Garuḍa

Garuḍa Garuḍa is the god-bird mount of the Hindu (see Hindu entries) god Viṣṇu (see Viṣṇu). He represents both the sun and fire and is known as the enemy of the snakes (see Nagas). The Bhāgavata Purāṇa (see Purāṇas) tells how the Nagas present Garuda with an offering each fortnight in order to protect themselves from his tendency to otherwise devour them.