Garud is the son of
Kashyap Jee and Vinataa. Brahmaa Jee's son is Mareechi and Mareechi and
Sambhooti's son is Kashyap Jee. Kashyap Jee married 13 daughters of Daksh
Jee. One of them was Vinataa. Garud Jee is the son of Kashyap Jee and
Vinataa. He has a brother also named Arun. He is the ride of Soorya Dev.
He is not a Devtaa as such, but he is a lesser Devtaa.
He has several names -
Chirad, Gaganeshwar, Kaamaayush, Kashyapi, Khageshwar, Naagaantak, Sitanan, Sudhaahar, Suparn, Taarkshya, Vainateya,
Vishnurath and others. He is very important in Hindu religion - so much that one independent Upanishad,
the "Garudopanidaad"; and a Puraan, the "Garud Puraan", are devoted to him. His earliest reference
is found in Vedas by the name of Shyen, where this mighty bird is said to
have brought Amrit to Earth from Heaven.
In Bhagavad-Gita, 10/30, Krishn says, "Of
birds, I am the Garud." Worship of Garud is believed to remove the
effects of poisons from one's body. Garuda plays an important role in both
Raam and Krishn Avataars periods. During Raam Avataar period, he saved lives
of Raam and Lakshman when Meghnaad used his Naag Paash and they fell down
unconscious. Hanumaan Jee called Garud and as soon as he came, all Naag ran away.
During Krishn Avataar period, Krishna and
Satyabhaamaa ride on Garud to kill Narakaasur. On another occasion, Hari
rides on Garud to save his devotee Elephant Gajendra. It is also said that Garud's wings chant the Vedas when he flies.
