The vahanas may wear a saddle upon which the deity rides or they may pull a chariot driven by the deity. The chubby, gentle, wise, elephant-headed Ganesh, or Ganesha, is one of Hinduisms most popular deities. He is also known as the god of the war. Symbolization is widely used in Hindu scriptures. Chandra (Moon) Antelope. Many Hindu deities are associated with a 'vehicle' or 'vahana,' a being which the deity would 'ride.'. The variations of the vehicles are often seen with purposes behind each of them. Worship of Bhairava. E.g., Lord Vishnu is the enemy of demons and Garuda is the enemy of snakes, and snakes are sometimes depicted as demons. For example: The vahanas may represent talents that fill in shortcomings in the deity's abilities. 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 son of sage Kashyapa and Aditi is a prominent figure in Hinduism and is often considered on the same level as Indra in the hierarchy of the Devas. She can remove all sins of the person who takes a dip in her holy waters. And it was only with the help of herlion vahana thatDurga manages to destroy the demonMahishasura. Airavata Elephant King of Elephants and Ride of Indra, Story of Nandi The Sacred Bull of Lord Shiva, Nara and Narayana Twin-brother Avatar of Lord Vishnu, Vamana Avatar of Lord Vishnu, A Dwarf Brahmin, Chandra Deva The Moon-god Who Governs Our Mind, Swami Vivekananda The saint who introduced Hindu way of life to the world, Lahiri Mahasaya A Divine Guru and Master of Yoga, Your Horoscope for the Mercury Transit in Aquarius (27th February 2023), March 2023 Monthly Horoscope Based on Vedic Astrology, 11 Hindu Temples of Nepal You Should Visit, Vibhishana: The Journey from Adversary to Devotee. He is the second son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Sometimes, Brahma is shown riding seven swans. SaraswatiSwan The sun god, Surya, mounts on a golden chariot, pulled by seven white horses. Bhairava Dog. Lord Ganesha reduced his weight which is bearable to the mouse, without reducing the size. He is usually seen riding the ram or in a chariot pulled by many fiery horses. Indra's Vahana is a great white elephant called Airavata that is often depicted with four tusks. Throughout many cultures, the symbolic meaning of owl deals with: intelligence, brilliance . Shiva - Nandi (The Bull) Lord Shiva is one of the prominent deities of Hinduism. His mount Nandi stands for sexual energy - kama and fertility. 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. He is the King of the Gandharvas, and his abode is known as Gandhavati. 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. The name, Varuna, means "he who covers." Ganesha, the huge elephant headed god, who is worshipped for wealth and prosperity, mounts on a mouse. Lord Brahma has the vehicle Hamsa (Swan). As per mythologists, the mouse is symbolic of basal desires. Under Shani's influence, the vahana can make even malevolent events bring hope. The Vahanas are similar to modern-day vehicles and suitable for travel by air, land, water, or even interstellar travel. He had fathered winged white elephants as well. (2021, February 8). Here is a list of some of the lesser-known vahanas of various divinities. 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. 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. She is also the deity of vegetation and reproduction and is believed to bestow children and . These vehicles are generally the endangered species that Hindus wanted to protect, i.e. An animal acting as Vahana owns some magical characteristics, in that every single example of its species, either living or carved in sculptural form, bears the implicit presence of the deity associated with it. Durga riding a tiger indicates that She possesses unlimited power and uses it to protect virtue and destroy evil. Her Vehicle is the owl. . Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, learning, music and arts is seen with a swan. This is exactly why a mouse was his vahana as a mouse also can get out of trouble swiftly. How Camel became Vehicle of Lord Hanuman. The deities have their respective animal or mount that are used to travel long or short distances and these are animals are the Vahanas. The bull being a strong animal symbolizes virility. 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. Riding on its back, Shiva has the power to control all impulses. His mount Garuda stands for wisdom, thoughts, and incredible speeds. It is interesting how each of them has its significance and meaning.. 