Tag: Garuda

Garuda is described as Pakshiraja, the king of Birds. All of us recognize him as the vahana or mount of Lord Vishnu

Garuda - The Valiant

Garuda – The Valiant

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Article by Smt. D.K. Ahana Lakshmi

Garuda – Pakshiraja

Garuda is described as Pakshiraja, the king of Birds. All of us recognize him as the vahana or mount of Lord Vishnu. When you enter a Vishnu temple, there is an image or icon of Garuda at the entrance. He is celebrated as ‘Periya Thiruvadi’ just as Hanuman is known as ‘Siriya Thiruvadi’.

Garuda Statue, Alipiri

Origin of Garuda

The origin of Garuda is described in the Adiparva of the Mahabharata. Briefly, he is the son of Sage Kashyapa and Vinata. He is the younger brother of Aruna, the charioteer of Lord Surya.

But how did Garuda become Lord Vishnu’s vahana? The story is as follows: His mother Vinata lost a bet with her co-sister Kadruva (who employed a trick) resulting in Vinata becoming a slave to Kadruva and her children, the nagas. This was due to a curse uttered by Aruna who also said that she would be delivered from slavery by her son.

This could be done only by getting the amruta for the snakes that were his step-brothers (Kadruva’s children). Valiant Garuda, the shapeshifter (for he was a master of ashtasiddhis), managed to obtain the amruta that was amazingly guarded. When Garuda was in the air with the pot of nectar, he met Lord Vishnu.

Slokas 13-16 in the 33rd Adhyaya (chapter) of the Adi Parva in Mahabharata describe the encounter (summarised here): At that time, the son of Vinata encountered Lord Vishnu Narayana was pleased with Garuda’s commitment.

He called out to Garuda – ‘I would like to give you a boon’.

Garuda the sky-roamer said, ‘Lord let me serve on your flag’.

And ‘Even without a drink of the nectar, may I be immortal’. The Lord said to Garuda, ‘Let it be so’.

Now Garuda said, ‘Lord, now I proffer thee a boon.’ Lord Vishnu said, ‘I wish that you become my steed’.

And that is how the mighty Garuda became the vahana of Lord Vishnu.

Garuda-seva or the processional of the lord mounted on Garuda is a wonderful spectacle in any Vishnu temple. Crowds throng to worship the lord on Garuda because it is believed that moksha can be easily obtained when worshipping the lord on Garuda Vahana.

Garuda Seva Crowd
Crowd waiting for Garuda Vahana Seva in Tirumala (Tirupati Balaji Temple)

After all, did the Lord not speed to Gajendra’s rescue flying there mounted on Garuda? This scene has also been captured dramatically by the poet Pothana in his ‘Bhagavatam’. Every single illustration of Gajendra moksha shows the lord arriving to rescue the King of Elephants riding his favourite mount.

The third chapter of the ashtama skanda of Srimad Bhagavatam describes what happened. Specifically, the 31st sloka says:

Hearing the mental prayer of the distressed elephant The lord of the world wielding the Sudarsana (discus) Swiftly arrived on his vahana, Garuda, who is Possessed of a speed that depends on his will.

Garuda Vahana is so closely associated with Sriman Narayana that in Narasimha Satakam, Seshappa describing lord Vishnu says “Garudavahana divya kaustubhalankara ravi koti teja sa rangavadana”: On his Garuda vahana, adorned with the divine Kaustubha gem, bright-faced like the sun…” (Verse 83).

But Garuda is much more than all that. In Garuda Panchashat, Swami Vedanta Desika writes that Garuda is the personification of Vedas (verse 3). He says Garuda’s eyes are the Gayatri mantra, his name is the Yajur Veda and so on. At the end of the verse Swami Desika prays saying that the Garuda thus extolled by the Vedas may show us the way to freedom.

Being like Garuda, selfless, devoted and committed to achieving the given task despite hurdles on the way pleases the lord and helps attain moksha.

Garuda Vahanam in Tirumala

At Tirumala, the sight of Sri Malayappa swami mounted on the golden Garuda vahanam during Srivari Brahmotsavam sends devotees into ecstasy. Garuda is often adorned with precious jewels such as the Makara kanti, Salagrama haaram and wears a golden crown.

Garuda Seva

The lord’s feet are securely placed in the open palms of Garuda who is seen kneeling on one leg. Lord’s appearance on Garuda bestows transcendence and salvation to the devotees. There is also a monthly Garuda seva on the full moon night when Sri Malayappa swami varu tours the Mada streets on the Garuda Vahana.

Devotees can watch the Garudavahanaseva live on SVBC Channel and be blessed.

