ORIGIN: Hindu (Vedic)
TYPE: Archaic Sun God and Divine Vehicle
INFORMATION: Originally depicted as a solar deity, Garuda evolved into a bird-like human hybrid who became the deified mount of Visnu. Also a chief adversary of nagas (snake-like demons), which he devours. In early depictions Garuda has a parrot's beak. Said to have been born from an egg, the son of Vinata and Kasyapa. Epithets inclued Amrtaharana, Garutman, Takrsya ATTRIBUTES: Conch, club, lotus and nectar, but may also bear the attributes of Visnu.