Garuda, a bird deity, with the head and wings of an eagle and sometimes with the rest of his body like that of a man, is called the king of birds and he is also the celestial vehicle of Lord Vishnu

Garuda is also known by another name Vinayaka, which he shares with Lord Ganesha. Thus, this god-bird is thought to be remover of obstacles. Garuda is not separately worshipped as an independent god. He is worshipped together with Vishnu

GARUDA AT SSVT

In Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, Garuda is installed in front of the Venakateswara sannidi and also next to the Vishnu Dwajastampam. At the top of the Rajagopuram two Garudas adorn the northeast and northwest corners. Similarly, Garuda also occupies the top of the Vishnu Dwajasthambha inside the Vasantha Mandapam.