When I was a kid, I always wondered why animals were such an intrinsic part of worship at home? Whether it was affectionately feeding cows or visiting temples on Nag Panchami with bowls of milk or having a special place for peacocks in rangoli, mehndi and other arts … This post explores the concept of Vahana in Hinduism. Vahana (vehicle) as not just the obvious idea of a vehicle to that God/Goddess but also the deeper symbolism of the animal in the divine iconography.
Animals Sacred as a Part of Journey of Soul’s Evolution
All who know Hindu Philosophy would agree that it considers all creatures as sacred embodiments of a Soul’s journey of evolution. As in, the principle of Reincarnation or Transmigration outlines a Soul’s evolution into successively higher forms of life basis a net accumulation of good Karma in each life. So one could have been themselves any animal in their previous lives . And it has taken a multitude of rebirths and good karma to reach this high stage of evolution as a huma.
Animals Sacred as a part of Hindu Gods, Goddesses Iconography
Interesting, animals have been beautifully weaved into the rich Pauranic heritage so the whole concept is familiar to a Hindu child from a young age.
But the wise ones who included them in the Gods iconography, were also communicating specific attributes to the Gods prayed to…
These very attributes are what we shall explore now…
Lord Ganesha‘s Vahana: Mooshika Symbolism
Ganesha, The Obstacle Remover, The first God that most Hindu’s pray to has Mooshika the mouse as his mount
Mooshika signifies two things. One that God’s grace is unseen but ever-present in our lives much like the mouse who is always at work behind the shadows.
The other that Lord Ganesha has achieved dominion in the area of intelligence by keeping his mind firmly under control. Similarly if we learn to conquer the mind that has a propensity to keep gnawing at us (like a mouse) with a million thoughts, we too can sharpen our intellects
Lord Ganesha’s Elephant Head : Symbolism
We know the story behind the elephant head of Ganesha. How Ganesha, Goddess Parvati’s son was guarding her den on her instructions . When Lord Shiva arrived neither the son nor the father recognized each other as they has been apart for sometime due to Shiva’s penance. Ganesha did not let him in and in a fit of fury, Shiva chopped off his head. Repentant upon knowing the truth, he tried everything but could only revive his son with the help of an elephant’s head.
Now for the Symbolism. The Elephant head actually means enormous wisdom, memory, intellect and long life. The large ears signify a quicker hearing of prayers. These very qualities are invoked when we pray to Ganesha to bail us out of trouble.
Lord Shiva‘s Favourite Vahana : Nandi Bull symbolizes
The Nandi Bull personifies quiet controlled, masculine power and virilty.
It’s white colour symbolizes purity and justice. And the way it is always disciplined and kneeling before Shiva signifies all the qualifications of a perfect devotee. Focussed on the divine, calm, humble and ready to soak in wisdom.
Lord Shiva’s snake coiled around the neck, Vasuki Symbolizes
Vasuki is famous for the key role during the Samudra Manthan of helping the Gods and the demons churn the ocean to get the Amrit (Nectar of Immortality)
Vasuki’s coiled around Shiva’s neck signifies the rise of the divine Kundalini energy, otherwise lying dormant/coiled in the Muladhara chakra. It signifies perfect control over Prakriti thereby on the senses, mind, intellect, ego and all of their associated pitfalls
Lord Vishnu’s favourite Shesha Nag’s symbolism
Shesha Nag is the thousand headed serpent, on which Lord Vishnu iconography shows him reclining. In some cases he is described as Five Headed.
Shesha means that which remains. Thus Shesha Nag is one who survives the survives the cycle of Creation and Dissolution.
It is said Shesha Nag carries Earth and other planets on its hoods.
When Shesh Nag uncoils creation occurs and time moves forward and when it coils back, the Universe dissolves
Lord Vishnu’s Garuda Vahana Symbolises
Lord Vishnu’s Garuda (Eagle) a powerful and proud bird represents birth and heaven.
Garuda is symbolic of the heights one can reach purely on the basis of the two strong wings of Bhakti (Yoga) and Jnana (Yoga) well navigated by the tail of Karma Yoga.
When one has started soaring up basis Bhakti (Devotion), Jnana (right knowledge) and Karma Yoga’s (right action) , God Himself (Lord Vishnu) takes over the reins of our flight and safely guides us to Self-Realization
Lord Krishna‘s Cows (Go-Mata) symbolize
The Cow is considered a representative of Mother Earth; full of love, gentleness, generosity and nourishment. Cows are the most gentle animals who only give and never demand for anything in return.
Lord Krishna childhood is set in Vrindavan against the backdrop of his and his friends role as cow herds.
