He is the commander of the army of devas. Considering this part of dogs can give deep insights into our behavioral limitations., In the Vaidik dharma if the Brahmin even sees a dog it is believed to be impure. 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. Saraswatis Vahana is a peacock or a swan. The goddess Athena of ancient Greece also had an owl as her emblematic familiar, but the meanings invested in the owls by the two different belief systems are not the same, nor are the two goddesses themselves similar, despite their mutual identification with owls. Actually in a previous life, musaka was a god named Kroncha. To save his mother, Garuda flew to the heavens and slayed two snakes to fetch a pot of nectar. Copyright 2014-2023 RitiRiwaz.com. He is one of the most worshipped deities in the Purans and looks like a black figure carrying a sword in his right hand and sitting on Vulture, Crow, or Raven. Subhamoy Das is the co-author of "Applied Hinduism: Ancient Wisdom for Today's World." Throughout many cultures, the symbolic meaning of owl deals with: intelligence, brilliance . This is when the farmers have just reaped a rich harvest and have stocked their granaries with food grains. He was the father of the great Pandava Bheema. 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. Also, if your pet dog sneezes when you are leaving your house it is said to be a good omen. Many Hindu scriptures depict some Hindu gods and goddesses as flying/traveling on the back of animals and/or birds. He is the destroyer and the restorer, the great ascetic and the symbol of sensuality, the benevolent herdsman of souls, and the wrathful avenger. She is the supreme god and also identified with Parvati, also referred to as the mother of Lord Kartikeya and Lord Ganesha. Deities, including the many forms of Shakti, are associated with an animal or bird that acts as a vahana, or vehicle. Brahma, the God of creation, travels all over outer space on a swan. Hanuman helped Lord Rama defeat the Asura- King Ravana of Lanka. In Hindu dharma, the Surya Deva gives light to the world. Agnis Vahana is the ram. IndraElephant Another possibility is symbolization. In Hindu iconography, positive aspects of the vehicle are often emblematic of the deity that it carries. Lord Hanuman is one of the most worshipped gods by Hindus. On one seal the elephant appears prominently in relation to Skanda, and the elephant also appears on a number of other seals related to Skanda. Musaka or mouse is the vahana of the Lord Ganesha. It indicates that Brahma is the creator and master of all the beauty and grace of the world. Image credit: Wikipedia. Once this was done, then the gods would reward the patron or the organiser []. The brother of Skanda was Ganesha the elephant God. Due to this, the person doesn't meet success in any work despite constant efforts and hard work. The tales of them with their respective vahanas have filled voluminous books, which are stored in various quaint libraries across the country. Created with by SunArc Technologies. AyyappaTiger Interestingly, he is using a Mouse as his mount. The lion may also represent gluttony and the craving for sensory pleasures which gives birth to lust. Hence, a river is known as Vahini, that which carries. Sacrifices are offered to Agni and to many other gods through him. Undoing a curse is mythically impossible, but he toned it down by saying that he would become Ganeshas vehicle. Etymology and other names. 7. Airavata is often depicted with four tusks. The word Hamsa is a combination of two words, aham+ sa. It means I am he. The bird hamsa is beautiful, peaceful, and graceful. Saraswati, the goddess of art, music, and learning, usually holds a book and a stringed instrument called a veena. Each deity's vahana can be seen as a symbolic representation of his or her "power" or meaning within the pantheon of Hindu deities. It is interesting how each of them has its significance and meaning. Both the boons were granted. The variations of the vehicles are often seen with purposes behind each of them. The more grain the farmer sells, the wealthier he/ she will become. As Bhoodevi, the earth-goddess, she nurtures life; as Shreedevi, the goddess of fortune, she bestows power, pleasure, and prosperity on those who deserve her grace. It is said that she rode an elephant to Shiva and Parvatis wedding ride. If Gods are omniscient and omnipresent, why do they need vehicles to transport themselves from one place to another? Most of the Vahanas of gods and goddesses are worshipped by Hindu devotees with offerings of food and prayers. Just like mischievous magpies have ill repute in the occidental part of the globe because of their thieving tendencies; in India crows too are linked with stealing. Kaalratri, a form of Kali, rides a donkey. 