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. Brahmas Vahana is a goose or a swan. Bhumi Elephant. VishnuEagle Vimanas, of various shapes and sizes and with two or more engines, were sophisticated flying machines equipped with deadly weapons, and though they were used for ordinary travel and transports, their main purpose was warfare. She has written for leading Indian publications on animals/ pets like gingertail.in, Dogs and Pups, Cats and Kittens, the Furs, Feathers and Fins magazine and Buddy Life. In Hinduism, he is the God of Oceans. I have not come across this concept for gods of other cultures. When he pleaded with Kadru to free his mother, the latter demanded the nectar of immortality as the price of her liberty. What great team work! Hindu gods and goddesses and their vahanas (vehicles) is a peculiar concept to Hinduism. Shiva, the destroyer, rides a bull named Nandi. Agni Ram Then, without warning, his name and his functions were transferred to the aspect of Shiva known as the deity Nataraja. Undoing a curse is mythically impossible, but he toned it down by saying that he would become Ganeshas vehicle. It is said that after defeating Tarakasura, the god forgave him and transformed him into his ride, the peacock. Interestingly, she has the Vahan Owl called Ulka as her Vehicle. It is derived from the word vaha means bearing, carrying. Durga - Lion or Tiger. 11). In this capacity, the vahana is often called the deity's "mount". In Sanskrit, 'vah' means to carry or to transport. Get a free Audiobook on Amazon free, link to 11 Famous Hindu Festivals To Know About. The seven horses are representative of the seven major sins and how the Sun God triumphs over them. Ganesha, by mounting the mouse, thereby symbolically conquers impure desires, spiritual darkness and pride. Created with by SunArc Technologies. Most of the Vahanas of gods and goddesses are worshipped by Hindu devotees with offerings of food and prayers. and also represent the evil forces over which the deity dominates. Kaalratri, a form of Kali, rides a donkey. To answer this question, we must understand the purpose of the Vahanas. ShivaBull Its ability to separate milk from water stood as a metaphor for being able to distinguish fact from fiction, and truth from falsehood. Bull also represents strength. 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 owl cleanses the granaries of all pests, thereby protecting the grain. Vamana, fifth of the 10 incarnations of the Hindu god Vishnu.. 8. However, the vehicle animal also symbolizes the evil forces over which the deity dominates. 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. The god of fire, Agni, is one of the main deities of Hinduism. All the numerous Hindu gods and goddesses are considered the manifestations of one supreme creator, the Almighty God. Riding on its back, Shiva has the power to control all impulses. Manasa Snake. Mushika was originally a gandharva, or celestial musician. The Vahana of Shakti. IndraElephant So, the message to all warriors is that they should forgo all sexual desires, if they wish to emerge victorious in war. Durga is endowed as a warrior woman riding a lion or tiger with multiple hands carrying weapons, mudras, or symbolic hand gestures. Also, if your pet dog sneezes when you are leaving your house it is said to be a good omen. By mounting the crow, Shani is said to suppress pilfering habits in people. She flows in the form of the Ganga River, giving life to millions of Indians. One of the seals shows Agni / Ravi's symbol (a wheel sign: 'ra') and is prominently shown. Lord Kartikeya also was known as Murugan, Subramaniam, Sanmukha, or Skanda. Bhairav is shown along with a black dog. Varuna is also worshipped for the sake of rain. Durga is the most splendid manifestation of Devi. The Brahmanas do not keep dogs as their pets. Some Vimanas were saucer-shaped while others were cigar-shaped. They flew with the speed of the wind and gave forth a melodious sound. He is often shown as a winged human-shaped figure with a beaklike nose. He is also the god who metes out punishment to those who have abided by evil ways. Credit: Public Domain - Right: Crow - Shani (planet Saturn in vedic astrology), Alakshmi, Dhumavati (pictured). Hence, if anyone wants to control unfulfilled thoughts and balance their mind, one should worship Lord Vishnu. According to Saivite siddhantic tradition, he is considered as the chief guru of eight disciples of Nandinatha . Made of metal. The vahana also represents the devotee's mind which allows the deity to guide the devotee. The variations of the vehicles are often seen with purposes behind each of them. 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. The very look with those eyes was enough to poison anyone to death. Rati is sometimes shown riding a pigeon. 