Garuda, the vahana of Lord Vishnu seen sitting atop the flag post during the re-consecration

Garuda, the vahana of Lord Vishnu seen sitting atop the flag post during the re-consecration

Mtoday news-2012

Mangalore, Jan 16, 2012: An Eagle (Garuda) the vahana (vehicle) of Lord Vishnu seen sitting atop the flag post (Dhwaja Stambha) of the newly renovated Sri Venkatramana Temple at Car Street, Mangalore at the time of re-consecration (Punarprathistapana) of Lord Veera Venkatesha and other deities on January 16, 2012.This miraculous appearance of ’Garuda’ watching the pooja proceedings of the Punarprathishtapana is being considered as blessings from the Lord. The photo was taken by a photographer who happened to be there during the re-consecration ceremony. 

 

Incidently, Lord Venkatesha happened to be Lord Vishnu in another name who is the main deity at Sri. Venkatraman Temple, Car Street, Mangalore.

 

 

Garuda, eagle, is the Vahana or Vehicle of Lord Vishnu. Puranas narrate in detail on how Garuda became the Vahana of Lord Vishnu but what is more interesting and thought provoking is the hidden symbolism. It is said that a man who does not deviate from the path of Dharma develops the two wings of devotion and knowledge and the tail that propels him forward is the Karma Yoga. Such an individual rises like an eagle with Lord Vishnu always on top and the Lord helps him in navigating through the tough terrains of earthly existence before merging with the Supreme Soul.

An individual in the world really sustains the continuity of the world. His three aspects, as Knower through the intellect, as Enjoyer through his mind and as Doer through his body, demand the continuation of the world. The knowledge and enjoyment are interdependent and vary simultaneously, while the actions of a man affect his knowledge and enjoyment too. Thus Garuda having the two wings of mind and intellect balanced by the tail of the body, is the carrier of Vishnu.