Garuda

In Hinduism, Garuda is the mount of the god Vishnu, who represents the supreme reality and the preserver of the universe.
Garuda is a symbol of strength, courage, loyalty and devotion.
He is also the enemy of the serpents, who represent evil and ignorance.
Garuda is said to have rescued the nectar of immortality from the serpents and given it to the gods.
He is also the son of the sage Kashyapa and the bird-like goddess Vinata, and the brother of Aruna, the charioteer of the sun god.
Garuda is depicted as a large eagle-like bird with golden feathers, a white face, red wings and a crown on his head.
He is often shown carrying Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi on his back.
Garuda is worshipped by many Hindus as a protector and a guardian.

In Buddhism, Garuda is a type of celestial being called a dharmapala, or a protector of the dharma (the teachings of the Buddha).
He is also a symbol of wisdom, power and speed.
He is sometimes shown as a part of the eight auspicious symbols, or ashtamangala, which are used to represent the qualities of the enlightened mind.
Garuda is also associated with the five wisdoms, or prajnas, which are the antidotes to the five poisons of ignorance, attachment, aversion, pride and jealousy.
Garuda is said to have the power to cure diseases, especially those caused by snake bites or poison.
He is also revered by some Buddhist sects as a manifestation of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who embodies compassion and mercy.
Garuda is depicted as a human-like figure with wings, a beak, claws and a crown of feathers.
He is often shown holding a snake in his mouth or hands, or riding on a dragon.

In Jainism, Garuda is a type of heavenly being called a vyantara, or an intermediary.
He is one of the four guardians of the directions, along with the lion, the elephant and the bull.
He is the guardian of the south direction, and represents the quality of bravery.
He is also a devotee of the 16th Tirthankara, or spiritual teacher, Shantinatha, who is associated with peace and tranquility.
Garuda is said to have helped Shantinatha in his mission of spreading the Jain faith and defeating the enemies of the dharma.
Garuda is depicted as a winged man with a bird-like face and a snake in his hand.
He is often shown in a kneeling posture, offering his respects to Shantinatha.

In Indonesia, Garuda is the national emblem and the name of the national airline.
He is a symbol of unity, freedom and sovereignty.
He is also a representation of the Indonesian motto, "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika", which means "Unity in Diversity".
Garuda is inspired by the Javanese version of the Hindu legend, where he is the son of the god Brahma and the goddess Saraswati.
He is also the brother of the monkey god Hanuman, who helped Rama in his quest to rescue Sita from the demon king Ravana.
Garuda is depicted as a giant bird with a human torso, wearing a gold crown, a black shield and a red and white banner.
He is holding a lotus flower and a ring in his claws, symbolizing the principles of democracy and justice.

In Thailand, Garuda is the emblem of the royal family and the state.
He is a symbol of authority, power and loyalty.
He is also a representation of the Thai name for the country, "Prathet Thai", which means "Land of the Free".
Garuda is based on the Thai version of the Hindu legend, where he is the son of the god Indra and the goddess Supanna.
He is also the king of the birds and the leader of the mythical creatures.
Garuda is depicted as a bird-like man with four arms, holding various weapons and attributes of the gods.
He is often shown in a flying posture, with his wings spread out.