Ramulavari Meda (Rama’s Abode) - Tirupati Balaji Temple

Ramulavari Meda (Rama’s Abode) – Tirupati Balaji Temple

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Ramulavari Meda / Rama’s Abode

As soon as you cross Snapana Mandapam there is a narrow 12″ x 10″ passage. This is known as Ramulavari Meda. Before 1262-65 A.D. the researchers believe that this was not there. They believe that this was a part of the present Vaikunta Pradakshina path.

To enter Ramulavari Meda from Snapana Mandapam we have to pass through Six feet wide stone door frame. Outside this door frame wooden door frame with doors is built for protection. A locking system is provided to lock inner doors.

Sri Rama Rama Ramethi
Rame Raame Manorame
Sahasra Nama Thath Thulyam
Rama Nama Varanane

On both sides of Ramulavari Meda, there are raised terraces or platforms.

  • On the southern side raised platform the utsava statues of Angada, Hanuman, and Sugreeva, facing north are installed.
  • Similarly, on the northern side raised platform utsava moorthies of Venkateswara’s family members like Vishwaksena, Anantha, and Garuda are installed. These statues face south.

VISWAK SENA or SRI VISHVAKSENA or VISWAKSENA

Rama’s family

The Deities who belong to Rama’s family –

Sugreeva

Being the king of Vanaras, he has a crown on his head. He is offering his salutations to Rama by joining his two hands with upward palms. He will participate in the coronation ceremony of Rama which will be performed on Dasami Day after Sri Rama Navami.

Angada

After seeing Rama’s splendor in Lord Venkateswara of Venkatachala, Angada’s jaw gets dropped. Angada’s bewildered expression can be seen in the face. Being crown prince he has a small cap-like crown. He too will participate in the coronation ceremony of Sri Rama.

Obedient Hanuman

Obedient Hanuman is standing before Rama with his right hand covering his mouth. When he says ‘Yes My Lord’ to avoid spluttering he is covering his mouth with his right hand. Because of this particular behavior, he is known as the most obedient Hanuman. He plays an important role when Rama’s court gets assembled or at the time of Rama’s coronation.

Sri Venkateswara’s family

The Deities belonging to Sri Venkateswara’s family –

Anantha

Anantha is no other than Adisesha who becomes a comfortable bed for Lord Srinivasa by curling down. He has hoods and is showing blessing Mudra. This Moorthy is made of Panchaloha (an alloy of five metals).

ANNA UNJAL MANDAPAM
Hoisting of the Garudadhwaja on Dhwajastambham

On the very first day of Brahmothsavams before hoisting the temple flag a ceremony to invite eight guards who guard four directions as well as four corners, is performed. Anantha participates in this Gramotsav.

Vishwaksena

Vishwaksena is the commander-in-chief of universal Lord Sri Venkateswara’s army. He is also known as “Sena Mudaliyar” in Tamil. He has blessing hands and has Sankhu and Chakra. This Moorthy is also made of an alloy of five metals. He plays an important role in different courts – Ugadi, Deepavali, Anivara – He will head ceremonies like Ankurarpanam, Mrutti Sangraha (soil collection).

Being commander-in-chief of Lord Venkateswara he occupies an important place.

Garuda

He is Swamy’s aerial car. He will be ever ready to carry the Lord with open wings. This panchaloha Moorthy stands with folded hands. He participates on the first day of Swamy Brahmothsavam at the time of inviting rulers of all the eight directions. This Utsav Moorthy whose height is 1 ½ feet participates in all ceremonies.

garuda puranam

The idols of Seetha Rama and Lakshmana which are now kept in Sanctum Sanctorum were once on the raised platform. Because of this placement, that particular area gets the name of ‘Ramulavari Meda’.

It is said the idols which were once on the platform were shifted into Sanctum Sanctorum. But the name continues to be Ramulavari Meda even to this day. The other small idols that were there on the raised platform were, it is said, shifted to Ankurarpana (sprouting) Mandapam which is near the golden well.

When the crowd is larger, devotees will have the darshan of Lord Balaji from this Ramulavari Meda. Daily night Ekantha seva (solitude) will be performed here. At that time a descendant of Tallapaka Annamacharya with a Tambura (a stringed musical instrument) will sing a lullaby.

Tallapaka Annamacharya

Sri Garuda Swami Temple - Koladevi

Sri Garuda Swami Temple – Koladevi

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Sri Garuda Swami Temple

Many animals and birds are worshipped as the vahanas of many deities. In Vishnu temples, we worship Garuda along with two lions which are installed on the gopuras, vimanas, and on the four corners of the outer wall which represent the prominent members of animal and bird kingdoms.

