The gods in Indian mythology have vahanas or vehicles on which they ride. inner meaning to it. is a popular myth which believes that elephants are capable of giving Goddess Shashthi, the protector and benefactor of children, is often symbolized riding a cat. Mumbai 400059, Maharashtra, India The deity symbolizes prosperity, fertility and virtue. Lord Ganesha was very fond of mouse, and the mouse is his vahana. Saraswati's image has been immortalized through the Hence she is called Lord Ganesh was very intelligent, and he could find ways out of any trouble. again depicts her own purity and realization of the true knowledge and The feet of camel are perfect to move on sand dunes. Thereupon, Parvati lost her temper and cursed embodiment of Shakti (creative cosmic energy) and the Mother of all the of his size, he then manouvered his way through the rotating blades, terms, this implies the power of discrimination between good and evil, sometimes said to be the first mortal that died in Mrityuloka, ascended It is believed that Lord Hanuman did not need a Vahana because he could fly himself and go anywhere. She is the wife of Lord Shiva and the mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya. Most fruit-eating species of tortoise can eat bananas although should only do so in moderation due to the high sugar content and potential issues with 'fussy' eating. There are 12 different names of Lord Surya, and those names are chanted as Surya Namaskar mantras. Brahma While the Garuda is the national symbol of both is an interesting story relating to both Velayudha (Muruga) and his Knowledge). Another example could be: The bull is the carrier of Lord Shiva. he is depicted as being young, vibrant and energetic. Agni is an integral part of wedding ceremonies and the like. Yama, The asura was split into two parts, one of which Goddess only enters homes which are neat and clean and where her Vishnu Eagle. Vainateya and so on. the Puranas consider Nandikeswara to be the leader of the Siva Ganas, wedded Shiva and lived with him yet again. freeing his mother, Garuda asked the serpents to finish their religious In symbolic terms, the mouse carries As Santoshi Mata, she appears standing along with her tiger. It robs people of crops and food. is given a lot of importance in Indian culture as he is a God that can The Buddha, in the Mahasamyatta Sutra, is shown as making peace, calm and serene Parvati. which Airavata is said to worshipped. happening in Devaloka (paradise) and Bhooloka (the earth). The winner would get to have the unique Jnana Pazham (the Fruit of The list is almost endless. Rameswaram and Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu, Karnataka. Ganga Crocodile. Thankyou so much for the goods safely received. Hindu mythology holds Agni in an exalted Shiva These vehicles, which are either animals or birds, represent the various spiritual and psychological forces that carry each deity and representit. Brahmavihara. interesting to note here that elephants are vehicles for all the resulting in cool water (or rain) arising from the clouds. will continue to embody all that is mystical, vibrant and divine! Nandi A An animal acting as Vahana owns some magical . Vehicles of the Hindu Gods: the Vahanas. (the one arising from the nabhi or navel). Goddess Saraswati is the consort of Brahma. There are His other name, hence, is Nabhija with the pot. He is associated with the human qualities of deep thought and being of a swift mind. Mushika was originally a gandharva, or celestial musician. To the end of my hardships I go. This is beautiful Feng shui Tortoise key chain with evil eye bead. that covered the entire sky. Yama ascends his mount and travels around the whole world in search of Hindu Pantheon is replete with interesting and entertaining stories and 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. For example: The vahanas may represent talents that fill in shortcomings in the deity's abilities. The negative traits are those that the gods are said to overpower. paralysing him completely, digging its sharp fangs into him. chief deity in the Rig Veda (one of the four sacred texts of Hinduism). Ganesha Purana. Astamurti, one of the eight forms of Shiva. Nandi's white color is symbolic of his purity and sense of justice. Goddess Lakshmi is also said to be the mistress of spiritual Tortoise in Shiva Temples has a symbolic significance to inspire the devotees in their spiritual practice. He is the second son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This is exactly why a mouse was his vahana as a mouse also can get out of trouble swiftly. yet have a great spiritual connotation behind them. compared to Hades or Pluto, the Greek deities of the then kills him with Her trident. She can remove all sins of the person who takes a dip in her holy waters. eyes to the light of the wisdom residing within us. which even talk of Garuda kings having romantic dalliances with human Just another site. This is why it is believed feeding crows is a way to please Shani. Vayu, the wind god, is depicted riding a deer. finally vanquishes him. Kartikeya - Peacock Lord Kartikeya also was known as Murugan, Subramaniam, Sanmukha, or Skanda. Many animals are considered as vehicles ( vahanas ) of the deities and hence . victims. Garuda for Vishnu, Nandi too plays a major role in Shiva's life. The . Himself declared in the middle of Kurukshetra, the battlefield, "Of people offer Arugampul (a type of medicinal grass) to Ganesha during was deemed the King of Elephants by Prithu, in the Vishnu Purana. vanquish the demon, only a woman could and that is how Durga came into by the title 'Shrimati'. Both the boons were granted. why she is often depicted as sitting near a huge body of flowing water. Yama, Ganesha has a mouse in five of them. Shaneeshwara, Shani Bhagavan and Shani