![]() ![]() The Puranabharti, an ancient text, describes these as the dashavatara, or the ten avatars of Vishnu. In almost all Hindu denominations, Vishnu is either worshipped directly or in the form of his ten avatars, the most famous of whom are Rama and Krishna. Vishnu’s other abode within the material universe is Ksheera Sagara (the ocean of milk), where he reclines and rests on Ananta Shesha, (the king of the serpent deities, commonly shown with thousand heads). Vaikuntha is situated beyond the material universe and hence, cannot be perceived or measured by material science or logic. Vishnu’s eternal and supreme abode beyond the material universe is called Vaikuntha, which is also known as Paramdhama, the realm of eternal bliss and happiness and the final or highest place for liberated souls who have attained Moksha. Vishnu is also described in the Bhagavad Gita as having a ‘Universal Form’ ( Vishvarupa or Viraat Purusha) which is beyond the ordinary limits of human perception or imagination. He is depicted as holding a padma (lotus flower) in the lower left hand, a unique type of mace used in warfare known as a Kaumodki gada in the lower right hand, a Panchajanya shankha (conch) in the upper left hand and a discus weapon Sudarshana Chakra in the upper right hand. In Hindu sacred texts, Vishnu is described as having the divine blue color of water-filled clouds and as having four arms. It describes Vishnu as the all-pervading essence of all beings, the master of-and beyond-the past, present and future, the creator and destroyer of all existences, one who supports,preserves, sustains and governs the universe and originates and develops all elements within. The Vishnu Sahasranama declares Vishnu as Paramatman (supreme soul) and Parameshwara (supreme God). He is venerated as the Supreme Being in Vaishnavism and as Purushottama or Supreme Purusha in ancient sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita. Vishnu is also known as Narayana and Hari. Vishnu is a Vedic Supreme God in Hinduism. ![]() Amongst the other birds present are two species of kingfisher, which are regarded as omen birds by the local Iban population, a number of small kites and hawks, and at the top of the food chain the brahminy kite, believed by traditional Ibans to be the embodiment of Singalang Burung, the god of war. There are a host of canopy-dwelling birds, which are easier heard than seen – varieties of cuckoos, tree swifts, trogons, bulbuls (15 species), drongos, barbets, woodpeckers, babblers (17 species), shamas, flycatchers, fantails, flowerpeckers, sunbirds, spiderhunters, bristleheads and the rare Malaysian honeyguide. Ground birds include the great argus pheasant, Bulwer’s pheasant, crested and crestless firebacks, crested partridges and nightjars. įive of Sarawak’s eight hornbill species are found in Batang Ai, including the spectacular rhinoceros hornbill, Sarawak’s state bird, which is believed by the local Iban community to act as messenger between men and gods. Garudi Vidya is the mantra against snake poison to remove all kinds of evil. The image of Garuda is often used as the charm or amulet to protect the bearer from snake attack and its poison, since the king of birds is an implacable enemy and “devourer of serpent”. Garuda is known as the eternal sworn enemy of the Nāga serpent race and known for feeding exclusively on snakes, such behavior may have referred to the actual Short-toed Eagle of India. This ancient deity was said to be massive, large enough to block out the sun. Garuda is depicted as having the golden body of a strong man with a white face, red wings, and an eagle’s beak and with a crown on his head. In Hindu religion, Garuda is a Hindu divinity, usually the mount ( vahana) of the Lord Vishnu. Vishnu and Lakshmi riding on the Garuda – Painting in LACMA from Rajasthan, Bundi, c.1730 Malay Names: Helang tikus (“Rat Raptor”), lang merah (“blood-coloured raptor”), lang kawi (“kawi raptor”).Ĭhinese Names: Hei Chi Yuan (“black-winged kite”), Li Yuan (“chestnut kite”). Scientific Names: Haliastur indus, Milvus indus. Langkawi is named after it as well: Lang Kawi being an old Malay name for the Brahminy Kite. In Malaysia, the Brahminy Kite is the Iban god of war, Singalang Burung. The second highest denomination note in this series: the S$1,000 note, featured a perched Brahminy Kite on the front. The second series of currency notes for Singapore issued between 19 featured birds. The Brahminy Kite’s presence is an omen to guide them in major decisions such on warfare and house building. To the Iban of Malaysia it is the Bird-God of War. It is believed that their name Brahminy results from their association with the Indian God Vishnu. The Brahminy Kite is a familiar bird of prey and often referred to as the Singapore Bald Eagle. ![]()
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