The name of this dog was Yama who took this form to examine the honesty of Yudhistir who was the oldest Pandava. The Rig Veda signified that Agni was one of the main gods. 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. The eagle, as we all know, preys on snakes too. Vishnu, the Preserver/Protector mounts an eagle-like creature called Garuda. As per mythologists, the mouse is symbolic of basal desires. The Ram signifies power, strength, and vitality. The Vahanas are the divine vehicles/mounts of the Hindu Gods. He is the King of the Gandharvas, and his abode is known as Gandhavati. Yama, the lord of death, rides a black buffalo. Athena, though also a goddess of prosperity, is primarily the goddess of wisdom, and her owl symbolizes secret knowledge and scholarship. The bull is said to embody sexual energy, fertility. Chickens were associated with an Iron Age god similar to Mercury, the Roman god of "shopkeepers and merchants, travelers . Cue the J. Most of the Vahanas of gods and goddesses are worshipped by Hindu devotees with offerings of food and prayers. My name is Garuda. The vahana also represents the devotee's mind which allows the deity to guide the devotee. Ganesha, the huge elephant headed god, who is worshipped for wealth and prosperity, mounts on a mouse. Another Hindu god, Lord Murugan/Subrahmanya . Each vehicle is very different and of divine nature, because it is forever in contact with the gods and . Chickens were associated with an Iron Age god similar to Mercury, the Roman god of "shopkeepers and merchants, travelers "When new animals arrive into a culture, they are often linked with deities," Sykes tells CNN. So, the message to all warriors is that they should forgo all sexual desires, if they wish to emerge victorious in war. He is to make his entry into the world along with his vahana in future. 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 animal has been stated to as Shvan in most of the Vedic verses and also has a deep meaning in Hindu mythology. Support the Ashram. Brahmas Vahana is a goose or a swan. 1 Answer. Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, learning, music and arts is seen with a swan. Upanishads are the highest . In Bihar snd Jharkhand bats are believed to be a form of the Goddess Lakshmi. Bull also represents strength. and also represent the evil forces over which the deity dominates. Interestingly, she has the Vahan Owl called Ulka as her Vehicle. Ketu Vulture. Hindu Gods and Goddesses have a particular Animal or Bird in which they travel. If we assume that it is a bird, then the question arises of how it can travel in space without oxygen. This is why it is believed feeding crows is a way to please Shani. She had a passion for writing about India's lifestyle, culture, tradition, travel, and is trying to cover all Indian Cultural aspects of Daily Life. The vahana accompanies, pulls the chariot of, or serves as the seat or mount of his god. The article discusses the various animal mounts or Vahanas attributed to the different deities in the Hindu religion - like Vishnu, Ganesha, Shiva, Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Yama, Surya, Kartikeya and Shani. Limited time offer - Save 30% off all videos, use code: 30OFFVIDEO. The storm god Lord Indra carries thunderbolts as his weapons and is also a bringer of rains to the earth. He is said to have lived with the god in the heavenly snowy abode of Kailash. Sometimes, they are also depicted as standing or sitting near the vahana. ULUKA, LAKSHMI'S VAHANA: The owl is Goddess Lakshmi's vahana. It symbolises that our demonic thoughts would be subdued 'in the hands of God. She faked an illness which would only be cured by tigers milk. We have come to know him through numerous ancient scriptures and religious texts. How Camel became Vehicle of Lord Hanuman. Kartikeya -Peacock Throughout many cultures, the symbolic meaning of owl deals with: intelligence, brilliance . Without her, there is only chaos and confusion. ShaniCrow/Raven/Vulture Below is a list of Hindu gods and goddesses who are inseparably linked with their respective vahanas: When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. These travel vehicles are called Vahanas or Vehicles. They help the deities to uphold Dharma by performing several obligatory and secondary duties. The Hamsa is a gentle and beautiful bird that stands for its beauty, elegance, poise, and dancing skills. The vahana also increases the god's power through their association. They are sometimes depicted walking alongside the deity. The chubby, gentle, wise, elephant-headed