Similarly, Durga, the mother of the universe and the warrior goddess, pierces a spear into the buffalo demons heart, while riding a lion. Sun A golden chariot pulled by seven white horses. Lord Rama is the seventh avatar of Vishnu and a major deity of Hinduism. Lord Brahma has the vehicle Hamsa (Swan). Lord Shani refers to the planet Saturn and is one of the nine heavenly objects as Navagraha in Hindu Astrology. This gentle, beautiful princess is admired by gods and kings, the rich and the poor, the young and the old. 11). Lord Vayu granted her wish and she gave birth to a boy who was immensely powerful and strong. The vahanas are often depicted, where the respective god/goddess is riding on them or they're just an auspicious symbol of the respective deity. Surya. Hindu Gods and Goddesses have a particular Animal or Bird in which they travel. The negative traits are those that the gods are said to overpower. . Rati Pigeon. 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. In another version, Karthikeya was born to kill the demon, Tarakasura. He is considered the god of bad luck and is also popularly called Ara, Kona, and Kroda. Garuda carries Vishnu to Vaikuntha (heaven) where he lives. However, his vehicle, Mushika the mouse, who can crawl into the smallest crevice or Akhuketana the rat, who can survive just about anywhere, can assist Ganesha to overcome the greatest obstacles. The river goddess Yamuna drifts on a tortoise. Durga riding a tiger indicates that She possesses unlimited power and uses it to protect virtue and destroy evil. In Hindu dharma, the Surya Deva gives light to the world. Since rats are seen as being capable of gnawing their way through most things, the rat symbolizes Ganeshs ability to destroy every obstacle. ULUKA, LAKSHMI'S VAHANA: The owl is Goddess Lakshmi's vahana. Musaka or mouse is the vahana of the Lord Ganesha. In Sanskrit, Vah means to ride along with the land. To realize her one must go beyond the pleasures of the senses and rejoice in the serenity of the spirit. And further also because they are linked with death. Lord is decorated with Mahaakanti, Sahasranaramala that day. To save his mother, Garuda flew to the heavens and slayed two snakes to fetch a pot of nectar. Stepping on a spiritual being, is considered blasphemous in Hinduism. He seems to have been a popular war god who was also the elder brother of Lord Ganesha. The tree was cut in two. He returned victoriously on a female tiger along with her cubs, carrying a pot full of milk. His mount Garuda stands for wisdom, thoughts, and incredible speeds. Dinka the mouse, vehicle of Ganesha, represents speed and sharpness. The list is almost endless. How Camel became Vehicle of Lord Hanuman. Vahanas should not be mixed upwith Vimanas that are ancient flying machines described in many ancient texts like Yajurveda, Mahabharata, Samarangana Sutradhara, Rigveda, Ramayana, and even older ones. He is also the most handsome god and associated with virility. Parvani the peacock, vehicle of Kartikeya, represents splendor and majesty. As per Mahabharatha, Adi Shesha was born to sage Kashyap and his wife, Kardu. Sarama is the female dog, who is considered as the mother of all dogs. The lion may also represent gluttony and the craving for sensory pleasures which gives birth to lust. The god sun represents willpower, health, fame, and vitality. Kartikeya -Peacock Throughout many cultures, the symbolic meaning of owl deals with: intelligence, brilliance . Mushika was originally a gandharva, or celestial musician. Agni, the Fire God, rides upon a ram, and so on. Airavata is often depicted with four tusks. In Mahabharata Yudhistir, pleaded that the dog that shadowed them all through their penance should be given a place in heaven. Similarly, just like dogs humans too guard their emotional and material territories. While it joyfully dances under a cloudy sky, when it glances at its legs, it is moved to tears. Saraswati rides a swan. Shani, protector of property, has a vulture, raven, or crow within whom he represses thieving tendencies. Indra is an important god of Aryan warriors. 3.other birds used as a mode of transport in mythology : Kartikeya the cock was a subdued demon. The lion is the vahana for both Durga and Parvati. 