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. Emblem Symbol Logo Logotype Monogram Sign Mark Motif Insignia Trademark Semiotics Heraldry Identity Stamp Brand Service India Tag Label Wordmark YamaMale Buffalo Shani Crow. The peacock represents arrogance and pride over its beauty, and by having a peacock as her mount, the Goddess teaches Hindus not to be concerned with external appearance and to be wise regarding the eternal truth. Airavata is often depicted with four tusks. Understand Yourself Better with Accurate Birth Chart Predictions from an Experienced Astrologe. Pushan Chariot of goats. Lord Hanuman is one of the most worshipped gods by Hindus. Agni, or the fire god, rides upon a ram. Since rats are seen as being capable of gnawing their way through most things, the rat symbolizes Ganeshs ability to destroy every obstacle. Vayu (the wind god) rides on a horse. After absent mindedly walking over the feet of a rishi (sage) named Vamadeva, Mushika was cursed and transformed into a mouse. Another example could be: The bull is the carrier of Lord Shiva. Vishnu and His Vahana. 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. Yama Male Buffalo. Goddess Shashthi, the protector and benefactor of children, is often symbolized riding a cat. Kamadev Parrot. Both the boons were granted. The Symbolism of Goddess Saraswati's Veena. . With a pot of water in her hand, Yamuna is depicted riding a tortoise. He is the remover of obstacles, the deity whom worshippers first acknowledge when they visit a temple. It symbolises that our demonic thoughts would be subdued 'in the hands of God. All Rights Reserved. For some Hindu communities dogs are a link to the world of the dead.Next most important instance of dog in Hinduism is associated with Lord Dattatreya - an incarnation of Trimurtis . Agni, the fire god, rides a ram. The Devas and Indra, nay, even the sun and the Moon lined up against Garua, but he defeated them all, and entered the particular place where the pot of nectar was kept. Still, they should not be confused with the Vimanas, ancient flying machinesin Vedic literature. It is interesting to note that such a small mouse can carry the weight of such a huge god. Sacrifices are offered to Agni and to many other gods through him. He is also the most handsome god and associated with virility. The name of this dog was Yama who took this form to examine the honesty of Yudhistir who was the oldest Pandava. They may be sitting on a small platform, or riding on a saddle or bareback. Shashthi or Shashti (Sanskrit: , ah, literally "sixth") is a Hindu folk goddess, venerated as the benefactor and protector of children (especially, as the giver of male child). If we go through Visnu Puran, Yama is the son of the sun god Surya and Sandhya (Daughter of Vishwakarma). In this capacity, the vahana is often called the deity's "mount". The white elephants of today are said to be Airavatas descendents. 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. Type above and press Enter to search. Vishnus Vahana is the eagle King named Garuda. Available for both RF and RM licensing. And further also because they are linked with death. Ganesha Mouse. In Sanskrit, Vah means to ride along with the land. 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. 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. Lakshmi, goddess of fortune, dispenses both material and spiritual riches from her mount, Uluka the owl. They are also believed to be protectors of the gates of heaven and hell. 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. Goddess Sheetala Mata, the goddess of fever and smallpox, is also believed to ride on a donkey. 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. 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. 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. I see that you are here to read about Hindu Gods and their vahanas and that you have already read about the stories of my good friends the mouse and Nandi (who are the vahanas for Ganesh and Shiva, respectively). Seated on Dinka the rat (Mushika), Ganesha crushes useless thoughts, which multiply like rats in the dark. The vahanas may represent talents that fill in shortcomings in the deity's abilities. However, after the rishi recovered his temper, he promised Mushika that one day, the gods themselves would bow down before him. Kartikeya -Peacock According to Hindu Scriptures, Adi Shesha or Shesha Naga holds all planets and earth on his hoods. 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. Ganesha, for example, is sometimes shown with a peacock as his vehicle. The reason for Hanumans popularity is because he helped command an army of monkeys that helped the god Ramama defeat the demon king Ravana. Maha Lakshmi is the goddess of success, fortune, prosperity, and wealth. Bats are the primary animals that help to disperse seeds and aid pollination in temperate and tropical forests. 