Ganesh, or Ganesha, is one of Hinduisms most popular deities. These vehicles, which are either animals or birds, represent the various spiritual and psychological forces that carry each deity and representit. Lord Murugan is also popularly known as Subramaniam which is a common name in South India. "Vehicles of the Hindu Gods: the Vahanas." Theres yet another god whom Hindus are looking forward to. Besides, there are some other Gods and goddesses with their Vahanas listed below. While the god Ganesha was still a child, a giant mouse began to terrorize all his friends. If it is a spaceship, then it is quite possible that our ancestors could not imagine anything like that as that technology was far more advanced during that time, so they mistook it like a bird. The Karni Mata Temple is very popular as the temple of rats in Rajasthan. And further also because they are linked with death. Vahanas The Rides of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, 15. All the Hindu gods and Hindu goddesses are represented as using vahanas to separate themselves; each vehicle is very different and even more symbolical. Among sounds Agni is associated with the consonant ra and carries significance akin to the Egyptian Sun-God. To realize her, one must respect the laws of life and appreciate the wonders of existence. Mumbai 400059, Maharashtra, India Vamadevas wrath simmered down. He is the destroyer and restorer, symbolizing sensuality and the wrathful avenger. Brahma is often seen on temple walls or in-wall hangings in a Hindu household. The prophecy was fulfilled when the mouse became the vahana of Ganesha. Bhairava, a manifestation of Shiva, has chosen a dog as his vehicle. Nandi (Sanskrit: ), also known as Nandikeshwara or Nandideva, is the bull vahana of the Hindu god Shiva.He is also the guardian deity of Kailash, the abode of Shiva.Almost all Shiva temples display stone-images of a seated Nandi, generally facing the main shrine. Rightly so, as the other members of the celestial group revolve around Surya. Vahana (Sanskrit: , Vhanam or animal vehicle, literally "that which carries, that which pulls") denotes the being, typically an animal or mythical, a particular Hindu God is said to use as a vehicle. Emblem Symbol Logo Logotype Monogram Sign Mark Motif Insignia Trademark Semiotics Heraldry Identity Stamp Brand Service India Tag Label Wordmark 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. The vahana, usually depicted with the deity, is sometimes a real animal or bird, sometimes a mythological creature, and ocasionally, a composite made up of different creatures! Each of these animals stands for specific qualities that are in parallel with the image and functions of Hindu deities. Bhairava, a manifestation of Shiva, has chosen a dog as his vehicle. I am the mythical eagle who has the body of a man, and the wings and beak of an eagle. Ganesha trapped him with his lasso and made him his mount. She is usually depicted with ten arms that hold the weapons of the various gods. Pushan Chariot of goats. Shani Crow. Why Is The Battle Of Gaugamela Called Broken Camels Back? The baby Ayyappa was forsaken on the river banks and was found by a childless king. Ganesha Mouse. Kartikeya, the god of war is seen in pictures as perched on a magnificent peacock. Indras Vahana is a great white elephant called Airavata. YamaMale Buffalo As she is after all Brahmas consort, its not surprising that she has chosen the same bird as the vahana. Its believed that Kalki, an incarnation of Vishnu, will come galloping on a white horse, to usher in Satya Yuga, the age of truth and virtues. Varuna's vahana, Jaladhi, was born from Rudra's earwax and has the divine power of movement. This is when the farmers have just reaped a rich harvest and have stocked their granaries with food grains. Hanuman Temples can be seen with Camel as mount (vehicle) in front of his idol. It is interesting to note that such a small mouse can carry the weight of such a huge god. ShitalaDonkey His guardian is Nandi (the white bull), whose statue can often be seen watching over the main shrine. Emblem Symbol Logo Logotype Monogram Sign Mark Motif Insignia Trademark Semiotics Heraldry Identity Stamp Brand Service India Tag Label Wordmark Indra was an important god with the Aryan warriors. For example, the goddess Lakshmi of the Hindus has elephants, or an owl, or (a rare instance of a non-animal vehicle) the lotus blossom as her vehicle. Mounted on Parvani, Kartikeya reins in the peacock's vanity. Indra is an important god of Aryan warriors. Brahma, the God of creation, travels all over outer space on aswan. Shiva - Nandi (The Bull) Lord Shiva is one of the prominent deities of Hinduism. The vibrancy of Agni is also reflected in the vehicle he chose for himself, the Ram. For Example Lord Shiva's Vehicle is Bull (Nandi), here bull is symbol of Dharma. Mesopotamian gods and goddesses were all associated with vahanas. Why is Goddess Durga Known as Mahishasura Mardini? Anubis is the Greek name for the god of death, mummification, afterlife, tombs, and the underworld in the ancient Egyptian religion. Many Hindu deities are associated with a 'vehicle' or 'vahana,' a being which the deity would 'ride.'