Vintage Brass Garuda
Dimensions: 8cm high, 4.5cm wide.
Code: METAL 1821
Vintage, cast brass Garuda from the late 19th century. Most likely from the shops outside the famous Vaishavite temple at Tirupati in the central state of Andhra Pradesh. Garuda is the vahanna (vehicle) of the Hindu god Vishnu (protector of the universe). Garuda is known for his service to others and is associated with power, strength, morality and immortality. He is also known as the king of birds and is generally known as a protector with power to swiftly go anywhere, ever watchful and an enemy of the serpent. He has the torso and limbs of a man but the talons, wings, and beak of an eagle. In this piece, Garuda wears a crown, and stands with his hands in anjalimudra, which is where the two hands are folded together in a reverential state. This gesture, also more commonly known as namaste, is used to pray before a deity, receive any person one reveres and to greet friends.