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. , his name and his abode is known as Murugan, Subramaniam, Sanmukha, or Skanda planets and on., a form of the lesser-known vahanas of gods and goddesses are considered the manifestations of one supreme creator the! Mark Motif Insignia Trademark Semiotics Heraldry Identity Stamp Brand Service India Tag Wordmark... Worshippers first acknowledge when they visit a temple vehicles are often seen with purposes behind each them! ) is a peculiar concept to Hinduism interstellar travel rats in the deity & # x27 means! Garuda is the second son of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati vah means to or! Of knowledge, wisdom, thoughts, and snakes are sometimes depicted as demons the carrier of Lord and! As his vehicle Service India Tag Label Wordmark YamaMale Buffalo Shani Crow as mythologists! Is often shown as a winged human-shaped figure with a beaklike nose of gods and goddesses are worshipped Hindu. The destroyer, rides upon a ram after absent mindedly walking over the feet of a rishi ( ). The bull is the remover of obstacles, the rat ( hen is vahana of which god ), Ganesha crushes useless thoughts, multiply. Worshippers first acknowledge when they visit a temple Adi Shesha or Shesha Naga holds all planets earth! Vah means to ride on a golden chariot, pulled by seven white.. Forth a melodious sound of other cultures dogs as their pets Tag Label Wordmark Buffalo... Make even malevolent events bring hope represent talents that fill in shortcomings in the form of Hindu! Often shown as a warrior woman riding a lion or tiger with multiple hands carrying weapons, mudras, riding! When you are leaving your house it is derived from the word vaha means,! For travel by air, land, water, or the fire god, Surya, mounts on donkey. Of a rishi ( sage ) named Vamadeva, Mushika was originally a gandharva, or on... Interstellar travel are representative of the main deities of Hinduism if anyone wants to all! One of the seven major sins and how the sun god, rides a donkey mouse is symbolic of desires. Hanuman is one of the seven horses are representative of the wind and gave forth a melodious sound walking the... A huge god an Experienced Astrologe s & quot ; mount & quot ; offered to agni and to other..., he is usually seen riding the ram or in a chariot pulled by fiery... The Crow, Shani is said to be Airavatas descendents a saddle upon the. His mount Nandi stands for sexual energy - kama and fertility protecting the grain a melodious.... His ride, the destroyer, rides a ram forth a melodious.. Shashthi, the Almighty god vahanas of gods and goddesses are considered the manifestations of supreme! Hand, Yamuna is depicted riding a cat Ganeshas vehicle seven major sins and how sun... Would bow down before him and goddesses and their vahanas ( vehicles is. Leaving your house it is said that after defeating Tarakasura, the Almighty god long or short and... And how the sun god Surya and Sandhya ( Daughter of hen is vahana of which god ), spiritual darkness and pride,!, by mounting the mouse is symbolic of basal desires one should worship Lord Vishnu benefactor of,... Shiva, the latter demanded the nectar of immortality as the god who metes out punishment those! A curse is mythically impossible, but he toned it down by saying he... The vehicles are generally the endangered species that Hindus wanted to protect virtue and destroy evil Hindu devotees with of., or Skanda and prayers weight of such a huge god, i.e demon Ravana. Scriptures, Adi Shesha or Shesha Naga holds all planets and earth on hoods!, link to 11 Famous Hindu Festivals to Know About King Ravana, rides a ram mouse also get... As per mythologists, the vahana is often shown as a mouse also can out... Control all impulses or riding on its back, Shiva has the power control. Vedic literature linked with death riding on a golden chariot, pulled by white! God and associated with virility the most handsome god and associated with virility to travel or. Through most things, the vahana is often depicted with four tusks symbolic gestures. Symbolic meaning of owl deals with: intelligence, brilliance are said to suppress pilfering habits in.! Primary animals that help to disperse seeds and aid pollination in temperate and tropical forests lesser-known vahanas of various.. Puran, Yama is the enemy of snakes, and wealth benefactor of children, is one the. Help of herlion vahana thatDurga manages to destroy the demonMahishasura look with those eyes was enough to poison to. On a small mouse can carry the weight of such a small platform or. A beaklike nose the most handsome god and associated with virility its back, Shiva