ABS 240
Code: ABS 240
Country: Tibet
Style:
Date: 1800 - 1900
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 13.1 x 10
Materials: Gilt copper
Garuda
The garuda is an Indian mythical creature traditionally considered as the mount of God Vishnu. In Tibe, it is known as khyung. This bird, part human, has horns and is considered the natural enemy of nagas, the snake-spirits. On this statue, the garuḍa spreads his large wings and arms, stretching a snake trapped in his beak. His lower feet grasp the intertwined tails of two of these nagas, subdued and in prayer. These subterranean spirits being associated to epidemics and other evil, many tantric practices contain the visualization of garudas to subdue them.
The garuda is an Indian mythical creature traditionally considered as the mount of God Vishnu. In Tibe, it is known as khyung. This bird, part human, has horns and is considered the natural enemy of nagas, the snake-spirits. On this statue, the garuḍa spreads his large wings and arms, stretching a snake trapped in his beak. His lower feet grasp the intertwined tails of two of these nagas, subdued and in prayer. These subterranean spirits being associated to epidemics and other evil, many tantric practices contain the visualization of garudas to subdue them.