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Ma Garudi is the pious consort of Lord Garuda, and we can find the Idols of Ma Garudi in some of the Vishnu Temples, whose shrine would be situated opposite to the shrine of Ma Lakshmi Devi, in the form of bowing posture, and she also acts as the divine vehicle for Ma Lakshmi Devi.
As per legend, once when Lord Vishnu was carried by Lord Garuda in order to safeguard his elephant devotee Gajendra from a crocodile, and since he has started quickly from his abode Vaikunta, he didn’t take his consort Ma Lakshmi along with him. This made Ma Lakshmi worried, and hence, she decided to have her own vehicle in order to accompany his beloved consort Lord Vishnu during the time of his urgent travels.
Lord Vishnu came to know about the wishes of Lakshmi Devi, and hence, he has asked the consort of Lord Garuda, the marvellous Garudi, to act as a divine vehicle as well as to serve as a friend to Ma Lakshmi Devi. Ma Garudi willingly agreed, and thereafter, she has become the divine vehicle of Ma Lakshmi Devi.
In some temples of Lord Vishnu, we can even see the Utsava Idols of Ma Garudi, and she would be in the posture of lifting the legs of Ma Lakshmi Devi through her hands, and by keeping her on the back of her body. During the times of processions, we can see the Utsava Idol of our wonderful mother Garudi, who would be eagerly carrying her master Ma Lakshmi Devi on her back with a beautiful smile on her face.
Ma Garudi being the divine vehicle of Ma Lakshmi Devi acts as a protective shield especially to the women. Similar to chanting the Garuda Mantra, “OM SRI GARUDAYA NAMAHA”, we can also chant Ma Garudi Mantra, “OM SRI GARUDI DEVIYE NAMAHA”.
Ancient Devotees, who proceed to the sacred Tirumala Hills, used to have a glimpse of the pair of Garuda Birds on the skies,which would be flying on the top of the sacred Tirumala Hills. But nowadays, it is very difficult to get the divine vision of those birds, since we are in the present age of Kali Yuga.
But however, if we are the staunch devotees of Lord Vishnu, we might get the divine vision of the celestial bird couple, Lord Garuda, and Ma Garudi on the top of the sacred Tirumala Hills.
“OM SRI PAKSHI RAJA RANIYE NAMAHA”
WRITTEN BY
R.HARISHANKAR