. Hanuman helped Lord Rama defeat the Asura- King Ravana of Lanka. Join our community today and explore the depths of spirituality, philosophy, and Vedic lifestyle. There are some interesting stories associated with why a particular animal is the vahana of a particular deity. Lakshmi is, among other things, primarily the goddess of wealth, and her owl is a warning against distrust and isolationism, even selfishness. Saraswatis Vahana is a peacock or a swan. Left: Peacock - Kartikeya (peacock named Parvani, pictured), Kaumari. Saraswati duckphoto courtesy of Arindam Mukherjee. IndraElephant Vayu, the wind god, is depicted riding a deer. Since rats are seen as being capable of gnawing their way through most things, the rat symbolizes Ganeshs ability to destroy every obstacle. The Hindu god of death Yama has four dogs with four eyes protecting his house. Understand Yourself Better with Accurate Birth Chart Predictions from an Experienced Astrologe. As shocking as it may sound, there are yet a few areas where people follow all of these superstitions concerning dogs.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'hindusinfo_com-banner-1','ezslot_10',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hindusinfo_com-banner-1-0'); The people who have faith in omens, it is said that anybody who takes sight of a dog holding a bone in is his mouth is thought of having a good omen. Durga the warrioress could not have destroyed the demon Mahishasura without the aid of her vehicle, lion, which was given by her father Himalaya, for the stated purpose. He holds a trident symbolic of the capturing and control over the mind, body and tongue. Under Shani's influence, the vahana can make even malevolent events bring hope. Both the boons were granted. Vishnu and His Vahana. A bull works hard and expects very little, but if it gets angry, then it is hard to control it. Later, the queen had a biological child. Since that time, he has watched over each of Shiva's temples, always looking towards him. These were to be given as prescribed in the ancient Vedic sacred texts. He is the father of Kasyapa, and her wife is Chhaya Devi. Vahanas, in hindu mythology, are the vehicles or 'mounts' of the devas or gods. Nandi Vahana Song | || |Subscribe :- https://bit.ly/3yIUPci Arey O Jangama Song | Telugu Lyrics |#HinduSpiritualMusic # . Why Is The Hungry Ghost Festival Celebrated In August? Kamadeva is a name of Vishnu in Vishnu Purana and Bhagavata Purana (SB 5.18.15), and also . Etymology and other names. The dust storm raised by the waving of Garuas wings blinded everybody. Does Celtic Art Have Links With Iron Age Art Of The Eurasian Steppes? . There are some interesting stories associated with why a particular animal is the vahana of a particular deity. Lord Ganesha was known as the remover of obstacles. Often, elaborate cultural mythologies exist explaining how each animal became the vahana of a particular deity, and sometimes the stories involve the transformation of lesser gods into the vahana of a major deity. Before becoming the vehicle of Shiva, Nandi was a deity called Nandikeshvara, lord of joy and master of music and dance. To realize her one must go beyond the pleasures of the senses and rejoice in the serenity of the spirit. The Vahanas are sacred and must be respected. Ask your questions related to love, relationships, career, and other areas of life and get answers by expert astrologer. Lord Varuna is a Celestial God in the Vedic texts. The prevailing myth is that the peacock doesnt copulate with the peahen. The wicked woman secretly hoped that the tiger would kill him. Saraswati Swan. Hence, a river is known as Vahini, that which carries. 8. Since that day, Garuda developed acrimony with snakes and started feeding on them. He is the destroyer and restorer, symbolizing sensuality and the wrathful avenger. HindusInfo.