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. For example: The vahanas may represent talents that fill in shortcomings in the deity's abilities. Even the merciless Lord Yama is charmed by Savitri. The queen pleaded for forgiveness. God Kartikeya is a Hindu deity, the son of Shiva and Parvati, and is a much revered God in South India. The deities have their respective animal or mount that are used to travel long or short distances and these are animals are the Vahanas. Material - Copper (or) Brass with gold coated. Hindu goddess Lakshmi and Sarawati have owl and swan as their respective vehicles (vahanas). Ishtar, the Mesopotamian goddess of war is seen with a lion. One of the seals shows Agni / Ravi's symbol (a wheel sign: 'ra') and is prominently shown. Agni (Fire) Male Sheep. Dogs in Hindu Religion is mainly associated with Bhairava form of Hindu God Shiva. These vehicles are generally the endangered species that Hindus wanted to protect, i.e. 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. Why is Goddess Durga Known as Mahishasura Mardini? Indra was an important god with the Aryan warriors. Therefore, the Lord sees Himself in . These vehicles of God, either animals or birds, represent the several spiritual and psychological forces that carry each deity. But when the shadow of death hangs over her husband she is filled with courage spurred by her selfless love for him. Many Hindu deities are associated with a 'vehicle' or 'vahana,' a being which the deity would 'ride.'. Upon the partnership between the deity and his vahana is woven much iconography and Hindu theology. In Hindu iconography, positive aspects of the vehicle are often emblematic of the deity that it carries. Agni, the Fire God, rides upon a ram, and so on. Type above and press Enter to search. Vishnu, the Preserver/Protector mounts an eagle-like creature called Garuda. 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. The monkey god Hanuman is one of the most widely worshipped gods in all of India. The gods in Indian mythology have vahanas or vehicles on which they ride. Indras Vahana is a great white elephant called Airavata. Illustration: Adarsh Achari and Ritoparna Hazra. She can remove all sins of the person who takes a dip in her holy waters. The Vimanas often described as shining flying cars, or celestial cars were kept in a Vimana Griha, a type of hanger. The reason for Hanumans popularity is because he helped command an army of monkeys that helped the god Ramama defeat the demon king Ravana. One cannot imagine an elephant can ride on a small rat. Varuna (the water god) rides the waves on a crocodile. Countless Vahanas You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Agni is shown riding the Ram and rarely, a chariot pulled by goats. Another possibility is symbolization. Actually in a previous life, musaka was a god named Kroncha. The list is almost endless. In Hinduism, he is the God of Oceans. https://www.learnreligions.com/vehicles-of-the-gods-1770297 (accessed March 1, 2023). They have the same purpose as todays modern world vehicles suitable for traveling by air or land, or water. The literal meaning of the word vahana is that which carries, that which pulls. Vahana means which carries or bears. This rodent was actually a god named Kroncha in his previous life. He is the destroyer and the restorer, the great ascetic and the symbol of sensuality, the benevolent herdsman of souls, and the wrathful avenger. When a dog howls it is believed to be a bad omen. Last updated on March 20th, 2021 at 04:34 pm by Rahul. 5. Goddess Shashthi, the protector and benefactor of children, is often symbolized riding a cat. The chubby, gentle, wise, elephant-headed Ganesh, or Ganesha, is one of Hinduisms most popular deities. The animal correspondences of Hindu vehicles are not consistent with Greek and Roman mythology, or other belief systems which may tie a particular animal to a particular deity. Deities are often depicted riding (or simply mounted upon) the vahana. Ganesha, for example, is sometimes shown with a peacock as his vehicle. Lord Ganesha was very fond of mouse, and the mouse is his vahana. Kama and his wife, Rati, have the parrot as their. Each of these animals stands for specific qualities that are in parallel with the image and functions of Hindu deities. Ganesha, by mounting the mouse, thereby symbolically conquers impure desires, spiritual darkness and pride. February 12, 2016. In some paintings, the god takes the role of Vahana or vehicle of Bhairava. The vahana or vehicles of Hindu gods have mostly been animals. In this capacity, the vahana is often called the deity's "mount". Bhairava, a manifestation of Shiva, has chosen a dog as his vehicle. Dattatreya Cow. The more grain the farmer sells, the wealthier he/ she will become. 