Title
Ceremonial vehicle - Garuda (eagle)
Year/Period
18th-19th centuries
Region
Tamil Nadu, South India
Material
Wood
Technique
Carved
Dimension
Object size: H139 x L85.3 x W90cm
Accession No.
1994-00514
Collection of
NLB Type
Woodcarving
Garuda is a mythical divine bird, the vehicle of the Hindu god Vishnu. Here it is seen with feathered wings outstretched at the shoulders, kneeling on his left leg while he takes on the countenance of a crowned human being. The kneeling posture of a warrior with arms uplifted like an attentive servant lends an air of subservience and ever-readiness - a hallmark of Garuda and Hanuman. This sculpture has an incredible presence and was used in a Vishnu temple to carry the images of Vishnu and Lakshmi.
