Buddhist Deity: Garuda Art History

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Garuda Main Page

Subjects, Topics & Types:
- Art History Topics
- Garuda Outline Page
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Mandala
- Initiation Cards
- Torana Figure
- Garuda Decoration
- Garuda Yantra
- Regions
- Early Period: 11th to 14th century
- Middle Period: 15th to 17th century
- Late Period: 18th to present
- Confusions: Buddhist, Bon, Hindu
- Others...

Videos:
- Garuda: King of Birds
- Bird Deities of the Himalayas

Historically, from classical Indian mythology, Garuda is the king of birds. In Tantric Buddhism, Garuda is yet another form in which various buddhas arise for the purpose of removing disease and injury caused by nagas and poisoning. Metaphorically the worst 'poisons' are desire, hatred and ignorance. Various forms of Garuda are found in both the Nyingma and Sarma traditions. The Siddhaikavira, Chakrasamvara and Kalachakra Tantras of the Sarma tradition are the main sources for the various lineages of Tantric Buddhist practice. The Bon religion has a similar bird deity known as a 'kyung'.

Database Search: All Images

Jeff Watt 3-2003 [updated 9-2016, 5-2017, 2-2020]

(The images below are only a selection of examples from the links above).