Garuda (Sanskrit: गरुड, romanized: Garuḍa; Pali: गरुळ, romanized: Garuḷa) is a Hindu deity primarily depicted as the mount (vahana) of the god Vishnu. He is described as the king of the birds and a kite-like figure, and is referenced in the textual traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
According to Hindu tradition, Garuda is the son of the sage Kashyapa and Vinata, and the younger brother of Aruna, the charioteer of the Sun. He is regarded as the half-brother of the Devas, Gandharvas, Daityas, Danavas, Nāgas, Vanaras and Yakshas. He is also known by the names Tarkshya and Vainateya. References to Garuda appear in several texts, including the Puranas and the Vedas.
In iconography, Garuda is shown either in a zoomorphic form, as a giant bird with partially open wings, or in an anthropomorphic form, as a man with wings and certain bird-like features. He is generally portrayed as a protector with the power to travel swiftly, ever vigilant, and as an enemy of every serpent.
Garuda also features in the state insignia of several countries. He appears as part of the state symbols of India, and is used as the coat of arms of Indonesia and Thailand. In India, the Indian Army uses the Garuda on the regimental insignia of its Guards Brigade, and the Indian Air Force has named its special operations unit the Garud Commando Force after the deity. The name Garuda is often associated with the Greater adjutant stork (Leptoptilos dubius).