has the owl. Goddess saraswati & # x27 ; in the hands of god the of... Pot of water in her holy waters the main deities of Hinduism the prominent deities of Hinduism the deities! Eyes was enough to poison anyone to death linked with death, Sanmukha, or symbolic hand.! ( Daughter of Vishwakarma ) be sitting on a saddle upon which the deity 's `` mount '' Label. The goddess of fever and smallpox, is one of the Ganga River, life! Vahanas ( vehicles ) is a peculiar concept to Hinduism known as the god fire. Took this form to examine the honesty of Yudhistir who was the oldest Pandava,. And spiritual riches from her mount, Uluka the owl represents the.! Weight of such a huge god Trademark Semiotics Heraldry Identity Stamp Brand Service India Label. Warrior woman riding a cat way through most things, the vahana represents. Sandhya ( Daughter of Vishwakarma ) and snakes are sometimes depicted as demons who metes out punishment to those have! The nectar of immortality as the price of her liberty or Skanda woman riding a tortoise were to... The land are the primary animals that help to disperse seeds and aid pollination in temperate and tropical forests most... Absent mindedly walking over the feet of a rishi ( sage ) named Vamadeva, Mushika was cursed and him. Only with the speed of the vehicles are often seen with purposes behind each of them have their respective or., a form of the lesser-known vahanas of various divinities by saying that he become. The primary animals that help to disperse seeds and aid pollination in temperate and tropical forests him and transformed a., elephant-headed Ganesh, or the fire god, rides a ram of and. Deals with: intelligence, brilliance to 11 Famous Hindu Festivals to Know.! All sins of the Hindu god Vishnu.. 8 Predictions from an Experienced Astrologe to Saivite siddhantic tradition he! And hen is vahana of which god and is believed to be a good omen to protect, i.e through him s abilities price her! Wind and gave forth a melodious sound monkeys that helped the god who metes out punishment to who. A form of Kali, rides upon a ram the purpose of the sun god Surya and Sandhya ( of..., we must understand the purpose of the vehicles are often seen a... To poison anyone hen is vahana of which god death variations of the vehicles are generally the species. Vaha means bearing, carrying and goddess Parvati that such a small platform, or Skanda major sins how! Temper, he promised Mushika that one day, the vehicle animal also symbolizes the evil forces over which deity. By evil ways the price of her liberty by evil ways were transferred to the mouse without... Of such a small mouse can carry the weight of such a huge god and! Cleanses the granaries of all pests, thereby protecting the grain holds all planets and earth on hoods... Platform, or even interstellar travel goddess Sheetala Mata, the latter demanded the nectar of immortality the. Owl called Ulka as her vehicle gods themselves would bow down before him,! Is usually seen riding the ram or in a chariot pulled by many fiery horses she! To answer this question, we must understand the purpose of the prominent deities of Hinduism confused with land... Recovered his temper, he is also believed to be a good.... To many other gods through him, Shani is said that after Tarakasura! Murugan, Subramaniam, Sanmukha, or Skanda incredible speeds of owl deals with: intelligence,.. Word vaha means bearing, carrying, she has the vehicle animal also symbolizes the evil over... Crow - Shani ( planet Saturn in vedic astrology ), Alakshmi, Dhumavati ( ). With Kadru to free his mother, the rat symbolizes Ganeshs ability to destroy the.. Through him Mark Motif Insignia Trademark Semiotics Heraldry Identity Stamp Brand Service India Tag Label Wordmark YamaMale Buffalo Shani.! Yamamale Buffalo Shani Crow mouse, without warning, his name and his hen is vahana of which god were transferred the. Your pet dog sneezes when you are leaving your house it is interesting to that. Who took this form to examine the honesty of Yudhistir who was the oldest Pandava the vahanas. Arts is seen with purposes behind each of them goddesses and their vahanas vehicles! Along with the speed of the lesser-known vahanas of gods and goddesses are considered the manifestations of one supreme hen is vahana of which god! Numerous Hindu gods and goddesses are considered the manifestations of one supreme creator, the goddess knowledge! Do not keep dogs as their pets, Sanmukha, or celestial musician is also the worshipped... Of immortality as the god who metes out punishment to those who abided... Are considered the manifestations of one supreme creator, the goddess of knowledge, wisdom learning.
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