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Many Hindu scriptures depict some Hindu gods and goddesses as flying/traveling on the back of animals and/or birds. The very look with those eyes was enough to poison anyone to death. Credit: Public Domain. Even Lord Dattatreya is linked with four dogs, which represent the four Vedas. She feeds stray dogs and cats. Vahanas could also be used for warfare, but they were regarded as divine carriers and symbols of the Hindu gods and goddesses. The Vimanas often described as shining flying cars, or celestial cars were kept in a Vimana Griha, a type of hanger. Chandra (Moon) Antelope. Dogs in Hindu Religion is mainly associated with Bhairava form of Hindu God Shiva. Indra Airawat (A white elephant with five heads). From one half, Murugan pulled a rooster, which he made his emblem, and from the other, a peacock, which he made his mount. When his teacher, Sage Vasishtha refused to help him, he sought the assistance of his teachers rival, Sage Vishwamitra. Countless Vahanas We keep on adding new and unique content which makes users visit back over and over again. Its ability to separate milk from water stood as a metaphor for being able to distinguish fact from fiction, and truth from falsehood. He portrays fairness and equality between all the castes and was a beggar who performed religious begging. Riding on its back, Shiva is in control of these impulses. Learn Religions. Drawing of a vertical section of a Vimana described on Ramayana, one of the two great epics of Hinduism. Credit: Public Domain - Right: Crow - Shani (planet Saturn in vedic astrology), Alakshmi, Dhumavati (pictured). He had accidentally stepped on the toes of Saint Vamadeva, who was also worshipped as a god. Perhaps due to their shared geography, the Greco-Roman interpretation is paralleled in Roman Catholic iconography, in which St. Jerome, most famed for editing the New Testament, is often (though not always) depicted with an owl as a symbol of wisdom and scholarship. He is the King of hell and Hindus believe it is not Lucifer or satan. There are also some people who believe that dogs are an incarnation of Bhairav. Crow is the vahana of planet Saturn and Garuda/eagle of God Vishnu . His mount Garuda stands for wisdom, thoughts, and incredible speeds. Similarly, just like dogs humans too guard their emotional and material territories. Airavata first make clouds in the sky, and then he would suck up water in his tusk and dispense the water into these clouds. The owl cleanses the granaries of all pests, thereby protecting the grain. At its core was the belief the gods required to be propitiated with offerings. Dogs and Gods. The list is almost endless. Each deity's vahana can be seen as a symbolic representation of his or her "power" or meaning within the pantheon of Hindu deities. He had fathered winged white elephants as well. Material - Copper (or) Brass with gold coated. He is not very popularly known amongst the Brahmanas and is mainly worshipped by non-brahmins or the lower castes and tribes. Currently, Kaliyug, or age of vice, is ongoing as per the Hindu mythological calendar. Brahma is usually portrayed with four heads and four arms. 3.other birds used as a mode of transport in mythology : Kartikeya the cock was a subdued demon. He is considered the god of bad luck and is also popularly called Ara, Kona, and Kroda. The father of Skanda is Shiva / Ravi or Agni. In the country, a few women who have a powerful Mars in their horoscope are wedded to dogs. Deities are often depicted riding (or simply mounted upon) the vahana. Image credit: Wikipedia. Estimated time: 4 mins. 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. One day they accidentally interrupted a class conducted by a sage when he was teaching. AyyappaTiger Lord Ganesh was very intelligent, and he could find ways out of any trouble. Narmada Crocodile. Durga is endowed as a warrior woman riding a lion or tiger with multiple hands carrying weapons, mudras, or symbolic hand gestures. Find the perfect vahana stock photo, image, vector, illustration or 360 image. The bull being a strong animal symbolizes virility. Shitala is prayed to with the hope that shell ward off chicken pox, measles and sores. Durga family with vahanasphoto courtesy of Arindam Mukherjee. Agni Ram Your email address will not be published. Each Hindu deity has a particular animal-vehicle or vahana on which it travels. These were just a handful of tales of Indian gods and goddesses with their beloved animals. And treat animals with humanity and the utmost respect. The vegetable gets its name from Murugan and Kai. After which Lord Indra sends a bird but the bird ends up cheating on him by telling that Panis does not have cows and then Sarama who is also the mother of Dogs and wolves goes to Panis and battles with them honestly., This represents their vitality in progress and their role in guarding cattle. The goddess that is Shivas wife in her most gentle form is called Parvati. The river goddess Yamuna drifts on a tortoise. Below the wheels were two monstrous serpents with glowing eyes and protruding tongues like flashes of fire, and the serpents never closed their eyes. She is also shown riding a Hamsa. 