Mudras are precise physical movements that can change one’s state of mind or thoughts which help to increase attention and alertness. Mudras are great practices which help the pranas and chakras to awaken. Mudras change energy flow, adjust the equilibrium of air, fire, water, earth, and ether, thus promoting curative and health restoration. Hand gestures are vital part of yoga which offers several health benefits. Here we are to see Garuda Mudra, named after Lord Vishnu’s ride Garuda which is an Eagle. Incorporating this Mudra into your daily yoga practice can help cultivate the discipline you need.
WHO IS GARUDA?
IN HINDUISM
Garuda was one of the three principal animal deities in the Hindu Mythology. Garuda is much revered by devout Hindus for his power and ability to dominate the evildoers. Garuda is king of the birds and mount of Lord Vishnu. He is the son of Kashyap, a great rishi and Vinata, the daughter of Daksha. His elder brother is Aruna, the charioteer of Surya, the Sun God. Garuda is a divine eagle-like sun bird and the king of birds.
IN BUDDHISM
Garuda, also referred to as Garula, are golden-winged birds in Buddhist texts. Under the Buddhist concept of saṃsāra, they are one of the Aṣṭagatyaḥ, the eight classes of inhuman beings. He is considered as a dharma-protector. In Buddhism, the Garuda are enormous predatory birds with a wingspan of 330 yojanas. They are described as beings with intelligence and social organization.
GARUDA’S GREATNESS – IN ANCIENT SCRIPTS
BHAGAVAT GITA
Chapter 10: The Opulence of the Absolute
Prahladas casmi daityanam
Kalah kalayatam aham
Mrganam ca mrgendro ‘ham
Vainateyas ca paksinam
TRANSLATION
Among the Daitya demons I am the devoted Prahlada; among subduers I am time; among the beasts I am the lion, and among birds I am Garuda, the feathered carrier of Vishnu.
SRIMAD BHAGHAVATAM (12.11.20)
Trivrd vedaḥ suparnakhyo yajnaṃ vahati purusam
The Lord Vishnu who is the embodiment of Sacrifice (yajnam) is borne by Garuda who is an embodiment of the three Vedas.
Garuda or Garutman which means “wings-of-speech”. He is the manifestation of the triple Vedas. Vishnu as the embodiment of the principle of sacrifice is carried by the rhythms, (Rik) sounds (Sama) and the methodology (Yajus) which are the instruments of the ritual.
GARUDA PURANA
Garud Puran is one of the Maha Puranas, a textual form of a conversation between Lord Vishnu and Garuda, the King of Birds. It is one of the Vishnu Purana that deals with death and incarnation. It discusses what happens to a soul after death. Lord Vishnu and Garud discuss death, the afterlife, hell and heaven, sin, etc. It is believed that Lord Vishnu narrated it to Garuda. After that, the King of Birds gave an account of the Purana to Sage Kashyap. It spread like a fire in the mythical forest of Naimishi and reached Sage Ved Vyasa. He then compiled the 19,000 shlokas of Garud Puran in textual form.
GARUDA PANCHASAT AND GARUDA DANDAKAM
Garuda’s greatness is described by Vedanta Desika in Garuda Panchasat and Garuda Dandakam. In Garuda Panchasat, Desika says that the Gayatri mantra constitutes Garuda’s eyes. His name is the Yajur Veda. The chandas of the Vedas are his limbs. The altar at which priests sit while performing yagas is called drishnya, and this drishnya becomes the feet of Garuda. The atma of Garuda is the stoma part of the Sama Veda. Stoma are the eulogistic hymns of the Sama Veda. The fact that Gayatri mantra is said to be Garuda’s eyes is indicative of Garuda’s role as protector, for Gayatri mantra protects one who chants it. Thus, it is abundantly clear that Garuda is the personification of the Vedas.
In Garuda Panchasat, Vedanta Desika lists the qualities of Garuda, and says that Garuda knows the ashtamasiddhis– anima, mahima, garima, laghima, praapti, praakaamya, isitva and vasitva.
HOW TO DO GARUDA MUDRA?
– To practice garuda mudra, prefer to be in a calm place where you feel comfortable focusing your attention inwards. Find a comfortable posture like padmasana, vajrasana, etc.
– Keep your hands with palms facing upwards on the thighs or knees.
– Close your eyes and take some deep breaths.
– Lift the left palm in front of the chest with the palm facing your chest.
-Bring the right palm in front of your chest.
-Now, overlap the right wrist over the left extending the fingers of both the hands. The right palm should be behind the left palm with the thumbs interlaced.
-Interlocking both the thumbs by hooking the right thumb on the knuckle of the left should be gentle. Close your eyes and breathe deeply, focus your attention inwards.
– Repeat on the other side and continue to breathe in and out deeply. It is best to do it for minimum of 20 minutes and a maximum of 30 minutes.
GARUDA GAYATHRI MANTRA
Om Thathuvrushya Vidhmahe
Suvarna Pakshaya Dheemahe
Thanno Garuda Prachodayath
Meaning
OM – The Primal Energy of the Universe
We meditate on Garuda, the Great Soul, the manifestation of Supreme Consciousness. May He, who has golden wings, give me clarity. Oh Garuda, please bring me enlightenment and inspiration.
This mantra pairs well with Garuda Mudra as it helps with your reflective state so you can bring yourself back in form. It is also very defensive and removes all bad vibes around and within the layers of body.
BENEFITS OF GARUDA MUDRA
- Practicing Garuda mudra is good for the digestive system as it enhances the fire energy to digest food easily.
- It helps cure your eye sight, constipation and uncertainty in the mind. Our ancient sages have mentioned that eye diseases are a main result of stomach disorders. Most eye diseases will get cured using this mudra.
- This mudra helps maintain the balance of the Vata (air) element, which keeps your body energized.
- It is useful in getting rid of sluggishness and fatigue by vitalizing the body and improves the functioning of Apana Vayu.
- It increases perseverance, commitment, and discipline
- It’s a soothing gesture for the mind and helps reduce stress and anxiety
- Regulates blood circulation
- It is a therapeutic action for muscle spasms and menstruation pain
- Cancer patients can get the utmost benefits from Garuda mudra to maintain lymphatic drainage and stimulates the lymphatic system.
THE TAKE AWAY
Garuda was one of the three principal animal deities in the Hindu Mythology. Garuda is king of the birds and mount of Lord Vishnu. It helps cure your eye sight, constipation and uncertainty in the mind. However, people with high blood pressure should seek proper medical advice before doing this mudra.