Day 16,Sanctum 14 - Periya Garudar Sanctum

Second Entrance of Sri Nammaazhwaar and Madhurakavi Aazhwaar Sanctum

After getting down from Sri Nammaazhwaar and Sri Madhurakavi Aazhwaar Sanctum, proceed straight and take right. Proceed straight on your right side, you can find Periya Garudar Sanctum.

The mandapam, we are standing right now is called as Garuda Mandapam, and is Asia's largest Garuda Mandapam.

This Periya Garudar (Moolavar) has 8 serpents on his body, namely, Adisesha, Gulika, Vaasuki, Takshaka, Kaarkotaka, Padma, Mahapadma, Shankhachooda. They are present on Lord Garuda, as mentioned below :

Adisesha - Left Wrist,

Gulika - Right Wrist,

Vaasuki - Sacred Thread,

Takshaka - Belt in his hip,

Padma and Mahapadma - ear rings,

Shankhachooda - adorns divine hair

In Bhagavat Gita, chapter 10, shloka 30, Lord Krishna states - वैनतेयश्च पक्षिणाम्, I am Garuda amongst the birds .

Lord Garuda, is also known as Vainateya, Periya Thiruvadi, Pakshiraaja, Suparna, Naagaantaka, Khageswara, Suvarnakaaya, etc

Periya Garudar, Srirangam, Old Photo

The height of this Periya Garudar, is 32 feet. So, while dressing him, they use two vastrams, one which is 28 cubit-measure (28 முழம்) and the other of 4 cubit measure (4 முழம்).

Lord Garuda is facing the Paramapadanaathan residing in the Renga Vimaanam (Golden Vimaanam). To know more about Renga Vimaanam, click : https://www.vaikuntam.in/post/introduction-to-the-celestial-abode-of-lord-mahaa-vishnu

Lord Garuda is sitting facing Lord Paramapadanaatha, as only then, he can inform the lord about the pralaya kaalam for this Kali Yuga, that's why, Lord Garuda is facing the Paramapadanaathan residing in Sri Ranga Vimaanam.

Swaami Desika has sung two stotras on Lord Garuda - Garuda Dandakam and Garuda Panchaashat.