Statue of Garuda in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, August 2007

Garuda ( Vishnu's Mount) Seated in Royal Ease
India (Tamil Nadu), Pandya dynasty, second half of the 8th- early 9th century
Granite

Accession # 1983.518

Garuda is the great solar bird ridden by the Hindu god Vishnu. In this representation, however, his only birdlike characteristics are are wings, the tips of which have broken off. He sits in the relaxed posture of the maharajalilasana (royal ease) and projects a noble and serene presence. He probably attended a statue of Vishnu similar to the one exhibited in this gallery.

Text from the Metropolitan Museum of Art label.