Description
Amulet name: Krut Yud Nak (Garuda catches 2 Nagas)
Blessed by: LP Warah
Origin: Phothong Temple, Thailand
Material: Copper
The Garuda (‘khrut’ in Thai) is half-man and half-bird.
The garuda has a long association with kings in Siam and Thailand. According to mythology, the garuda carried the god Vishnu. At various stages, Vishnu descended to earth in a number of different manifestations or avatars including Rama who, in Thai culture, is the most important avatar of Vishnu. With Thai kings said to be descendants of Rama, the Chakri dynasty adopted the name Rama into their titles and in the early 1900s the vehicle of Vishnu, the garuda, was formerly adopted as the national emblem of Siam.
The legend dates back thousands of years, originating in ancient India. According to folklore, the Garuda is half beast, half god. He has eagle-like characteristics, with large wings, sharp talons and a sharp beak affixed to a human face. He possesses human arms and upper body, whereas his lower body resembles a large bird with a feathery tail.
The Garuda has unfathomable power. It is said that his wings are capable of creating gusts of storms, and that he is able to fly high above the clouds and soar swiftly. However, he is also wise, gentle and respectful.
The Garuda is often depicted with Narayana, who, in Hindu scriptures, is one of the most important of the Brahman gods. According to legend, Narayana made a bargain with the Garuda – in return for immortality, the Garuda promised to become Narayana’s mode of transport. Narayana would ride on his back as he flew across the heavens.
It is this story that connects the Garuda to Thai tradition. Thais have always believed in the divinity of their kings. During the Ayutthaya period, it was believed that the king was a god incarnate, descended down from the heavens to serve mankind.
The idea of divinity of kings could be traced back to India. According to ancient Indian scriptures, Narayana had reincarnated as many as nine times, each time taking a different ‘Avatar’, in order to banish evil and fight tyranny. In the ancient Indian epic Ramayana, King Rama is mentioned as being the avatar of the god Narayana. In the Mahabharata, Krishna was believed to be an avatar of Narayana. Even Buddha is believed by Hindus to be the ninth reincarnation of Narayana.