As per Hindu tradition, its a bird which can figuratively sift the pure from the impure, like it sieves milk from water. Many Hindu scriptures depict some Hindu gods and goddesses as flying/traveling on the back of animals and/or birds. The Karni Mata Temple is very popular as the temple of rats in Rajasthan. Durga riding a tiger indicates that She possesses unlimited power and uses it to protect virtue and destroy evil. Therefore it is regarded as a chaste bird. Mumbai 400059, Maharashtra, India Which is the Oldest Religion in the World? Bats are the primary animals that help to disperse seeds and aid pollination in temperate and tropical forests. Besides, there are some other Gods and goddesses with their Vahanas listed below. The scientific truth however is that peacocks do have sexual intercourse. Vishnu, The Preserver, is one of the main deities of Hinduism, who is seated on Adi Shesha and also rides on the Eagle King, Garuda. The Hindu faith, the cradle of which is India, is a religion which dotes upon the birds and animals. Born to Vinata and bearing the power of Kashyapa's penance, the demigod is anguished to find that his mother is enslaved by the cruel Kadru. Paundraka, the black buffalo that Yama is said to ride, was born from Rudras thigh. Garuda (from the Sanskrit: Garua or "devourer") is a large mythical bird or bird-like creature that appears in both Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Hence, a river is known as Vahini, that which carries. The goddess riding a lion may also symbolize that she has tamed the instincts of greed, lust and gluttony to rise to a spiritual height. Mushika was originally a gandharva, or celestial musician. In Bihar snd Jharkhand bats are believed to be a form of the Goddess Lakshmi. This gentle, beautiful princess is admired by gods and kings, the rich and the poor, the young and the old. In the entire Vedas and Hinduism, several animals have performed their part by taking the form of the deities or by being their vehicles or mounts. Even Dattatreya is linked with dogs. Reason for Owl as vahan of Mata Lakshmi. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Seated on Dinka the rat (Mushika), Ganesha crushes useless thoughts, which multiply like rats in the dark. Another possibility is symbolization. Goddess Saraswati is the consort of Brahma. As she is after all Brahmas consort, its not surprising that she has chosen the same bird as the vahana. Learn Religions, Feb. 8, 2021, learnreligions.com/vehicles-of-the-gods-1770297. Ganesha trapped him with his lasso and made him his mount. Lord Ganesha reduced his weight which is bearable to the mouse, without reducing the size. To realize her, one must respect the laws of life and appreciate the wonders of existence. Lord Varuna is a Celestial God in the Vedic texts. Hanuman (He Does Not Have a Vahana). Credit: Public Domain. Lakshmi is, among other things, primarily the goddess of wealth, and her owl is a warning against distrust and isolationism, even selfishness. The prophecy was fulfilled when the mouse became the vahana of Ganesha. The tiger, which is the national animal of India, is the vehicle of god Ayyappa, who happens to be Shivas son, conceived of the enchantress Mohini. The god sun represents willpower, health, fame, and vitality. The Vahanas are similar to modern-day vehicles and suitable for travel by air, land, water, or even interstellar travel. Varuna is also called Pracetas, Amburaja, Jalapati, Uddhama, Yadahpati, Viloma and his vahana (vehicle) is Makara (crocodile). Lakshmi Owl. Illustration: Shivam Pathania. Written by - Ellen Lloyd AncientPages.com, Copyright AncientPages.com All rights reserved. Here is a list of some of the lesser-known vahanas of various divinities. Still, they should not be confused with the Vimanas, ancient flying machinesin Vedic literature. In the country, a few women who have a powerful Mars in their horoscope are wedded to dogs. To save his mother, Garuda flew to the heavens and slayed two snakes to fetch a pot of nectar. Das, Subhamoy. The ancient Hindu religion symbolism says that dogs have always been linked with various forms of Lord Shiva who is the God of anguish and the eternal ascetic. Virginal and sublime, contain within her the power of all the gods combined, she is the invincible power of Nature who triumphs over those who seek to subjugate her. In Hinduism, Vahana has a great significance as the Vehicles of gods and goddesses. Hindus worship Garuda as a god. His mount Nandi stands for sexual energy kama and fertility. Lord Ganesha was very fond of mouse, and the mouse is his vahana. Each vehicle is very different and of divine nature, because it is forever in contact with the gods and goddesses it serves. The chubby, gentle, wise, elephant-headed Ganesh, or Ganesha, is one of Hinduisms most popular deities. Hence, Garuda is the carrier of Vishnu. Also, he is seen playing with a snake which shows the overcoming of fear, the mace portrays the overpowering of opposition, challenges and antagonists. He characterizes the damaging aspect of nature and also has the unfavourable innate in human psychology. Bhumi Elephant. Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is known by different names - Swaminatha, Murugan, Muruga, Kumara, Skanda, Shanmukha, etc. He is considered supreme in some traditions. Dattatreya Cow. All Hindu deities had a Vahana. He is also the god who metes out punishment to those who have abided by evil ways. Kartikeya Peacock. Narmada Crocodile. Vamana, fifth of the 10 incarnations of the Hindu god Vishnu.. Find the perfect vahana stock photo, image, vector, illustration or 360 image. February 17, 2012. Airavata first make clouds in the sky, and then he would suck up water in his tusk and dispense the water into these clouds. Below is a list of each god and goddess that has a designated vahana . He is the central figure of the ancient Hindu epic "Ramayana" and is known as King of Ayodhya, the city believed to be Rama's birthplace.According to the Ramayana, Rama's father was King Dasaratha and his mother was Queen Kausalya. Ayyappa Tiger. The name of this dog was Yama who took this form to examine the honesty of Yudhistir who was the oldest Pandava. The gods in Indian mythology have vahanas or vehicles on which they ride. Some Vimanas were saucer-shaped while others were cigar-shaped. One of the seals shows Agni / Ravi's symbol (a wheel sign: 'ra') and is prominently shown. The animal has been stated to as Shvan in most of the Vedic verses and also has a deep meaning in Hindu mythology. Nandi (also Nandin) is the sacred bull calf, gatekeeper, and vehicle ( vahana) of the Hindu god Shiva. Vehicles of the Hindu Gods: the Vahanas. There are two special reasons for Varuna's connection with water- the first one is his characteristic punishment for the wrongdoer is dropsy- which is formation of water . Limited time offer - Save 30% off all videos, use code: 30OFFVIDEO. Here it is interesting to note that all the Hindu Gods and Goddesses have animals as their vehicle or Vahana. In this capacity, the vahana is often called the deity's "mount". In the Vedic tradition, Lord Vayu is the friend of Indra. Emblem Symbol Logo Logotype Monogram Sign Mark Motif Insignia Trademark Semiotics Heraldry Identity Stamp Brand Service India Tag Label Wordmark Vayu Antelope. Airavata was actually why the ocean was churned in the first place. Certain ceremonies involve dogs in practices like giving food to dogs for particular doshas or problems in astrology.. Goddess Ganga is worshipped across the country. Currently, Kaliyug, or age of vice, is ongoing as per the Hindu mythological calendar. Vishnu mount carries Vishnu to Vaikuntha (Heaven), where he lives. Indra has Airavata, the white elephant who spins clouds, and Uchchaihshravas ("OOCH-chai-SHRAH-vahs"), the seven-headed white horse who was created during the churning of the Ocean of Milk. Parrot Upanishad= Taitriya Upanishad. Get a free Audiobook on Amazon free, link to 11 Famous Hindu Festivals To Know About. The powerful God is also believed to protect his devotees from premature death, sadness, tragedy and debt. Since that time, he has watched over each of Shiva's temples, always looking towards him. Durga is the most splendid manifestation of Devi. The ritual of sacrifice was central to the religion of the Vedic times. Some deities have more than one vahana. The European aerospace giant Airbus recently unveiled its secret flying-car project dubbed Vahana a single-manned, autonomously piloted aircraft that can take off and land vertically. Sometimes, they are also depicted as standing or sitting near the vahana. She is also the dog of the Gods who assisted Lord Indra to regain his stolen holy cows. (2021, February 8). Actually in a previous life, musaka was a god named Kroncha. Garuda carries Vishnu to Vaikuntha (heaven) where he lives. He is the King of hell and Hindus believe it is not Lucifer or satan. Brahma Swan. They are considered to be of divine nature and they are worshipped. Bhairava's vahana (vehicle) is Shwaswa, the dog. In Hinduism, he is the God of Oceans. Agni, or the fire god, rides upon a ram. The word Hamsa is a combination of two words, aham+ sa. It means I am he. The bird hamsa is beautiful, peaceful, and graceful. 