Garuda Vahana South Indian Wooden Statue
Wood carved statue of Garuda Vahanam colored in rural South Indian style. Strikingly colored, handmade wooden statue of Garudavahana. <br> <br>Garuda is regarded as the king of birds in Indian theology. He is a very powerful celestial being who is also the amount of the supreme god <em>Vishnu</em>. The story of Garuda ’s birth is narrated in the <em>Mahabharata</em>. Being a mount of Lord Vishnu and a devotee too, Garuda features prominently in <em>Vaishnava</em> literature. Read more about Garuda <a title="Iconography of Garuda" href="https://www.cottage9.com/blog/post/garuda-in-indian-art-and-iconography/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. <br> <br>This wood statue is of <strong>Garudavahana</strong> or of Garuda as a mount. <em>Vahana</em> is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘mount in English. Garuda is seen in a ready-to-fly position with his wings upraised, one foot and one knee placed firmly on the ground and waiting upon Vishnu. His hands are spread in anticipation, ready to be placed under Vishnu ’s feet after he sits on his shoulders. <br> <br>Garuda statues are seen in this pose in many Vishnu temples, outside the <em>garbha griha</em> (sanctum santorum). This wood statue of Garudavahana is medium-sized and is ideally suited to be placed both indoors and out.