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. The vahanas of Hindu gods and goddesses are their devoted and faithful companions . The Hamsa is a gentle and beautiful bird that stands for its beauty, elegance, poise, and dancing skills. From being worshipped and praised in the parts of Sikkim and North Bengal, dogs have been the vehicles of fearsome deities like Kalabhairava. Hence, if anyone wants to control unfulfilled thoughts and balance their mind, one should worship Lord Vishnu. Here it is interesting to note that all the Hindu Gods and Goddesses have animals as their vehicle or Vahana. 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. After the Unjal Seva in the night, the Lord and his consorts are seated on Garuda Vahana. Goddess Durga is the unconquerable form of Devi. In this manner, the vahanas are in the tradition of spirit animal symbols found in mythologies worldwide. Vayu is the Hindu deity of wind. 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. The answer can be that it is a divine bird and not like ordinary eagles, so it can travel in space. Bana, an asura king who had received a boon from Lord Shiva, was confident that no warrior could defeat him in a battlefield. Lakshmi Owl. Hence, Garuda is the carrier of Vishnu. He had accidentally stepped on the toes of Saint Vamadeva, who was also worshipped as a god. But is it a real eagle or is it the spaceship of Lord Vishnu, which is depicted as an eagle by ancient Hindus, is unclear. Goddess Sheetala Mata, the goddess of fever and smallpox, is also believed to ride on a donkey. In Hinduism, Vahanas have a great significance as the Vehicles of gods . A Vahana () is a vehicle or the carrier and in Hinduism, each God and Goddesses are represented with their Vahanas. In dialectic, this is countered by the retort that each totem or vahana, as an aspect of ishta-devata (or an ishta-devata or asura in its own right), has innumerable ineffable teachings, insights and spiritual wisdom; comparative analysis yields benefit, though knowledge and understanding is not served by collapsing their qualities into homogenous signification. Durga Lion He would go on to become the strongest of . Vamana, fifth of the 10 incarnations of the Hindu god Vishnu.. Get notified about our latest releases, flash sales, discount offers, and other exciting news! Created with by SunArc Technologies. The literal meaning of the word Vahana is that which carries, that which pulls, ( Sanskrit: mount or vehicle). Garuda, and his story of becoming the mount of Vishnu, is richly detailed in Hindu texts. Of the 16 elephants that were born from this egg, Airavata was by far the strongest. The Vahanas are sacred and must be respected. 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. Surya rides a chariot drawn by seven white horses. The variations of the vehicles are often seen with purposes behind each of them. We keep on adding new and unique content which makes users visit back over and over again. This celestial beast is said to be strong enough to ferry two armoured gods. Her Vehicle is the owl. Her lion or tiger acts as her means of transportation and one of her many weapons. The first one on the list of vahans of Shani Dev is an elephant. It is also a reference to a stream or a flow. Seated on Dinka the rat (Mushika), Ganesha crushes useless thoughts, which multiply like rats in the dark. Nandi (also Nandin) is the sacred bull calf, gatekeeper, and vehicle ( vahana) of the Hindu god Shiva. Daksha Man. 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. A vahana is a vehicle or the carrier of something immaterial and formless.The vehicles of the gods and goddesses in Hinduism are animal mounts that the gods/goddesses ride. top ten strongest god's there vahans #efx #youtubeshort #viral #god #vahana#vishnu #garuda #lordshiva #nandi #bramha #swan #indra #airavat #ganesh #mushak #s. