Garuda in Bali

Garuda (from the Sanskrit: Garuḍa )is a large mythical bird or bird-like creature that appears in both Hindu and Buddhist mythology. In Hindu myth, Garuda is a lesser divinity, usually the vehicle of Vishnu, the supreme preserver deity. Hindus have bestowed various names of veneration upon him, including Amritaharana ("stealer of amrit") Gaganeshvara ("lord of the sky"), and Suparna ("having beautiful wings").

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In Bali, Garuda is believed to be the king of birds, ruler of the sky, and personification of power. In Balinese culture, Garuda is always depicted as a man with bird head and a pair of wings sometimes with bird’s tail though. Garuda has been depicted in a variety of ways, although most often he has the upper body and wings of an eagle with the lower body of a human. His body is golden, his wings red, and his face is white, most notable for its prominent beak. He wears a crown on his head. Garuda typically has two or four arms, and his various adornments including earrings, anklets, and bracelets are rendered from serpents. In his hands he carries either the emblems of Vishnu or the pot of amrita; alternatively, when his hands are empty, they are held in the Anjalimudra, a pose of greeting typical of lesser dieties. When Vishnu is mounted upon his back, two of Garuda's hands support the preserver god's feet.

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To Balinese, Garuda is a never-ending source of fascination and inspiration. The birth of Garuda and his quest for the elixir of life in order to be used to free his mother from slavery are favorite stories of shadow puppet performances. Thousands of Garuda reliefs decorate the temple walls all over the island. In Balinese architecture Garuda has a special place; he placed on the back of God’s throne shrine (Padmasana), on the back temple treasure room (gedong bata), and on the back of papier-mache pagoda (bade) that is used to carry the corpse in cremation ceremony.

In Balinese house, the statue of Garuda is also used as base of pillars which support the roof. But the pinnacle of all is the intricate Garuda Vishnu statue that can be found in virtually all art shops on the road from Denpasar to Ubud. Garuda also has special place in the art of offering. Many woven coconut leaves offering decorate with Garuda ornament. 

Amulets for strength and invincibility use mainly the picture of Garuda combines with sacred characters, since as said earlier, Garuda is the personification of power, and it is hoped that his power will strengthen the user of the amulet. 

Through these depictions the image of Garuda penetrates deeply into the life of Balinese and becomes the part of it.