Ápûng Galúrâ, also known as Garula (गरुड) in Pali, Garuda (गरुड) in Sanskrit and Karura (迦楼羅天) in Japanese is a giant eagle who lives at the peak of Bunduk Aláya (Mount Arayat). He is the "Alíli"(representative) of the sun, Ápûng Sínukuan, and the Úkum (judge) of all souls in the afterlife. Every year, Ápûng Sínukuan sends him to purify the land by bringing in strong winds from Tímug Láut (Eastern Ocean). Kapampangans believed that the strong typhoon winds known as bagiu are spawned from the bagius (wings) of Ápûng Galúrâ. He is also the patron deity of drowning sailors who called upon him to rescue them during shipwrecks.*
Today the word "Galura" survives as one of the oldest traditional Kapampángan last names still in existence.
📺 Learn more about the history and traditions behind the term “Lakan” in this video: https://youtu.be/_Fwl-re0LYY
☀️ This Chibi design is based on the Kapampángan mythology about Ápûng Galúrâ 🦅
🇵🇭 #KnowHistoryKnowSelf #KnowYourRoots
📚 Resources & Further Learning:
Ágúman Sínúpan Singsing, Inc.
Research Institute & Center for Kapampángan Cultural Heritage https://www.sinupan.org
Ámalátan Lecture Series by Bapang Mike Pángilinan (2010 Most Outstanding Kapampángan Awardee for Culture and 2016, Talasínup king Singsing)
