**Picture of the Day: Garuda
Garuda, the king of birds, is the vehicle of Lord Vishnu and the enemy of the Naga, mythical serpent.
Frequently portrayed as a gigantic eagle with a human body, he appears on ancient Khmer architectural elements such as lintel, pediments and walls.
In high reliefs and sculptures, Garuda is shown with varied features and in varied positions such as the huge 10th century Garuda appearing in Koh Ker style in a walking posture, and an 11th century Garuda shown with a human face in the Baphuon style.
An impressive number of large-scale Garuda with Naga sculptures were created in the Bayon style, including figures at the end of balustrades being Garuda along with Nagas, and depictions of Garuda atop a subdued Naga on enclosure walls.**