In Hindu mythology, Garuda is the divine bird who serves as Vishnu’s mount.
Garuda is usually portrayed as a powerful eagle-like being with a human form and wings. He is described as the son of the sage Kashyapa and Vinata, and he is a major figure in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. In Hindu mythology, Garuda becomes Vishnu’s vahana and a formidable enemy of serpents, or nagas.
Garuda’s identity is distinct from several other sacred birds. Jatayu is the heroic vulture who appears in the Ramayana, Hamsa is the swan associated especially with Saraswati, and Aruna is the charioteer of the sun god Surya. Garuda is also represented on the Garuda flag and remains an important religious and cultural symbol across South and Southeast Asia.