Garuda Temple

Introduction to Garuda Temple

The legendary ancient Garuda Temple lies in the interiors of a village named Koladevi in Mulbagilu Taluk, Kolar, Karnataka. It is one of the few temples with Garuda Swamy as the main deity. He is the Divine vehicle of Vishnu.

Legend of Garuda Temple

There are several legends associated with the Garuda Temple. One says that Arjuna went to a forest to hunt during Dwapara Yuga. When he sent an arrow at the target, it generated a forest fire. The arrows killed many snakes. So, he incurred the curses of dead snakes and acquired Sarpa Dosha. Priests and scholars advised him to pray to Garuda to get relief from the curse of snakes. So, people believe that Arjuna installed the idol of Garuda in this place for offering prayers.

Another legend takes us back to the Ramayana period. Ravana had kidnapped Sita. While they were traveling in the Pushpaka Vimana, Jatayu (Garuda) tried to rescue Sita. But, Ravana killed Jatayu. Legend says that it was in this place that Jatayu fell. Hence it got the name 'Koladev.' Kollu means to kill In Kannada. Jatayu's efforts to save Sita pleased Vishnu. He blessed him, and Jatayu returned to this place as a deity.

The Architecture of Garuda Temple

Garuda is a mythological figure, a humanoid eagle with a human body, a bird's wings, and an eagle's beak. The temple is believed to be built during the ages of the Vijayanagara with the Garuda statue in the kneeling position. He is kneeling on one leg and carrying Vishnu in his right hand and Lakshmi Devi in his left hand. Further, the two deities do not rest directly on his shoulders. They rest on a small pedestal which in turn is placed on the shoulders of Garuda.

His left hand is a little higher, which signifies Lakshmi Devi's prosperity. The idol of Garuda is around 5.5 ft tall, surrounded by eight serpents as his jewels. There are eleven deities carved on this monolith. They are Garuda, Vishnu, Lakshmi Devi, and eight serpents. The idol is believed to be installed by Ramanujacharya in the 11th and 12th centuries; hence it is believed to be around 1100 years old.

Devotees can see a Hanuman shrine to the left of the main sanctum. His tail is curving towards the top of the head. The Brahmastra is tied to his hip. The main deities, Garuda and Vishnu, have their eyes on Hanuman. Lakshmi Devi is looking at the devotees. Devotees perform special Poojas here on Amavasya (No moon day) and Pournami (full moon) days.

Festivals in Garuda Temple

The main festivals of the Garuda Temple are Nagara Panchami, Garuda Jayanti, and Garuda Panchami.

Benefits of Worshipping in Garuda Temple

Garuda is a powerful protector against evil and negative energies. Worshipping the deity helps to ward off negative energies and provides a shield of protection for the devotee. Garuda blesses his devotees with good health and well-being. It is believed that worshipping Garuda can help improve physical and mental health and provide strength.

Devotees believe that by visiting this Garuda Temple, the deity clears one's Sarpa Dosha. People afflicted by Kalasarpa Dosha, Hrudaya Dosha, Kanta Dosha, Kuja Dosha, Bhuja Dosha, Rahu Sandhi Dosha, and Shira Dosha come here to perform Pooja to get rid of the Doshas. People come here to get blessings for their marriage, progeny, jobs, watering eyes, ear problems, skin disease, back pain, and thyroid, to name a few issues.