Sri Garuda Panchami 2024

The Hindu festival, Garuda Panchami, celebrates the birth of Garuda, the mount of Lord Vishnu and also his great devotee.. It is on the 5th day of the waxing lunar phase in Shravana month. According to mythology, Garuda is the son of Sage Kashyapa and Vinata. He resides on a planet called Salmalidvipa. The other names of Garuda are Suparna, Pakshiraja, Nagantaka, Vainateya, Garuthman, Kashyapeya, Periya Tiruvadi, Vinatasuta, and Vishnuvahana. Garuda is as powerful as Vishnu himself. He also personifies the Vedas. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna, says: “vainateyash ca pakshinam”, meaning “among the birds, I am Garuda.” Garuda’s two wings are supposedly two divisions of the Sama Veda called brihat and rathantara. When he flaps his wings, we can hear the chanting of hymns from the Sama Veda. On Garuda Panchami day, temples perform an Abishekam to Garuda, which is followed by a special Alankara and arati. History of Garuda Panchami Garuda Panchami is a festival that is deeply rooted in the Hindu Scriptures and mythology. The ancient texts describe Garuda as having a bird’s body and a human face. He is the king of birds, whose strength, loyalty and devotion to Vishnu are well-known. Garuda Panchami is also a celebration of the bond between Vishnu and Garuda, which is that between a devotee and God.

Participate in AstroVed’s Naga Chaturthi and Garuda Panchami Rituals

Story of Garuda The story of Garuda finds mention in the Mahabharata epic. Garuda emerged from a large egg as a raging inferno. Frightened, the gods sought his mercy, and Garuda reduced himself in size and vigor. Garuda’s mother, Vinata, lost a bet with Kadru, her sister and the mother of the Nagas or serpents. As a result, Kadru enslaved her. Garuda asked Kadru to free his mother. Kadru told him she would do so, if Garuda brought her Amrit, the elixir of immortality. Indra, the king of the gods, guarded the elixir. The gods encircled it with a huge fire to protect it and blocked the way with a contraption of sharp rotating blades. Two massive and deadly snakes were the guardians of the elixir, to boot. Garuda managed to defeat the gods and put out the fire using the water of many rivers. He escaped the rotating blades by reducing his size and blew dust into the eyes of the deadly snakes. Then he took the elixir in his mouth and flew toward the heavens. On the way, he met Vishnu, who was impressed by Garuda's power. He rewarded him with the boon of immortality without drinking the elixir. The grateful Garuda asked Vishnu to accept him as his mount. During his onward journey, Garuda saw Indra, who struck him with his thunderbolt. But Garuda was unharmed by it. Realizing Garuda's power, Indra made a deal with him: As per the deal, after delivering the elixir to the Nagas, he would help Indra regain possession of it. In turn, Indra allowed Garuda to eat the Nagas. Garuda returned home and gave the pot containing the elixir to the Nagas. He told them to cover it with Darbha grass while they took their purificatory bath. He kept the pot on the grass. Vinata got her freedom back. Garuda told the Nagas to do their ablutions before drinking the elixir. As they left the scene, Indra took the elixir and returned to heaven. On returning from their ablutions, the Nagas were shocked to find the elixir missing. They licked the Darbha grass, hoping to ingest any nectar that had spilled on the grass. The sharp grass cut their tongues, and their tongues became forked. Garuda became the ally of the gods and the vehicle of Vishnu, as well as the foe of serpents. It is believed that Garuda was the first to teach human beings how to get relief from snake poison. Worshipping Garuda can supposedly remove snakes you’re your path. Rituals of Garuda Panchami Devotees arise early in the morning and take a ritual bath. They make it a point to visit temples dedicated to Vishnu or Garuda. To honor Garuda, special prayers and rituals are performed.. These include offerings of fruits, flowers, incense, and lamps. Some people observe a fast. An important ritual is the recitation of sacred hymns and Mantras dedicated to Garuda and Vishnu. It is also a custom to chant Vishnu Sahasranama (the 1000 names of Vishnu) and Garuda Gayatri Mantra. This can supposedly purify one’s mind, body, and soul and enable one to connect with the divine. Significance of Garuda Panchami Garuda Panchami has great significance for Hindus. Garuda represents wisdom, courage, and devotion. Such qualities are necessary for spiritual progress and self-realization. The festival reminds us to adopt such virtues and lead a life of righteousness and dharma. Garuda and Vishnu embody the sacred bond between the devotee and God. We can boost our connection with the divine and receive divine blessings by honoring Garuda on this day. The festival teaches us that faith, humility, and surrender are essential to attain spiritual progress and self-realization. Festivities of Garuda Panchami Garuda Panchami is also a time for community celebrations. Temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Garuda. There are cultural programs, special events, and processions at Vishnu or Garuda temples to mark the occasion. Devotees take part in prayers, sing Bhajans, and listen to spiritual discourses. The elaborate decorations in temples make use of lights, garlands, and colorful rangolis. Traditional dances, dramas, and musical performances are also organized to showcase the rich cultural heritage associated with Garuda Panchami. There is unity and camaraderie among devotees as they come together to celebrate their shared faith and devotion. Benefits of Garuda Panchami Observing Garuda Panchami can bring prosperity, blessings, and divine protection. Worshipping Garuda on this auspicious day helps reduce negative influences and repel evil forces. It can bestow harmony and well-being. Devotees also thank him for his unwavering support and protection.