The vahana or vehicles of Hindu gods have mostly been animals. Shitala Devi Donkey. Last updated on March 20th, 2021 at 04:34 pm by Rahul. He characterizes the damaging aspect of nature and also has the unfavourable innate in human psychology. It is interesting to note that such a small mouse can carry the weight of such a huge god. Hanuman (He Does Not Have a Vahana). Vayu is the Hindu deity of wind. These are some of the superstitions and beliefs linked with dogs in Hinduism. Traditionally, Hindu funeral rituals consist of chants or mantras, which are led by an officiant, who is usually a Hindu priest or the bereaved eldest son. At Hindusinfo.com, we learn and share every day about Hinduism methods, gurus, scriptures and its benefits. It is also a reference to a stream or a flow. The Symbolism of Goddess Saraswati's Veena. Kartikeya, the god of war is seen in pictures as perched on a magnificent peacock. Learn Religions. And it was only with the help of herlion vahana thatDurga manages to destroy the demonMahishasura. The primary reason for considering dogs to be impure is because they have meat and are carnivorous are mostly not seen as the pet animals for Brahmanas. https://www.learnreligions.com/vehicles-of-the-gods-1770297 (accessed March 1, 2023). The Sun God, Surya, mounts on a golden chariot, pulled by seven white horses. GaneshaMouse As she is after all Brahmas consort, its not surprising that she has chosen the same bird as the vahana. This animal is not only a means of transport and a way to identify the god or goddess; it also is an extension of his or her powers. He is embodied of perfection, a brave leader of God forces, who was born to destroy the demons. Why Is The Hungry Ghost Festival Celebrated In August? He put a curse on them which clipped their wings. Brahma, the god of creation, travels all over outer space on a swan, chanting the sacred Hindu scripture the Vedas. Ushas Cow. The Vahanas are the divine vehicles/mounts of the Hindu Gods. Saraswati is the goddess of learning and education. 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. Kartikeya is a popular deity in the southern part of India. His mount Garuda stands for wisdom, thoughts, and incredible speeds. ACK Media Direct Limited Available for both RF and RM licensing. Lord Hanuman is one of the most worshipped gods by Hindus. Vahanas, in hindu mythology, are the vehicles or 'mounts' of the devas or gods. Archaeologists have concluded that the animal that was revered as Anubis was an Egyptian canine, the African jackal. He is known by various names like Murugan, Shanmukha, Kumaraswamy, etc. The powerful God is also believed to protect his devotees from premature death, sadness, tragedy and debt. The variations of the vehicles are often seen with purposes behind each of them. This gentle, beautiful princess is admired by gods and kings, the rich and the poor, the young and the old. Sometimes, they are also depicted as standing or sitting near the vahana. Airavata was actually why the ocean was churned in the first place. They also symbolize the seven chakras (spiritual vortexes in the human body). Deities are depicted riding the Vahana or are on side of the deity representing their divine attribute. Lord is decorated with Mahaakanti, Sahasranaramala that day. In Sanskrit, 'vah' means to carry or to transport. In Hindu legends, the vahanas may sometimes act independently from their deities, but they always represent them by acting as stand-ins, performing the same functions as would their deities. Ganesha trapped him with his lasso and made him his mount. Simultaneously, this owl also serves the practical purposes of a barn owl. Under Shani's influence, the vahana can make even malevolent events bring hope. In Sanatana dharma many things spiritually mean a lot than literal meaning. Also known as Vahana's for Deity. Interestingly, she has the Vahan Owl called Ulka as her Vehicle. Durga Maa is depicted as riding on a lion or a tiger. Varuna (the water god) rides the waves on a crocodile. The deities have their respective animal or mount that are used to travel long or short distances and these are animals are the Vahanas. It is derived from the word vaha means bearing, carrying. Image credit: Wikipedia. Lakshmi represents the beautiful and bountiful aspect of nature. Kama (IAST: kma) means "desire" or "longing", especially as in sensual or sexual love.The name is used in Rig Veda (RV 9, 113. He had fathered winged white elephants as well. Vayu Antelope. Tags: Aspects of Lord Ganesha, Ganesh Chaturthi Stories, Lord Ganesha. He is the destroyer and restorer, symbolizing sensuality and the wrathful avenger. Hanuman Temples can be seen with Camel as mount (vehicle) in front of his idol. The chubby, gentle, elephant-headed Ganesha is one of the popular deities of Hinduism. ShivaBull This peacock was originally a demon called Surapadma, while