Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c12.3

v1.c12.3

The image of Garuḍa should have the colour of the emerald, and the beak and the legs should be made to resemble those of a kite. The eyes should be roundish, and the image should have four arms and possess also a pair of powerful wings of golden yellow colour and bright lustre. In one of the hands there should be held an umbrella and in another the pot of amṛita; the two remaining hands are to be in the añjali pose. Garuḍa should be fashioned with a flabby belly. Such is evidently the description of the image of Garuḍa, when he is sculptured independently as apart from Viṣṇu. When the image is associated with Viṣṇu, the two hands, carrying respectively the pot of ambrosia and the umbrella, should both be engaged in supporting the feet of Viṣṇu, riding astride on the shoulders of Garuḍa.