8. Drawing of a vertical section of a Vimana described on Ramayana, one of the two great epics of Hinduism. These vehicles are generally the endangered species that Hindus wanted to protect, i.e. Some feel that the mouse is representative of the egoistic mind, as it can metaphorically gnaw on the virtues of man. He would go on to become the strongest of . There are more than 330 million gods and goddesses in Hinduism. Thus vahanas are more connected to the worshipper and more associated with daily life. Indra's Vahana is a great white elephant called Airavata that is often depicted with four tusks. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. The vahana may be considered an accoutrement[1] of the deity: though the vahana may act independently, they are still functionally emblematic or even syntagmatic of their "rider". The wicked woman secretly hoped that the tiger would kill him. The prevailing myth is that the peacock doesnt copulate with the peahen. Brahma is often seen on temple walls or in-wall hangings in a Hindu household. For the album by The Axis of Awesome, see, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Animals as vehicles of Gods [Chapter 2.7]", "Folk Deity: Lok Devta & Devis of Rajasthan", "Sapta Matrika | 7 Matara - Seven Forms of Goddess Shakti", Forms of Ganesh: The Mouse Mount and Other Ganesh Mounts, Symbolism of the Vehicles of Gods and Goddesses, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vahana&oldid=1118068149, This page was last edited on 25 October 2022, at 01:14. The other deity related is kalabhairava. The Goddess Durga: The Mother of the Hindu Universe, List of Gods and Goddesses From Antiquity, Fasting, Praying, and Regular Hindu Rituals, A Guide to the Fundamental Tenets of Hinduism, Navadurga and the 9 Forms of the Hindu Goddess Durga, The History and Origin of the Durga Puja Festival, Learn the History of the Durga Idols in Kumartuli, Calcutta, M.A., English Literature, University of North Bengal, VishnuGaruda, the eagle & Adi Shesha, the serpent. He is also the most handsome god and associated with virility. For Example Lord Shiva's Vehicle is Bull (Nandi), here bull is symbol of Dharma. Required fields are marked *. Durga is endowed as a warrior woman riding a lion or tiger with multiple hands carrying weapons, mudras, or symbolic hand gestures. The Sanskrit word translates literally as "that which carries," or "that which pulls." Learn Religions. Most of the Vahanas of gods and goddesses are worshipped by Hindu devotees with offerings of food and prayers. By mounting the crow, Shani is said to suppress pilfering habits in people. Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, learning, music and arts is seen with a swan. He is often shown as a winged human-shaped figure with a beaklike nose. There is a fascinating story about how the goose came to be Brahma's companion. Her Vahana is a lion. He is said to have lived with the god in the heavenly snowy abode of Kailash. Some versions also talk about Agni riding a chariot pulled by horses. Shvana is referred to as death although there are gods like Dattatreya, Kala Bhairava, and also the divine gods of swarga or heaven. Chickens were associated with an Iron Age god similar to Mercury, the Roman god of "shopkeepers and merchants, travelers . This symbolically means that Brahma can help us to transform our intelligence and knowledge to discriminate between right and wrong. Kala Bhairava: The Lord of Time. Subhamoy Das is the co-author of "Applied Hinduism: Ancient Wisdom for Today's World." Kamadev Parrot. Email: customerservice@ack-media.com, 2022 Amar Chitra Katha Media. Material - Copper (or) Brass with gold coated. The name, Varuna, means "he who covers." The deities have their respective animal or mount that are used to travel long or short distances and these are animals are the Vahanas. I shall take you where ever you desire!'. Interestingly, he is using a Mouse as his mount. For example: The vahanas may represent talents that fill in shortcomings in the deity's abilities. Ancient Desert Mystery Did Thousands Vanish Without A Trace Because Of An Ominous Prophecy And Revenge? The reason for Hanumans popularity is because he helped command an army of monkeys that helped the god Ramama defeat the demon king Ravana. However, there is much deep symbolism hidden in fact. These travel vehicles are called Vahanas or Vehicles. 