Garuda took away Jagannath Temple’s sacred flag, why this is uncommon?

On April 14, something unusual happened above the Jagannath Temple in Puri. An eagle, believed by many to be Garuda, grabbed the sacred Patitapaban Bana from the temple spire and flew away with it. The moment was recorded on video and quickly spread online, shocking many people. Some saw it as a divine event, others as a rare natural occurrence. But was it truly Garuda, the mythical bird of Hindu mythology, or just a rare bird of another kind?

BIG NEWS 🚨 A 'Garuda' bird mysteriously took away Jagannath Temple’s sacred flag & soared into the sky in Puri.

Devotees believe this could be a divine sign which will have an impact on all sectors of society.

What will happen next?

The flag of the Jagannath temple is changed… pic.twitter.com/QMrONBo7my

— Times Algebra (@TimesAlgebraIND) April 14, 2025

What's the story behind Garuda bird? 

While many believed the bird was an eagle, some immediately associated it with Garuda, the legendary bird from Hindu mythology. The eagle's majestic flight and the rare nature of the event made many think of the divine connection, especially since Garuda is revered as the mount of Lord Vishnu and is depicted as an eagle-like creature.

Some even felt that it was a divine message, adding to the spiritual weight of the moment. However, the bird in question, identified by some as the Greater Adjutant Stork (Leptoptilos dubius), doesn’t match the typical depiction of Garuda.

Many birds share eagle-like characteristics, both in appearance and behaviour. True eagles, like the Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle, are known for their power and flight. However, birds like the greater adjutant stork, often linked to the mythical Garuda in India, also have eagle-like features. 

This bird, with its impressive size and stature, could be the one seen at the Jagannath Temple in Puri on April 14, sparking beliefs of a divine sign. Garuda in mythology is often depicted as a giant eagle-like being with divine powers, and he serves as the mount of Lord Vishnu.

In many traditional depictions, Garuda has a human body with the wings, beak, and talons of an eagle. He is a powerful figure, the king of birds, and is often associated with victory over evil, especially the serpent. However, in the natural world, no bird perfectly matches the image of Garuda. The bird at the Jagannath Temple, though majestic, is not quite the same as the mythical Garuda.

Endangered stork mistaken for Garuda

The Greater Adjutant Stork, often associated with Garuda in India due to its impressive size and commanding presence, is now considered endangered. It is found primarily in parts of South and Southeast Asia, including Assam, Bihar parts of India. The bird’s appearance, with its large wingspan and strong stature, could easily lead to its identification as Garuda, but it is a real species facing significant environmental threats.

The population of the Greater Adjutant Stork has been on the rise in some areas. According to officials report, the stork population in Bhagalpur has increased significantly, from 78 in 2006-07 to over 600 in 2023-2024. Globally, the population is estimated to be between 1,360 and 1,510, a significant rise from the 650-800 birds recorded in 2006. Despite this positive trend, the species is still listed as "near threatened" on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss.

The presence of the Greater Adjutant Stork at the Jagannath Temple has raised more than just questions about its identification. Some believe that this rare occurrence is more than just a coincidence and might have a deeper meaning. In India, many people associate certain birds with divine symbolism.

One could interpret the bird, known as Garuda, carrying the sacred flag from the temple as a spiritual message. But beyond the mythological connections, it could also be a reminder of the environmental challenges that are affecting species like the Greater Adjutant Stork.

Nature and mythology often connect

As the bird flew away with the flag, it seemed to reflect a broader message about the need to protect our environment. The bird, associated with a mythical figure in Hindu culture, serves as a reminder that nature and spirituality are often intertwined. Whether the bird’s presence is interpreted as a divine sign or simply a rare occurrence involving an endangered species, it underscores the importance of respecting and protecting our natural world.

Since Garuda, as described in Hindu mythology, is a mythical creature with no real counterpart in the animal kingdom, what many witnessed on April 14 could be seen as a reminder that the wonders of the natural world often inspire our spiritual beliefs. The Greater Adjutant Stork, although not a divine being, represents nature’s incredible power and resilience. Its link to Garuda in local beliefs highlights the intersection of nature and mythology, where even a rare bird can take on spiritual significance. 

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