The Garuda is a legendary bird or bird-like creature found in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain mythology. He is the vehicle mount (vahana) of the Hindu god Vishnu, a dharma-protector and Astasena in Buddhism, and the Yaksha of the Jain Tirthankara Shantinatha. Garuda is described as the king of birds and a Kite-like figure. Garuda is generally a protector with power to swiftly go anywhere, ever watchful and an enemy of the serpent.