Lord Krishna identified Himself with Garuda and Lion in Bhagavad Gita as:

“I am the Lion among the animals and Vainateya (Garuda) among the birds: (verse 10:30) “Mruganamcha mrugendra aham, Vainateyascha Pakshinam”.

Every year Sravana Sukla Panchami Day is earmarked for the adoration and worship of Garuda.

garuda puranam

Amruta Kalasa Garuda

Maharshi Kashyapa married Vinata and Kadru. Garuda was born to Vinata and hence he is adored as Vainateya. Sri Vaishnavas worship him as the personification of the Vedas. Kadru gave birth to snakes. When Vinata lost a wager with Kadru, as agreed, she became a slave to Kadru and to release his mother from bondage, Garuda went to Indra Loka and brought nectar (amrutham).

In many places, Garuda is shown holding a pot of nectar in his hand and is called “Amruta Kalasa Garuda”. Lord Maha Vishnu is at all times surrounded by Nityasuris, Anantha, Garuda, and Vishwaksena.

Sruti declares, “tat Vishnor Paramam Patham; satha pasyanthi Soorayaha” (In the paramapada Lord Vishnu is forever be held by the Nityasuris with unblinking eyes.).

  • Garuda and Hanuman are the two prominent carriers of Lord Maha Vishnu.
  • Garuda is always in the presence of the Lord with folded hands waiting for the command of his master. He is hailed as “Garudalwar.”
Statue of Garuthmantha - Garuda Panchami
Statue of Garuthmantha inside Tirumala Temple

There is a Garuda Temple… (Koladevi)

This Garuda temple is situated in Koladevi Village, Kolar District of Karnataka State. Koladevi village is located in the Mulbagal division. During the reign of Vijayanagara kings, Mulbagal was the eastern entrance to the empire (Moola Vayil meaning primary entrance and Moola vayil corrupted as Mulbagal).

Here in a separate temple, a very unusual statue of Garuda has been installed.

Sri Garuda Swami Temple, KolaDevi

Legends Behind the Origin of the Temple

Jayatu fought with Ravana

There is an interesting Puranic legend behind the origin of this temple. When Ravana was abducting Sita Devi the Eagle King Jatayu fought with him and fell wounded. When Rama and Lakshmana were roaming the forest searching for Sita Devi, they met Jatayu, gathered information about the Devi and when Jatayu breathed his last Lord Rama performed his obsequies.

The people of Koladevi village believe that this is the place where Jatayu was cremated. In Kali Yuga Bhrighu Maharishi erected a temple for Garuda here in memory of Jatayu.

Arjuna’s worship of Garuda (To get rid of Sarpa Dosha)

One more legend says that the presence of the unusual statue of Garuda in Koladevi is due to Arjuna’s worship of Garuda here. Though Dakshaka Naga residing in the Khandava forest escaped unscathed when the forest was burnt by Agni at the behest and collaboration of Arjuna and Krishna, Arjuna suffered for sarpa dosha.

Saints advised Arjuna to worship Garuda to get rid of the dosha. Garuda was ready to remove the dosha on condition that, Lord Vishnu and Sri Mahalakshmi should come to this holy spot, sit on his two shoulders, and give darshan to devotees. Garuda also wanted the Lord to wield a bow and arrow in his two hands reminiscent of his avatar as Sri Rama.

To help Arjuna, Lord Mahavishnu fulfilled the wish of Garuda. Arjuna worshipped Garuda who appeared carrying Lord Vishnu and Sri Mahalakshmi on both his hands, and got rid of his sarpa dosha.

Darshan of Garuda

In the Sanctum we have the darshan of Garuda in a relief sculpture of wonderful workmanship and beauty. Garuda with prominent canines and mustache, and with a dagger in his waist, has his right leg bent to the back with the left in front, sporting widespread wings. Ashta Naagas adorn his various limbs.

Garuda’s serene and satisfied countenance faces north where the separate shrine of Hanuman is located. He carries on his right palm Lord Vishnu with two hands armed with a bow and arrow and on his left palm Sri Mahalakshmi.

It can be noticed that both the Lord and His consort are seated on peetams. Shanka and Chakra adorn the sides of Garuda’s face.

There is a legend that after the Kurukshetra war, Pancha Pandavas visited this place when Arjuna established the Hanuman Sannidhi adjacent to Gardua and Sage Vasishta installed Lord Srinivasa, Sri Padmavathi and Rama, Sita, Lakshmana idols. In recent years lots of devotees have visited this temple of Sri Garuda Bhagavan.

