Garuda

Harihara Temple 2, Osian

From the ceiling of the porch. A flying Garuda (identified by the feather on top of his head) is set amid a rondel of snakes, to whom Garuda is the traditional foe. Kirttimukha masks occupy the four corners between the rondel and its surrounding square frame. Around the outside of the frame, more nagas (next page) bow in submission.

Garuda's flying posture is also used for gandharvas and other flying celestials - in Indian art, if you want to fly, all you have to do is bend your legs.

For a similar idea from Ancient Greece, compare the Walters Nike.