Garuda, also Garula, are golden winged bird in Buddhist texts. Under the Buddhist concept, they are one of the Astagatyah, the eight classes of inhuman beings. In Buddhist art, they are shown as sitting and listening to the sermons of the Buddha. They are enemies of the Nagas (Snakes) and are sometimes depicted with a serpent held between the claws. 

In Buddhism, the Garuda are enormous predatory birds. They are also sometimes known as "suparna" meaning "well-winged, having good wings". Like the Nagas, they combine the characteristics of animals and divine beings, and may be considered to be among the lowest of the devas. The garuda have kings and cities, and at least some of them have the magical power of changing into human form when they wish to have dealings with people.