Garuda battling with Naga
Origin: Central Vietnam
Date: 13th century (Cham Thap Mam style)
Measurements: not available
Medium: Sandstone
Source: Museum of Cham Sculpture, Danang, Vietnam
Garuda is known as the eternal sworn enemy of the Nāga serpent race and known for feeding exclusively on snakes, such behavior may have referred to the actual Short-toed Eagle of India. The image of Garuda is often used as the charm or amulet to protect the bearer from snake attack and its poison, since the king of birds is an implacable enemy and “devourer of serpent”. Garudi Vidya is the mantra against snake poison to remove all kinds of evil.