Animal Gods
In Hinduism
mythology gods reside in all living creatures. Moreover, gods and
goddess expose themselves as animals or have supernatural creatures used
for transport. Animals are represented so much in Hinduism tat many
gods are represented by their respective animal. For examle the god
Krishna's symbol is the docile cow, and king cobras are the symbol of
Shiva and Vishnu, while the elephant-headed Ganesha is the perfect
hybrid animal and god. Through this mixture of gods and nature the
elders developed a deep respect for animals and learned to live side by
side with them.
Various animals in Hinduism mythology:
AIRAVATA - the elephant (vehicle of Indra)ACUPARA - the tortoise- on which earth or Prithvi rests
ANTELOPE -vehicle of Vayu and ChandraARVA, mythical being half hourse and half bird one of the hourses of the moon
BUFFALO- vehicle of YAMACERBURA -the three headed infernal dog of the Krishna legendCROW- vehicle of ShaniDOG AND HORSE-vehicle of Shiva as BhairavaGARUDA- the king of bears - half man and half eagle or vulture, vehicle of VishnuJAMBAVANT-the king of bears, ally of RamaKAMADHENU- the cow of plentyMAKARA or JALAMPA- the mythical sea monster, vehicle of Varuna (god of water)MOUSE-vehicle of GaneshaNANDI- the bull-vehicle of Shiva and ParvatiPARAVANI-the peacock, vehicle of KartikeyaPARROT- vehicle of KamadevaSWAN- vehicle of Saraswati and BrahmaTIGER and Lion vehicle of Parvati as Kali and Durga
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Nagas
Since ancient times Nagas or snakes, have been honored and highly regarded by the people of India. It is the Hindu belief that snakes possess a dual identity. They are thought of as simultaneously being semi divine and and semi demonic . In order to provide their constant protection, the sacred snakes have been said to wrap their bodies around the earth’s treasures . Some Hindus also believe that when the snake sheds and regenerates its skin, that it symbolizes the infinity of creation.
There’s also the demonic side of Nagas where it appears to be half human, half snake. Rahu and Ketu are two examples of the demonic nagas. Sometimes Nagas are shown having several heads, as in the case of Vasuki, the snake king. It was said that Vasuki, in an effort to help the gods, would use his serpent-like body to stir up the oceans. There is also a great multi-headed snake known as Sesha. Sesha’s huge coils were home to the god Vishnu. Nagas was further sanctified when it was said to have provided a large shelter for the meditating Buddha during a severe storm. Using their hoods, they created a makeshift rooftop and surrounded the wise monk keeping him safe from the elements.
Snakes have come to symbolize life and fertility by manipulating many aspects of water, such as rivers, lakes and rainfall.
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Garuda
Garuda is the king of birds. Garduda must to receive massage between human and gods he uses his ability to move from one world to another at the speed of light. Garuda is half bird, half man, and
is often seen with wings , talons, and beak, while his body, arms, and
legs are human. He also has quite an appetite. As soon as he poked his
head out the shell from which he was born, he wanted to eat. His dad
sent him off to a small village ti find food (meaning he could eat the
people who lived there). But he warned Garuda, "Do not eat the Brahman."
Garuda, in his taste, however, swallowed the Brahman, who got lodged in
his throat. Scared to disobey his father and murder Brahman, lat alone
choke to death, Garuda spit the Brahman and villages out. This left
Garuda very hungry and frustrated. But unbeknown to hum, Vishnu had
been watching. Approaching Garuda, Vishnu asked if Garuda would like to
perch on his arm and eat from his flesh. Awed that when he bit into
Vishnu, he left no visible marks, Garuda realized he was in presence of a
god and pledged his lifelong allegiance to him. So it's not uncommon to
see Vishnu soaring through the sky on Garuda's back.
Hanuman
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Hanuman is known as the monkey king. He is the son of Vayu, lord of winds.
His body is in human form, but his head is a monkey head. His odd body
form gave him the abilities to shrink down to the size of a fly or grow
to the size of a mountain. In most pictures of him he is carrying a
mountain with only one hand. He is normally depicted carrying the mountain to represent helping his friend Rama in a battle with Lord Ravana. Ravana had injured Ramas younger brother so Hanuman went to go to a mountain to return with healing herbs, but he didn't know which herbs to bring back so he brought the entire mountain.
Surabhi
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Surabhi is the mythical mother of all cows. She represents abundance and generosity. She purifies bodies and blesses them with good health and prosperity. Cows themselves help us in many ways by providing us with milk and meat. Even their skins are used to make leather. India celebrates the sacred cow by worshiping one of its favorite gods, Krishna also called Govinda, or Gopala. Hindu's gave cows a very special place in society and do not let the cows experience harm under any circumstance. There are even laws against harming the cows.