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. Garuda is seen as clutching two snakes and with serpents garlanded around him. She is the supreme god and also identified with Parvati, also referred to as the mother of Lord Kartikeya and Lord Ganesha. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/vehicles-of-the-gods-1770297. He is one of the eight attendants on Lord Shiva and also at times is thought of as one of his aspects.He is popularly worshipped among the Tantrikas and is also worshipped in Vajrayana Buddhism as Heruka Bhairava or Yamntaka. These vehicles are generally the endangered species that Hindus wanted to protect, i.e. He is usually seen riding the ram or in a chariot pulled by many fiery horses. Available for both RF and RM licensing. While some sources mention a Goat as the vahana of Kubera. His mount Nandi stands for sexual energy kama and fertility. The god sun rides seven horses, representing the seven chakras or spiritual centers in our subtle body. Its white plumes denote spiritual purity. Mushika was originally a gandharva, or celestial musician. 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. In Sanskrit, Vah means to ride along with the land. In Hinduism its also considered the supreme of all animals. She is also the deity of vegetation and reproduction and is believed to bestow children and . Sarama is the female dog, who is considered as the mother of all dogs. It is derived from the word vaha means bearing, carrying. [2], Vah in Sanskrit means to carry, or transport.[3]. Varuna (the water god) rides the waves on a crocodile. It is also bestowed with the mythical powers of fortune telling. Hunting is believed to be a sin as per the Brahmanas. Indra has Airavata, the white elephant who spins clouds, and Uchchaihshravas, the seven-headed white horse who was created during the . When he pleaded with Kadru to free his mother, the latter demanded the nectar of immortality as the price of her liberty. He put a curse on them which clipped their wings. Type above and press Enter to search. Hanuman (He Does Not Have a Vahana). She is also the dog of the Gods who assisted Lord Indra to regain his stolen holy cows. They may be sitting on a small platform, or riding on a saddle or bareback. Illustration: Adarsh Achari and Ritoparna Hazra. Sun A golden chariot pulled by seven white horses. And some mention an Elephant. He is the commander of the army of devas. Shitala Mata holds a broom in one hand and a Kalash (container with water) in her other hand on her mission of providing relief to the children. The relationship between the deity and mount is not as a master and servant, but almost like a father and son, or the body and soul. Indra gave his vahana a garland made by . Her Vehicle is the owl. Sculptures of Nandi are a common sight at Hindu temples dedicated to his master, and he is partly responsible for the Hindu reverence for living bulls even today, especially in the state of Uttar Pradesh. By mounting the crow, Shani is said to suppress pilfering habits in people. She summoned Ayyappa to fetch the milk. The deity may be seen sitting or standing on the vahana. Due to this, the person doesn't meet success in any work despite constant efforts and hard work. There are many statues of various Vahanas in Hindu templesand these beings are considered to be secondary deities. The animal/bird on which the particular god/goddess travels is called his/her vahana (carrier). Required fields are marked *. In Sanskrit, 'vah' means to carry or to transport. Garuda (from the Sanskrit: Garua or "devourer") is a large mythical bird or bird-like creature that appears in both Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Shiva, the destroyer, rides a bull named Nandi. Your email address will not be published. This rodent was actually a god named Kroncha in his previous life. Two terrific wheels were rotating round the pot and they would cut into mince-meat anybody who tried to lay hands on the pot and a machine circled the wheels.