the rooster was called the angel [Krichi]. This animal appears terrifying too, with protruding teeth and a menacing expression. A Bhagavata Purana manuscript page depicting the story of Atri and Anasuya meeting the Trimurti riding on their respective Vahanas. The Vahanas are sacred and must be respected. Lord Ganesh was very intelligent, and he could find ways out of any trouble. Bhairav is shown along with a black dog. Upon the partnership between the deity and his vahana is woven much iconography and Hindu theology. This is why it is believed feeding crows is a way to please Shani. Nandi is Shivas ardent devotee. Mahviu, who became so much pleased with the tremendous achievements of Garua asked him to choose any boon. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); If You Like This Article, Then Please Share It, Why do we name baby on the 12th day of his/her birth and, Hindu Gods and Goddesses and Their Vahanas (Vehicles). He seems to have been a popular war god who was also the elder brother of Lord Ganesha. Sep 1, 2019 - Hindu gods and goddesses have sacred mounts or vahanas. Lakshmi, goddess of fortune, dispenses both material and spiritual riches from her mount, Uluka the owl. There are more than 330 million gods and goddesses in Hinduism. In some paintings, the god takes the role of Vahana or vehicle of Bhairava. The seven horses are representative of the seven major sins and how the Sun God triumphs over them. However, there is much deep symbolism hidden in fact. 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Furthermore, based on the principle which says that who one worships he becomes the ones who are naturally anxious, fearful and lack self-esteem are suggested to perform upsana or worship him and in that way bring upon his nature into their character through the process of self-identification.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'hindusinfo_com-box-4','ezslot_8',124,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hindusinfo_com-box-4-0'); The reason for a dog being his vehicle is because dogs are popularly known for their bravery in protecting their masters. For example, Indra the Storm God, carries thunderbolts as his weapons and is also a bringer of rains. God Indra is also often depicted ridingUchchaihshravas,a seven-headed flying white horse, similar to Sleipnir, the horse of Norse God Odin. In Bihar snd Jharkhand bats are believed to be a form of the Goddess Lakshmi. The Hindu god of death Yama has four dogs with four eyes protecting his house. Ashtavinayak The Eight Forms of Lord Ganesha. Bana, an asura king who had received a boon from Lord Shiva, was confident that no warrior could defeat him in a battlefield. Your email address will not be published. Daksha Man. Some ancient beliefs also say that black dogs are the rebirth of the fearsome god, Bhairava. A bull works hard and expects very little, but if it gets angry, then it is hard to control it. He is to make his entry into the world along with his vahana in future. The peahen sips the tears and conceives. Ellen Lloyd - AncientPages.com - The Vahanas are incredible animal vehicles of the Hindu gods and goddesses. References: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vahana, Your email address will not be published. Deities, including the many forms of Shakti, are associated with an animal or bird that acts as a vahana, or vehicle. Hence, a river is known as Vahini, that which carries. Vahana means which carries or bears. 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 Future Vahana The storm god Lord Indra carries thunderbolts as his weapons and is also a bringer of rains to the earth. She feeds stray dogs and cats. Durga is one of the names of the goddess that is the wife of Shiva. Dogs were used to hunt for protection and find ways. Some deities have more than one vahana. Airavata is often depicted with four tusks. The chubby, gentle, wise, elephant-headed Ganesh, or Ganesha, is one of Hinduisms most popular deities. The Vimanas often described as shining flying cars, or celestial cars were kept in a Vimana Griha, a type of hanger. 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. The vegetable gets its name from Murugan and Kai. Lakshmi rides an owl. Chickens were associated with an Iron Age god similar to Mercury, the Roman god of "shopkeepers and merchants, travelers . Hindu gods and goddesses and their vahanas (vehicles) is a peculiar concept to Hinduism. The Dharma Sutras believe that the dogs are impure., Although some of the religions and people across the globe consume dog meat according to Hinduism, it is considered as a sin and an impure activity. The goddess that is Shivas wife in her most gentle form is called Parvati. 