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. He had fathered winged white elephants as well. For instance Garuda the eagle is the Vahana of Vishnu since he is the protector and agility is an essential quality to have for him, Nandi is the Vahana of Lord Shiva the god of destruction, the Nandi represent strength, load-bearing capacity, and virility. When he pleaded with Kadru to free his mother, the latter demanded the nectar of immortality as the price of her liberty. He is one of the . In Hindu mythology, the rooster is depicted as the vahana (vehicle) . Durga riding a tiger indicates that She possesses unlimited power and uses it to protect virtue and destroy evil. Durga, who encompasses . Another deity linked intimately with dogs is Dattatreya who is a merged deity of the trinity of Brahm, Viu and iva. Kubera Man. According to astrology, humans suffering from the adverse effects of the planets, Rahu and Shani may find some relief when they give food to black dogs. Durga Maa is depicted as riding on a lion or a tiger. And it was only with the help of her lion vahana that Durga manages to destroy the demon Mahishasura. Vayu Antelope. These vehicles, which are either animals or birds, represent the various spiritual and psychological forces that carry each deity and representit. It can be argued, for example, that the elephant god, Ganesha, gains subtlety of insight through the perceptions of his small mouse vahana. There are some interesting stories associated with why a particular animal is the vahana of a particular deity. Pallavi Bhattacharya from Mumbai in India is the pet parent to a white rabbit named Potol. Agni, the fire god, rides a ram. Therefore it is regarded as a chaste bird. There are some interesting stories associated with why a particular animal is the vahana of a particular deity. Durga Lion Shiva - Nandi (The Bull) Lord Shiva is one of the prominent deities of Hinduism. And further also because they are linked with death. As the old wives tale goes the peacock is contented with its magnificent plumes but is deeply embarrassed by its unattractive legs. The peahen sips the tears and conceives. The vahanas may wear a saddle upon which the deity rides or they may pull a chariot driven by the deity. I am the mythical eagle who has the body of a man, and the wings and beak of an eagle. "Vehicles of the Hindu Gods: the Vahanas." Anubis is the Greek name for the god of death, mummification, afterlife, tombs, and the underworld in the ancient Egyptian religion. Here is a list of some of the lesser-known vahanas of various divinities. Kamdev, God of Love, is represented as a handsome young man with a parrot as his Vahana (vehicle), a sugarcane bow with bees forming the bowstring, and flower-tipped arrows. Varuna is also worshipped for the sake of rain. Hunting is believed to be a sin as per the Brahmanas. Brahma, the God of creation, travels all over outer space on aswan. Pushan Chariot of goats. Lord Kartikeys vehicle is called Paravani. As a creator, Brahma needed clarity, and thus the goose seemed like a good friend to have. Some ancient beliefs also say that black dogs are the rebirth of the fearsome god, Bhairava. He is said to have lived with the god in the heavenly snowy abode of Kailash. Indra is an important god of Aryan warriors. Bats are the primary animals that help to disperse seeds and aid pollination in temperate and tropical forests. Garuda, a deity himself, is often shown as a winged human-shaped figure with a beak-like nose. Goddess Shashthi, the protector and benefactor of children, is often symbolized riding a cat. She summoned Ayyappa to fetch the milk. LakshmiOwl Garuda (from the Sanskrit: Garua or "devourer") is a large mythical bird or bird-like creature that appears in both Hindu and Buddhist mythology. 8. 3.other birds used as a mode of transport in mythology : Kartikeya the cock was a subdued demon. Animal images and symbols are very common in the Rig Veda. Lord is decorated with Mahaakanti, Sahasranaramala that day. It is derived from the word vaha means bearing, carrying. He is not very popularly known amongst the Brahmanas and is mainly worshipped by non-brahmins or the lower castes and tribes. Ganesha, for example, is sometimes shown with a peacock as his vehicle. Left: Peacock - Kartikeya (peacock named Parvani, pictured), Kaumari. Ishtar, the Mesopotamian goddess of war is seen with a lion. Airavata is my favorite vahana because he reminds me of Ganesha. Which is the Oldest Religion in the World? The vahana accompanies, pulls the chariot of, or serves as the seat or mount of his god. Indras Airavata gives strength to Indras status as a fearsome and powerful warrior. Some deities have more than one vahana. Emblem Symbol Logo Logotype Monogram Sign Mark Motif Insignia Trademark Semiotics Heraldry Identity Stamp Brand Service India Tag Label Wordmark The river goddess Yamuna drifts on a tortoise. The sun is also known as Ravi, Pusha, Aditya, or Grahapati. Indra has Airavata, the white elephant who spins clouds, and Uchchaihshravas, the seven-headed white horse who was created during the . Vahana means which carries or bears. Type above and press Enter to search. Manasa Snake. Agni is shown riding the Ram and rarely, a chariot pulled by goats. Nandi (also Nandin) is the sacred bull calf, gatekeeper, and vehicle ( vahana) of the Hindu god Shiva. The Hindu god of death Yama has four dogs with four eyes protecting his house. YamaMale Buffalo The chubby, gentle, elephant-headed Ganesha is one of the popular deities of Hinduism. Press Esc to cancel. Lord Murugan is also popularly known as Subramaniam which is a common name in South India. Ganga is said to ride Makara, a creature with the body of a crocodile and the trunk of an elephant. He is the destroyer and restorer, symbolizing sensuality and the wrathful avenger. . Available for both RF and RM licensing. Answer (1 of 52): After the Birth of Lord Subramanya (Murugan) and before the beginning of a war with Tarakasura all the major God's gifted special things to Murugan. Rooster is depicted as riding on a swan Interestingly, he is using a mouse as his.! The wrathful avenger these vehicles, which are either animals or birds, represent the various and! 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