Lord Ashta Naaga Garudar

Remover of poisons - ASHTA NAAGA GARUDAR
Garuda is the Pakshi Raja, the king of birds. Garuda is the vehicle of Lord Vishnu and also that of Lord Vaasavi Kannika Parameshwari Garuda Danvantri. He stands guard at the entrance to the main deity.

The Ashta Naga Garuda has been installed at the entrance and is believed to provide relief from snake poisons, besides other poisons as well. Being a vehicle himself, Garuda is believed to protect one from accidents.

Symbolically, the question to introspect on is whether the devotee has released the undermining poisons of the mind before his audience with Lord Danvantri.

The Garudan here is an asha naaga Garudar, one with eight snakes, a smiling face and a rather fine beak.