Gandaberunda

The Gandaberunda or Berunda (Sanskrit: गण्डभेरुण्ड ), is a two-headed mythological bird outside of main Hindu mythology thought to possess magical strength. It is used as the official emblem by the Karnataka government because of its immense strength, capable of dealing with ultimate forces of destruction, and it is seen as an intricately sculptured motif in a Hindu temple.
== Depiction ==
The bird is generally depicted as clutching elephants in its talons and beaks demonstrating its immense strength. In a coin (kasu) found in Madurai, it is shown holding a snake in its beak.Ganesh Coins of Tamilnadu, 13.48 All 2-dimensional depictions show a symmetrical image similar to the double-headed eagle] other images show the long tail feathers resembling a peacock which is the national bird of India. In the Chennakeshava temple of Belur (1113), Karnataka, Gandaberunda (2-faced bird identified with Vishnu) depiction is a carved scene of "chain of destruction". Initially, a deer is prey to a large python, followed by being lifted by an elephant and a lion attacking the elephant, and the lion shown as devoured by Sharabha. The last scene depicted is of Gandaberunda destroying Sharabha.http://web.archive.org/web/20140202000034/http://www.kamat.com/jyotsna/blog/blog.php?BlogID=1149
The Gandaberunda was a physical form displayed by Narasimha, Man-Lion incarnation of Vishnu. 
After Narasimha had slain demon Hiranyakashipu, through the taste of blood, Narasimha did not let go of his dreadful form. Demigods were even more afraid of the supreme lord now, than before of the demon. Shiva, the best friend of Vishnu, thus shiva incarnated as Veerabhadra, Rudra and kala bhairava and narasimha slain all " forms of shiva and thus incarnated himself as Sharabha, a part-lion and part-bird beast which was the terror of the lion. Gandaberunda, having two heads, fearful rows of teeth, black in complexion and with wide blazing wings fought with Shiva-Sharabha for eighteen days and finally held it between his two beaks and killed Sharabha but also exploded and got killed in the process. http://www.deccanherald.com/content/106688/banner-300x250.swf
== Usage ==
A roof sculpture depicting a Gandaberunda is found on the roof of the Rameshwara temple in the temple town of Keladi in Shimoga District, which was the capital of the Keladi Nayakas. The Gandaberunda was also used by the Wodeyar dynasty of Mysore as the royal emblem. The Karnataka Government adopted this symbol as the state symbol and can be found on bus terminals and tickets issued by Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation. Coins (gold pagoda or gadyana) from the rule of Achyuta Deva Raya are thought to be the first to use the Gandaberunda on currency.http://coinindia.com/galleries-vijayanagar2.html The crest of the Indian navy ship INS Mysore (D60) features a Gandaberunda.
== In media ==
Ganda Berunda is a Kannada film directed by S.V. Rajendrasingh Babu and produced by Vajramuni. The film was released in the year 1984. The music was composed by Sathyam. Bollywood actor Amrish Puri played the antagonist in the film.
File:GBerunda.JPG|The Gandaberunda emblem in the Mysore Palace.
File:Seal of Karnataka.svg|Coat of arms of Karnataka, India
File:Ganberunda.jpg|Gandaberunda image seen at Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel, Mysore
== Notes ==
== External links ==
* "Evolution of Gandabherunda"-article by S. Srikanta Sastri
*A unique sculpture of Gandaberunda or berunda from Balligavi
Category:Hindu mythology
Category:Animals in religion