Hanuman Sannidhi - KolaDevi

Belief…

Devotees believe that a visit to this temple and darshan of Lord Garuda would cure them of their chronic ailments, mental stress, fear, sickness following bites by venomous creatures, etc. Devotees have the great opportunity of having the darshan of Lord Mahavishnu and Sri Mahalakshmi and Garuda together.

Making of Umbrellas for Garuda Seva

Making of Umbrellas for Garuda Seva

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Making of Umbrellas

The celebration of offering umbrellas on the day of Garudotsavam has been in practice for over 180 years. This worship was started by Sri Venkata Krishnamma Setty. It has been in practice traditionally for a long time. For the preparation of umbrellas, nearly a month’s duration is required.

Usually, before two months, the process of the divine work takes its initial startup. One auspicious day is fixed during the fortnight of ‘Ashada Amavasya’ and ‘Purnima’. The material used is well-grown bamboo reapers which are to be worshipped before the making of the umbrellas.

During the making of the umbrellas, the part of the tree trunk is used to make the long post and above that, a ‘kalasa’ is placed. Bamboo reapers, silk cloth and white cloth are woven above the kalasa.

Umbrellas - Brahmotsavams

WoodWork – Bamboo- Silk – Cloth

Different parts of the umbrellas are made in different areas like Woodwork will be taken up in Chennai. The bamboo work will be done in Kanchi and the ornamental silk work will be done in Chintadripeta in Chennai.

Firstly, silk cloth is used inside the umbrella. Above that, Qualitative ‘tracade’ cloth will be used. It is then wrapped in White ‘drill’ cloth. Ornamental ‘kuchu’ designs are decorated around the umbrella.

A white cloth would be placed as a cover on the three types of cloth to protect the shining of the umbrellas during the times of procession. As soon as the umbrellas reach Tirumala, the umbrellas will be unveiled by removing the outer protecting cover. They appear radiantly to the onlookers during the procession.

The ‘kalasalu’ which were arranged above the umbrella and based below the stem of the umbrella would be smeared with gold colour to protect its scintillating effect.

Procession of Umbrellas

Followed by a musical troupe, the umbrellas will be taken in a procession in the streets of Chennapattanam. During this, the devotees offer incense, lights, ‘haarati’ and ‘naivedyam’ to the Lord.

The umbrellas reach the ‘Kalyanamandapam’ located on Kandapu Setty Street in Chennai. The ‘mandapam’ was arranged by the then Mayor of Chennapuri Sri K. Sreeramulu.

It is a rule that the ‘mandapam’ was to be used when the umbrellas were offered gloriously. During those days, the devotees who enter the ‘mandapam’ feel excited, as if they were in the presence of the Lord of Seven Hills at Tirumala.

Umbrellas procession - Brahmotsavams
Procession of Umbrella on Four Mada Streets, Tirumala on eve of Brahmotsavams

Special Privilege

There is a special privilege in the making of these umbrellas. A costly silk cloth is woven for the ‘Moolamurthy’ of Tirumala. It will be kept on a glass shelf and worshipped there itself. Along with the new umbrellas, the devotees bring the cloth and reach Tirumala on foot on the day of Garuda Seva.

Lord Malayappa swami comes along with these newly prepared umbrellas on the Garuda Vahana in a procession at night. Later, the ‘Moolamurthy’ is decorated with valuable silk cloth.

If one visits and serves Lord Venkateswara on the day of Garuda Seva, which is renowned for ‘Kaimkaryam’ of umbrellas, the Almighty will bless the devotees with prosperity, peace and eternal bliss.

Garuda Panchami

Garuda Panchami

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Garuda Panchami in Tirumala temple

On the day of Garuda Panchami, special worshiping is being conducted for Garuthmantha, who has an inseparable relationship with Tirumala Hills. In the evening, Sri Malayappa Swamy is taken out in a procession on Garuda Vahana around four Mada Streets.

statue of Garuthmantha
The statue of Garuthmantha in Namaskara posture (Folded hands) opposite to Sri Venkateswara Swamy in the Gantamandapam of Anandanilayam.

GARUDA PANCHAMI VRATAM

According to saying “Vedamaya Vihangeswaraha” Garuthmantha is said to be an image of Veda. There is an interesting story behind the commencement and celebration of Garuda Panchami Vratam in the name of Garuthmantha.

Maharshi Kasyapa had two wives called Vinatha and Kadruva. Garuthmantha is the son of Vinatha. Those, who were born to Kadruva are called Sarparajas.

