One of Hinduism's most potent divine beings, Garuda is the magnificent eagle-like creature that acts as Lord Vishnu's mount (vahana). His narrative—which mixes elements of family loyalty, cosmic battle, and spiritual success—inspires fans and military traditions both. 

Garuda's origins

Garuda's emergence comes from an old feud between two celestial sisters. Kadru and Vinata were two of the wives of the sage Kashyapa, according to the Mahabharata (Book 1: Adi Parva, Sections 23-34). Vinata was enslaved to her sister Kadru, mother to the serpent race (Nagas), by means of a fateful bet.
Garuda, born from an egg with amazing abilities, was given birth by Vinata. Garuda swore to set his mother free after finding out she was enslaved. As ransom, the Nagas sought for immortality's nectar (amrita) from the celestial ocean. Garuda's love for his mother drove him forward even if this job seemed impossible.

As stated in the Mahabharata (1.29):

"And in a moment Garuda, the king of birds, rose into the heavens with a great sound and sped towards the immortals' home to retrieve the amrita."

The Cosmic Query

Garuda's quest to get the amrita reveals his tremendous abilities; the Vishnu Purana (Book 1, Chapter 9) describes how he vanquished the gods guarding the nectar, even Indra himself. Garuda's strength and loyalty even astounded Lord Vishnu. Garuda showed great filial piety and self-restraint by using the nectar only to free his mother rather than consuming it himself.

Knowing Garuda's unique characteristics, Vishnu gave him a blessing. Garuda asked to be Vishnu's lifelong ride. The Garuda Purana (1.15.3) says:

Garuda's highest honor was to be Lord Vishnu's vehicle, who is the soul of all beings; more precious than immortality itself.

Military Significance in Hindu Tradition

Several characteristics made Garuda a natural emblem for troops and soldiers, hence his military importance inside Hinduism:

1. Unconquerable Capacity

Garuda is described as "apratidvandva" (without equal in battle) in the Bhagavata Purana (6.6.22). His capacity to simultaneously vanquish several gods transformed him into a perfect emblem for army strength.

2. Strategic Intelligence

Garuda shows cunning and strategic thinking unlike just sheer brute force. In the Mahabharata (1.31), he gathers dust clouds to blind his enemies and divert attention from an untenable situation instead of fighting head-on.

3. Nature of Protection

As Vishnu's carrier, Garuda provides godly protection. The Garuda Purana (2.49.60-61) notes:

"Wherever Garuda's picture is set with passion, serpents, poisons, and enemies cannot enter.

Seeking divine protection, ancient Hindu kingdoms and troops embraced Garuda insignia for their protective nature.

4. Discipline and Loyalty

The military qualities of discipline and allegiance to a higher cause shown by Garuda's constant service to Vishnu include. Referring to Garuda as "Suparna," which means "one with lovely wings," the Vishnu Sahasranama (verse 87) emphasizes his readiness to fulfill divine assignments.

Military Uses Through History

Garuda has influenced military formations, insignia, and combat strategies across the course of Hindu history:

Ancient texts like the Arthashastra (10.5.12-15) characterize the "Garuda Vyuha" (eagle formation) as an aggressive fighting array meant to quickly and precisely cut through enemy lines.

Combining equilibrium, strength, and readiness for action, the Garudaasana posture in martial arts traditions mirrors Garuda's stance.

Several Hindu kingdoms, including the Chola dynasty and several Indonesian Hindu empires like the Majapahit Empire, accepted Garuda as their imperial symbol.

For Those Welcoming Hinduism

For those trying to grasp and embrace Hindu customs, Garuda embodies the ideal equilibrium between force and constraint. His narrative imparts the lesson that actual strength results from commitment, self-discipline, and a higher goal rather than just physical ability.

The daily prayer to Garuda from the Garuda Upanishad (3.4) reads:

"I kneel before Garuda, the king of birds of vivid wings, of mind velocity, destroyer of threats, who carries the Lord of the Universe."

Contemplating Garuda's characteristics enables seekers to develop not only spiritual strength but also the warrior's discipline needed for the difficulties of life.