have any fear of a serpent. (Mali Gaura M. 5, p. 987) Garuda is the Vehicle of Vishnu. He is half-man and half-bird and is the younger brother of Aruna, the charioteer of sun-god. He was the son of Kashyapa and, Vinata.
He is the mortal enemy of snakes. His mother\’ Vinata quarrelled with her sister Kadru, the mother of\’ the snakes. It is written in Mahabharata that his mother lost her wager with her sister regarding the colour of the sea-produced horse and thus became a slave to Kadru, who promised to set her free, if her son Garuda should bring the Amrita from the moon. After surmounting astonishing dangers, Garuda accomplished his task and got the liberty of his mother.
For stealing Amrita, he had to fight with Indra and other gods. He overcame all of them except Vishnu, who made him his vehicle. Because of his enmity with the snakes, there is a mantra (incantation) in his name, known as Garuda Mantra. Anyone who knows this mantra has no fear of the snakes. He had a son named Sampati and his wife was Unnati or Vinayaka. See : Aruna
References :
1. Kohli, Surindar Singh (ed), Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib, 1993
Garuda, the mighty bird deity, holds an unparalleled position in Hindu mythology as the king of birds and the eternal vehicle (vahana) of Lord Vishnu. Representing strength, loyalty, and the triumph of good over evil, Garuda’s presence in sacred texts symbolizes divine will and the pursuit of liberation. While the Sikh scripture, Guru Granth Sahib, does not explicitly mention Garuda, the spiritual lessons drawn from his mythology resonate within its teachings, fostering universal values of devotion, courage, and humility.
Garuda in Hindu Mythology
Garuda, often described as half-man and half-eagle, is celebrated for his extraordinary strength and devotion to Lord Vishnu. Born to Vinata, the mother of birds, and Kashyapa, the sage, Garuda’s life is marked by heroic feats and unwavering loyalty to the Divine. He is often depicted carrying Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi across the heavens, symbolizing the eternal bond between the devotee and the Divine.
One of the most famous stories of Garuda involves his quest to liberate his mother from slavery. To do so, Garuda retrieves the pot of amrita (nectar of immortality) from the gods, demonstrating his courage, dedication, and selflessness. This tale underscores themes of filial piety and the importance of divine grace in overcoming obstacles.
Garuda’s association with Vishnu also represents the soul’s journey toward moksha (liberation). As the celestial mount, he embodies the ascension of the soul from earthly attachments to divine union, inspiring devotees to seek higher spiritual truths.
Quotes in Guru Granth Sahib
Although Garuda is not directly referenced in the Guru Granth Sahib, its teachings often use metaphors of birds and flight to convey spiritual wisdom. Themes that align with Garuda’s symbolism include:
- Detachment and Liberation: The Guru Granth Sahib emphasizes breaking free from the bonds of maya (illusion) to attain spiritual liberation, paralleling Garuda’s ascension to serve the Divine.
- Divine Strength and Courage: Just as Garuda is known for his strength and fearlessness, the Sikh scripture encourages devotees to rely on divine power to overcome life’s challenges and adversities.
- Humility and Service: Garuda’s unwavering service to Vishnu mirrors the Guru Granth Sahib’s teachings on the importance of humility and devotion in living a righteous life.
- Universal Lessons
Garuda serves as a powerful symbol of devotion, liberation, and the triumph of good over evil. These values find a profound echo in the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib, which urge followers to rise above worldly distractions and dedicate themselves to the Divine. Together, Garuda’s mythology and Sikh teachings inspire reflections on courage, selflessness, and the pursuit of spiritual truth.
