Garuda (गरुड़)

Garuda (गरुड़) is the eagle-like divine being who serves as Vishnu’s mount and is independently revered for protection from serpents. Devotional and narrative traditions especially associate this figure with speed, courage, protection, service and victory over serpentine danger. Common iconography may include eagle wings, human torso, folded hands and Vishnu association. Important related names include Garutman. The exact stories, ritual customs and visual details can differ by text, region and lineage, so descriptions should distinguish widely shared tradition from local interpretation. For a Madhuma reference page, the strongest people-first angle is to explain who Garuda is, the major stories and symbols, how worship differs across India, important festivals or pilgrimage contexts, and respectful modern practice without presenting devotional belief as historical fact.