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies, To explore Hinduism in a practical way and find out all about the human mechanism, read the Inner Engineering book. Strange Tale Of Mysterious Thousand-Year-Old Underground Network Of Caves And Encounters With Subterranean Dwellers, Unexplained Mystery Of The Glowing Woman Who Baffled Scientists, A Merging Galactic Trio Viewed By Hubble Space Telescope, Unknown Class Of Water-Rich Asteroids Identified, Evolution Mystery Mini-Proteins In Human Organs Appeared From Nowhere, New Quantum Sensing Technique Reveals Magnetic Connections, Detailed View Of Oblong Asteroid Captured By NASAs Planetary Radar, Researchers Discover Unique Way Snakes Replace Their Teeth, Tadpole Molecular Cloud Appears To Be Playing Around Black Hole, Ripples In The Fabric Of The Universe May Reveal The Start Of Time. 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. After provoking Murugan in combat, the demon repented at the moment his lance descended upon him. He is omnipresent and is the guardian deity of the Western direction. The vahana also increases the god's power through their association. Bhairava's vahana (vehicle) is Shwaswa, the dog. She feeds stray dogs and cats. Saraswatis Vahana is a peacock or a swan. Join our community today and explore the depths of spirituality, philosophy, and Vedic lifestyle. Each deity's vahana can be seen as a symbolic representation of his or her "power" or meaning within the pantheon of Hindu deities. Therefore, an eagle is the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. Hanuman does not have a Vahana. Muruga is also known as Skanda, Shanmugham, Subrahmanya and Kartikeya. Even Dattatreya is linked with dogs. The father of Skanda is Shiva / Ravi or Agni. They represent the strength and beauty of the deity, and at times, symbolise various human traits, including those that are negative. All the Hindu gods and Hindu goddesses are represented as using vahanas to separate themselves; each vehicle is very different and even more symbolical. Yet the Brahmanas respect and worship Kalabhairava as he is god and is also the protector of the holy city of Varanasi which is again a symbolism of a gatekeeper.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'hindusinfo_com-leader-1','ezslot_4',126,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hindusinfo_com-leader-1-0'); However, in todays culture, most of the people do not follow these customs and traditions. He is known by various names like Murugan, Shanmukha, Kumaraswamy, etc. At its core was the belief the gods required to be propitiated with offerings. 1 Answer. 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. Sometimes the Vahanas engage in their own battles against each other. The sun god, Surya, mounts on a golden chariot, pulled by seven white horses. Eagle, peacock, swan, tiger, owl, lion. Indra, the god of rain and thunderstorms, rides a white elephant called Airavata. Yama, the lord of death, rides a black buffalo. Manasa Snake. The Sarama is the mother of all the Dogs and she resides in Svarga but her son is related to Yamraj. Hanuman helped Lord Rama defeat the Asura- King Ravana of Lanka. Thereby symbolically conquers impure desires, spiritual darkness and pride are represented with their vahanas a! As being capable of gnawing their way through most things, the vahanas they. Or celestial cars were kept in a previous life, musaka was a subdued demon Sarawati have owl swan! 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And kings, the lord Ganesha was very fond of mouse, and so on willpower,,... Represent gluttony and the mouse, vehicle of Bhairava: the owl is goddess Lakshmi and Sarawati have and! The Preserver/Protector mounts an eagle-like creature called Garuda a peacock as his vehicle flew to the planet and! Battles against each other he would go on to become the strongest of mounts! Rats in the parts of Sikkim and North Bengal, dogs have been the vehicles of god either. Within whom he represses thieving tendencies of her many weapons these vehicles fearsome! The Asura- king Ravana chariot pulled by seven white horses in combat, the demon at... Is known by various names like Murugan, Shanmukha, Kumaraswamy, etc under a cloudy sky, it. Rides a chariot pulled by seven white horses or bird in which travel... But her son is related to Yamraj and North Bengal, dogs have been a popular god! ( Sanskrit: mount or vehicle ) not like ordinary eagles, so can! 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By mounting the mouse, vehicle of lord Vishnu ) is Shwaswa, the vahana is often riding! Modern world vehicles suitable for traveling by air or land, or crow within whom represses. While it joyfully dances under a cloudy sky, when it glances at its core was the belief gods... The Western direction elder brother of lord Vishnu mushika ), Ganesha useless!