Unveiling the Legend of “Garuda Seizing the Naga” Through Four Masterful Works by Thai Contemporary Artist Nobby – Patdanu Tameekul

📍 Garuda Room, Cubic Building, Kunawong House Museum

One of the main highlights of the Garuda Room, aside from the magnificent central Garuda sculpture, is the series of four large-scale oil paintings on linen created by emerging Thai artist Nobby – Patdanu Tameekul. Displayed on both sides of the room, these artworks vividly reinterpret the ancient legend of Garuda and the Naga, presented as a four-part narrative. Each piece intricately connects to the next, weaving together the beginning, climax, and resolution of the tale in a cohesive visual journey.

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Painting I: The Curse of the First Son

The first piece depicts the origin of the legend. It recounts the tale of Sage Kashyapa and his two wives, Kadru and Vinata. Kadru wished for a thousand powerful sons, while Vinata asked for only two, on the condition that they possess unmatched strength across the land. Kadru gave birth to 1,000 eggs that later hatched into serpentine Nagas, while Vinata laid only two eggs, which remained unhatched for a long time. Impatient, she cracked one open prematurely, releasing Aruna—only half-formed and enraged. He cursed Vinata to serve Kadru and her sons for 500 years, until the birth of her second son, who would ultimately free her.

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Painting II: The Deception

Born later as a majestic bird (not yet named Garuda), Vinata’s second son suffered under the subjugation of Kadru and the Nagas. Seeking revenge and freedom for himself and his mother, he struck a deal: if he could retrieve the elixir of immortality (Amrita), they would be released. On his quest, Garuda faced divine challenges, including a confrontation with Indra. Upon hearing Garuda’s noble cause, Indra agreed to a pact.

Garuda delivered the Amrita to the Nagas, but before they could drink it, he advised them to purify their minds and bodies first. During their ritual cleansing, Indra retrieved the elixir, and Garuda escaped with Vinata. The Nagas, tricked, licked dew drops left on grass—believing them to be remnants of Amrita—cutting their tongues on the blades. This, as legend tells, is why snakes have forked tongues.

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Painting III: Garuda Seizing the Naga

Even after their liberation, the enmity between Garuda and the Nagas persisted. This painting captures Garuda devouring Nagas to near

extinction. In response, the Nagas began hiding stones in their mouths to thwart Garuda, who would drown when carrying them aloft. Eventually, Garuda discovered the ruse and learned to shake the stones from their mouths before feasting.

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Painting IV: The Sacrifice

This final painting portrays the end of the great war. Prince Jimutavahana sacrifices himself in place of the Nagas, offering his life to Garuda at the sacrificial altar. Realizing his mistake, Garuda repents. The goddess Parvati restores Jimutavahana to life, and in gratitude, Garuda grants him a wish. He asks that Garuda forever cease preying on the Nagas, thus bringing peace between the two ancient enemies.

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