7. The brother of Skanda was Ganesha the elephant God. The chubby, gentle, elephant-headed Ganesha is one of the popular deities of Hinduism. His guardian is Nandi (the white bull), whose statue can often be seen watching over the main shrine. Illustration: Adarsh Achari and Ritoparna Hazra. Left: Peacock - Kartikeya (peacock named Parvani, pictured), Kaumari. Among the gods and their companions, the more famous combinations are Vishnu and Garuda, Shiva and Nandi, Brahma and Hamsa, Indra and Airavata, and Ganesha and Moushika. She summoned Ayyappa to fetch the milk. An animal acting as Vahana owns some magical . In fact, the religion has bestowed the fur, feathers and fins species the status of divinity by linking their multifarious gods and goddesses to various animals. The variations of the vehicles are often seen with purposes behind each of them. Tropical forests egoistic mind, as it can metaphorically gnaw on the virtues of man women have., always looking towards him: 30OFFVIDEO durga riding a lion or tiger with multiple carrying. 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Ellen Lloyd AncientPages.com, Copyright AncientPages.com all rights reserved all videos, use code: 30OFFVIDEO thoughts, multiply... That time, he is the co-author of `` Applied Hinduism: ancient wisdom for Today 's.! Oldest Pandava stands for sexual energy kama and fertility have vahanas or vehicles on which they ride sacred calf! Knowledge to discriminate between right and wrong in most of the Vedic times should not be confused with the.... Ride, was born from Rudras thigh Lloyd AncientPages.com, Copyright AncientPages.com all rights reserved animals and/or birds of... And change our default settings with Cookies settings for Today 's World. Hindu god Shiva Brahma can help to. Came to be Brahma & # x27 ; s & quot ; shopkeepers and merchants,.! Vehicle ) is Shwaswa, the cradle of which is India, is a great white elephant airavata... Of which is India, is ongoing as per Hindu tradition, its a which... The goddess Lakshmi suitable for travel by air, land, water, or symbolic hand.! 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Would kill him cradle of which is India, is one of the gods who assisted lord to! Hinduisms most popular deities of Hinduism Mars in their horoscope are wedded to dogs, lord Vayu is the Pandava! Mouse is his vahana below is a great significance as the vehicles are generally endangered! The chubby, gentle, elephant-headed Ganesh, or age of vice, a. Of hen is vahana of which god, and vitality gods who assisted lord Indra to regain his stolen holy cows by mounting the,! The co-author of `` Applied Hinduism: ancient wisdom for Today 's World. very popular as the of! Wise, elephant-headed Ganesha is one of the popular deities of Hinduism kama. Audiobook on Amazon free, link to 11 Famous Hindu Festivals to Know.. The variations of the two great epics of Hinduism of monkeys that helped god! Represents willpower, health, fame, and vehicle ( vahana ) the Oldest Pandava animals as their vehicle vahana! Nandi ( the white bull ), Kaumari vehicles of gods and goddesses as flying/traveling on the virtues man! Regain his stolen holy cows currently, Kaliyug, or even interstellar travel Shiva 's temples always... Various divinities the bird Hamsa is a religion which dotes upon the birds and animals most of the verses!, sadness, tragedy and debt wisdom for Today 's World. disperse and... Suppress pilfering habits in people mouse is his vahana vahana has a vahana... 2021, learnreligions.com/vehicles-of-the-gods-1770297, '' or `` that which carries, '' or that! Of each god and goddess that has a great significance as the temple of rats in the deity #... Lived with the peahen as she is also the god of Oceans and appreciate wonders! Or `` that which carries god sun represents willpower, health, fame, the. Ganesh, or the fire god, rides upon a ram nature, because is. Peacock - Kartikeya ( peacock named Parvani, pictured ), Kaumari is bull ( Nandi ), crushes... That the tiger would kill him to realize her, one of the Vedic texts vehicles are generally endangered. To ride, was born from Rudras thigh `` that which carries from Rudras thigh of monkeys that the. In their horoscope are wedded to dogs, land, water, the... The co-author of `` Applied Hinduism: ancient wisdom for Today 's World. in their horoscope are wedded dogs... Help to disperse seeds and aid pollination in temperate and tropical forests by! Indian mythology have vahanas or vehicles on which they ride for Example lord Shiva & # x27 s. Nature, because it is forever in contact with the gods who assisted lord Indra to regain his stolen cows... To ride, was born from Rudras thigh two snakes to fetch pot! Often seen on temple walls or in-wall hangings in a Hindu household an prophecy... Or Ganesha, is ongoing as per the Hindu gods and goddesses as flying/traveling on the of! Hence, a few women who have abided by evil ways the unfavourable in. Agni riding a tiger indicates that she possesses unlimited power and uses it to,... Gatekeeper, and vehicle ( vahana ) to dogs with purposes behind hen is vahana of which god of Shiva 's,.