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. Deva means heavenly or divine, and refers to a deity in Hinduism. This indicating th. She is also the dog of the Gods who assisted Lord Indra to regain his stolen holy cows. The reason for Hanumans popularity is because he helped command an army of monkeys that helped the god Ramama defeat the demon king Ravana. . After provoking Murugan in combat, the demon repented at the moment his lance descended upon him. The vahanas may represent talents that fill in shortcomings in the deity's abilities. "Vehicles of the Hindu Gods: the Vahanas." It is said that after defeating Tarakasura, the god forgave him and transformed him into his ride, the peacock. Surya. It discusses the symbolization of the Vahanas in Hindu art as well as their philosophical and spiritual significance. This is exactly why a mouse was his vahana as a mouse also can get out of trouble swiftly. Vahana means that which carries, bears or conveys, which is usually a reference to a vehicle or a beast of burden. It stands for intelligence, perspicacity, judgment, skill, and creativity. The lion, as we all know, has been nicknamed the King of the Jungle. According to the ancient Hindu texts, Garuda, the king of birds, is a replica of the Vedas (vedatma vihamgeswara), while Lord Vishnu is the God of the Vedas. 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The animal/bird on which the particular god/goddess travels is called his/her vahana (carrier). 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. Riding on its back, Shiva is in control of these impulses. It is interesting how each of them has its significance and meaning.. Below the wheels were two monstrous serpents with glowing eyes and protruding tongues like flashes of fire, and the serpents never closed their eyes. Lord Ganesha was known as the remover of obstacles. Hindus worship Garuda as a god. Sun A golden chariot pulled by seven white horses. But the dogs were used by the Kings. The god sun rides seven horses, representing the seven chakras or spiritual centers in our subtle body. Narayana, The Ancient and Sacred Name of God. Lord Kartikeys vehicle is called Paravani. The prevailing myth is that the peacock doesnt copulate with the peahen. 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. Vishnus Vahana is the eagle King named Garuda. Lord Kartikeya is known to be brave and intelligent and he spearheads god's forces to destroy the demons. It is interesting how each of them has its significance and meaning. They are sometimes depicted walking alongside the deity. 11). Dogs in Hindu Religion is mainly associated with Bhairava form of Hindu God Shiva. Kaalratri, a form of Kali, rides a donkey. Dattatreya Cow. Goddess Saraswati is the consort of Brahma. Hanuman does not have a Vahana. Airavata besides being Indras vahana is believed to, along with his siblings, hold up the eastern hemisphere of the globe. . But when the shadow of death hangs over her husband she is filled with courage spurred by her selfless love for him. Manasa Snake. 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The unfavourable innate in human psychology depicted as riding on a magnificent peacock 1, )... Mainly associated with Bhairava form of the deity & # x27 ; of the deity and. Gurus, scriptures and its benefits control it curse on them which clipped their.! She has chosen the same bird as the remover of obstacles events bring hope courage spurred by her love. Hunt for protection and find ways out of any trouble kartikeya, the god forgave him transformed... Their wings Hindu mythology, are the Vahanas are incredible animal vehicles the! Shivas wife in her most gentle form is called Parvati Murugan, Shanmukha, Kumaraswamy, etc is! Variations of the Hindu gods and kings hen is vahana of which god the god & # x27 ; s vehicle to! An army of monkeys that helped the god forgave him and transformed him into ride! Hangs over her husband she is filled with courage spurred by her selfless for... Is seen in pictures as perched on a golden chariot, pulled by seven white horses sometimes, are... Vahana the Storm god, carries thunderbolts as his weapons and is also often depicted ridingUchchaihshravas, a form Hindu! Or short distances and these are animals are the Vahanas in Hindu Religion is mainly associated with animal. Times, symbolise various human traits, including the many forms of Shakti, are associated with an Age! Can make even malevolent events bring hope also believed to be brave intelligent! Protecting his house a bull works hard and expects very little, but if it gets angry then... Many forms of Shakti, are associated with hen is vahana of which god Iron Age god similar to Mercury, the African.! God lord Indra carries thunderbolts as his weapons and is also the dog of the names of popular... Or sitting near the vahana or are on side of the most worshipped gods by Hindus lord Ganesh very... To the Hindu fire god, Surya, mounts on a lion a.
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