Garuthmantha – Winning over Indra and Others

Once, there occurred a competition between Vinatha and Kadruva. According to this, the loser in the competition should do slavery for the winner. As such, Vinatha was defeated in the said competition and started doing services as a slave to Kadruva.

Garuthmantha, who was known for his great strength and power, decided to look for the various ways by which he could free his mother Vinatha from slavery, finally, he decided to go to Swarga Lokam and bring Amrutham from Indra on the advice of Narada Maharshi.

In his attempt to bring Amrutham from Swarga lokam, Garuthmantha fought with all those, who tried to prevent him including Indra. Defeating them he brought Amrutham for his stepmother Kadruva and thus freed his mother Vinatha from slavery. The day on which Garuthmantha brought Amrutha from Swarga Lokam to free his mother from slavery is Sravana Shukla Panchami.

Further, it is believed that it is also the Birthday of Garuthmantha and as such, the Vratham is celebrated in memory of Garuthmantha.

Garuda
The natural mountain resembles the GARUDA. It is situated on the way to Tirupati from Tirumala.

The procedure of the Vratham

This Vratham is to be celebrated by all married women who have brothers. While celebrating this vratham, these women have to lay rangoli with rice flour in the sacred place of worship pour some rise in the middle, and establish a statue of Adishesha, which is made of Gold / Silver / Copper or even mud.

And, under the hood of this Adishesha, the image of Gouri Devi, which is made out of turmeric powder should be kept. At first, these women should perform Lord Vinayaka followed by the Phani Gouri Devi, and offer Naivedyam.

Later, they have to prepare Thoranam and wear it to the Right Hand. While wearing the Thoranam, they should read the following Slokam.

“PHANI GOURI
NAMOSTUTE
KAILASA NILAYE STHITE
LOKAMAATRNAMASTUBHYAM SOUBHAGYAM
DEHIME SADA”

After that, they should read out the story of Vratham and thus end the Vratham. Further, they have to give Tambulams to the women and get their blessings.

Like this, the Garuda Panchami Vratham should be followed for Ten years. By observing this Vratham all sorts of goodness will be there with families of either side and the Sowbhagyam of women will remain for a long period.

Specialty of the Vratham

If we carefully observe this process of the Vratham, we find that the name is that of Garuthmantha while the worship is only to the Adishesha. There is enmity between the king of the snakes and Garuthmantha, but on the day of Garuda Panchami, worshiping Adisesha is as good as worshiping the enemy.

But this teaches us a moral that we have to treat everyone with equal value and thus spread goodness among the people.

KUNKUMAANKIGA VARNAAYA KUNDENDU
DHAVALAAYACH
VISHNUVAAHA! NAMASTHUBHYAM
PAKSHIRAAJAAYATHE NAMAHA!!

*Data Source – Saptagiri Magazine

Garuda - Vehicle of Sri Maha Vishnu

Garuda – Vehicle of Sri Maha Vishnu

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Garuda – Huge Idol

In Alipiri, on the way to Tirumala, we find the huge Statue of Garuthmantha in all his majesty. It is suggestive of “I am here to carry forward all your requisitions to Lord Srinivasa.

 

Garuda Vahanam 3

Brahmotsavams and on Purnima Day

Among all Vahana sevas performed to Sri Venkateswara Swamy, Garuda Seva is very important and special. Lakhs of people anxiously wait for the Darshan of the Swamy in Garuda Vahana Seva, which is performed on the fifth day of Annual Brahmotsavams.

In addition to this, Sri Venkateswara Swamy showers His blessings on His devotees every month on the Purnima day on Garuda Vahana and by going on a procession along the four Mada Streets. By witnessing this seva of Sri Venkateswara Swamy, the people feel that their life is blessed.

Eulogised the Lord

Even the Alwars and the Sankeerthanaacharyas worship and praise the Lord filled with extreme happiness.

On witnessing Sri Mannarayana on Garuda Vahana, Periyaalwar began singing…
“PALLAANDU..PALLANDU.”.
Bhaktha Ramadas worshipped him with the song

“GARUDA GAMANA RAARAA NANU NEE
KARUNAA NELUKORA….”.

Similarly, Tallapaka Annamacharya requested Garuda to appeal to Lord Venkateswara Swamy for the Welfare of the devotees with the following song

“DAASA VARGAMULAKELLA DARIDAAPU
MEEREKAANA
VAASIKI NEKKICHARAADAA VASUDAHALO
MAMMUNU
AITMAI GARUDUNDA ATTE MEERU
CHEYARAADAA
YEYEDA VINNAPAMU MAAKEMI
VALASINANU”.