Krishna is called Go-vinda , Go-pala meaning a friend and protector of cows. The symbolism here urges us to cherish and protect cows always, like Him,
Lord Rama‘s Vanar Sena and its symbolism
Legend has it that the amazing Vanar Sena or monkey army in Ramayana helped Lord Rama and Laxmana bring back Sita (Ramas wife) from the clutches of the most powerful demnon king Ravana.
Recently there is speculation that Va- Nar could be interpreted as Jungle (Van), Men (Nar) , some species of humanoids,
Irrespective of this the idea behind this unique army and their eventual victory against a might demon kingdom signifies a key point. That if God is on your side then you can do incredible feats no matter your size, stature or qualification.
Lord Hanuman, what the God Himself symbolizes
Hanuman was a great devotee of Rama and a key associate in the fight against Lanka’s Ravana.
Hanuman shines with all the qualities that a devotee .disciple must cultivate. He symbolizes how pure devotion, unconditional faith, utter humility, an attitude of selfless service along with complete surrender to God can transform one to the highest Perfection of God Himself.
Lord Karthikeya/ Skanda’s Peacock Vahana Paravani and Rooster on war flag Vel symbolize.
Lord Karthik’s Peacock (Paravani) represents beauty and pride that glorifies Lord Karthik/Murugan’s iconography.
At the same time with the imagery of the peacock firmly trampling upon a snake, the symbolism is about a firm control on the Ego and associated pleasures (represented by snakes). The peacock’s cry is the warning cry of advancin danger.
Lord Karthik’s Rooster: The red fighting rooster on the Flag of Skanda is Vel. The symbolism of Vel heralds the arrival of a new day, a new beginning as well as the arrival of spiritual wisdom and growth.
Lord Brahma/Saraswati‘s Vahana , Hamsa (Swan) symbolizes
Brahma/ Saraswati’s Swan (Hamsa) represents the highest spiritual intelligence and nobility full of Viveka (discrimination).
Hamsa’s are remarkable birds who can walk, swim and fly with equal elan. They stay in water but managed to stay dry.
It is said that the Hamsa has the ability to distinguish milk from water. Symbolically it means the wisdom to see the difference between the Real (Brahman) and the Unreal (Limited Jiva with Mind-Body-Ego-Senses)
Goddess Gajalakshmi’s elephants symbolize
Elephants represent good luck, prosperity, long life and great memory.
The two- divine water-pouring white elephants (Airavats) near Goddess Lakshmi (this form of her is called Gajalakshmi) represent rain which brings in accompanying prosperity and washing off of negative energies.
When the elephants are four in number they are interpreted as symbols of the 4 goals of Purushartha; Dharma (righteousness), Kama (pleasures), Artha (wealth) and Moksha (enlightenment). The ones who pursue these goals maintaining a right balance, they are blessed by the Goddess profusely.
Goddess Lakshmi‘s Vahana Uluka (Owl) symbolizes
The Owl (Uluka) as Goddess Laxmi’s vahana represents wisdom, intuition and patience.
It serves as a reminder to all those who have been blessed by the Goddess; to use their wealth wisely. It is perceived also as a sign of Alakshmi (unauspiciousness, Lakshmi’s sister). A warning that wealth used for unrighteous means may have an unhappy end.
Goddess Durga‘s Lion Vahana symbolizes
Goddess Durga’s Lion is symbolic of Dharma or the Right Way.
The Lion symbolizes power, will and determination. Through various stories of Durga Maa and her power, we see her annihilating powerful demons with perfect mastery over all 3 qualities and Dharma.
Goddess Durga‘s Tiger Vahana symbolises
The Tigress represents unlimited power.
The Goddess riding a tigress is symbolic of how she uses this unlimited power to uphold good and destroy evil
Lord Surya’s 7 horse Vahana symbolizes
The 7 horses of Lord Surya’s chariot symbolize warm life giving rays of the celestial Sun.
These rays in the form of horses are shooting out in every direction of Earth to banish the dark, bring in the light and sustain life.
These 7 horses also symbolize the 7 colours of the rainbow as well as the 7 days of the week..
Lord Kubera‘s favourite mongoose symbolizes
It is said that Kubera mongoose (that usually sits on his lap) spits out gemstones whenever it opens its mouth.
The mongoose also signifies protection of wealth from snakes who are known to seek and guard wealth
One of Lord Shani’s Vahanas is the Crow and it symbolizes
The Crows is believed to a bridge between us and our departed ancestors.
Therefore, feeding crows especially on Saturdays is helpful as it not only earns one blessings but also serves to appease Shani God.
Lord Yama‘s Vahana Paundraka (water- buffalo)
The black colour of the water buffalo signifies the unknown place that we go to after death.
The He- water buffalo represents the mindless nature of death. Just at the buffalo operates mindlessly, death can come upon anyone irrespective of time, age, place, race, status , eligibility