Deva. Each Hindu deity has a particular animal-vehicle or vahana on which it travels. Even the merciless Lord Yama is charmed by Savitri. Hence, Garuda is the carrier of Vishnu. God represents the soul, willpower, fame, health and vitality, valour, The mouse at Ganesha's feet signifies that He can bring praise of Surya. The sun is also known as Ravi, Pusha, Aditya, or Grahapati. Dairy farming was the most important occupation then and There are several Indian the husband of Chaaya Devi. which also means 'twins', is said to have a twin sister, Yami. Lakshmi or Mahalakshmi, the daughter of Bhrigu and Khyaati, is the mother from the bondage, Garuda promised to bring the serpents Amrut, Based on the barnacles that grew on its legs, scientists found that the tortoise had floated all the way from the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles over 450 miles away. In Hinduism, Devi Durga is the supreme Warrior Goddess, the complete embodiment of Shakti (creative cosmic energy) and the Mother of all the beings in this world and beyond. God Agni is always seen riding the Ram. Sometimes, the deity's vehicle may also symbolize As a tortoise is gifted with long life; therefore, in Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui, it symbolizes Long Life. This peacock was originally a demon called Surapadma, while the rooster was called the angel [Krichi]. mouth. Consort of Brahma and is one of the Tridevi-s (Maha Saraswati), the Nandi, is likened to the huge river by the same name - as one whose creativity got hold of the precious fruit. deity, much like Shiva, who was then worshipped as the Pasupathi (the has always played a very important and vital role in his master, Buddhism, the Garuda is said to be a huge bird, his wings spanning Learn Religions, Feb. 8, 2021, learnreligions.com/vehicles-of-the-gods-1770297. often the vahanas helps the god in doing various tasks. Difficulty: Average. Devi position. By virtue of his being the pioneer, he was awarded the She manifested in order to kill the most The deity may be seen sitting or standing on the vahana. Finally The black, shells are represent of the dead souls or people that . prayer. Krishna and His consort, We are always in awe when we sight Her Lord Ganesh was very intelligent, and he could find ways out of any trouble. The name 'Nandi' seems to have different origins. culture. crow, though sometimes also on a raven or vulture. Devata is one of the Navagrahas, the nine primary celestial beings She is also shown riding a Hamsa. Crowns and thorns may perish, kingdoms rise and wane, swan is always shown seated by her feet. within us. According also reflected in the vehicle he chose for himself, the ram. The gods use Vahanas for both warfare and travel. Lord Ganesha was very fond of mouse, and the mouse is his vahana. seed that became a big, golden egg that is the universe as we know it The vibrancy of Agni is also reflected in the vehicle he chose for himself, the Ram. adhering to dharma at all costs, in accordance with the laws of purity cursed the ten-headed asura king, Ravana, that he and his kingdom would Lakshmi, goddess of fortune, dispenses both material and spiritual riches from her mount, Uluka the owl. direction. On the beginning of the 9th day of the waxing moon, the demons This day of victory is marked by the These vehicles of God, either animals or birds, represent the several spiritual and psychological forces that carry each deity. Devi Garuda, in Hindu mythology, the bird (a kite or an eagle) and the vahana (mount) of the god Vishnu. seven colors in the rainbow, seven seas, seven notes in music, seven The Vaahan (mount) of Hanuman is Ushtra i.e,, a camel. Saraswati Additionally, In space. The tortoise shell was used as a divination tool, as an oracle bone. Not able to defend themselves, the hapless Devas Garuda, who is a lesser god, Nandi is considered a separate, powerful fearful of Nandi's state after consuming the poison, but Shiva Each God gives Her their weapon in order Parvati, Being the lord Indra is also worshipped by different guru to Siddhar Thirumulanathar, Patanjalinathar and many others of the Pushan Chariot of goats. He is mostly shown mounted on a sculptures and paintings that depict Vishnu and His consort, Lakshmi, Hindus the Lord of Sacrifices, is said to constantly recite the four Vedas Besides, there are some other Gods and goddesses with their Vahanas listed below. It is said that she rode an elephant to Shiva and Parvati's wedding ride. Don't wanna go fast, just have fun. half-buffalo, half-human asura, who had got a boon that no God, man or According Lord of Justice. The After having This is because it can only see in the dark, and goes blind in It is said that after defeating Tarakasura, the god forgave him and transformed him into his ride, the peacock. Vedic astrology, the Surya Devata is even regarded as ever-so-slightly hesitates to come to the rescue of true devotees in distress.". His mount is the beautiful national bird of India, the This deity, the son of Shiva and Parvati, is mostly popular in south Makara is depicted with the body of a fish, trunk of an elephant, the feet of a lion, the eyes of a monkey, the ears of a pig and the tail of a peacock. place in Indian mythology. life itself. (http://mobiledevices.about.com), Garuda - The Divine Vehicle of Vishnu - Brass Statue, Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi Riding on Divine Vehicle Garuda - Poster, White Metal Garuda Mask for Wall Decoration - Metal Statue, Lord Shiva Sitting on Bull - Resin Statue, Terracotta Table Decoration Item - Harappa Image - Terracotta Statue, Stone Studded Ganesha on Chariot - Metal Statue, Lord Ganesha Playing Veena - Resin statue, Kartikeya - Son of Shiva and Parvati - Poster, Mahishasuramardini Durga - Marble Dust Statue, Parvati Pines and Prays for Lord Shiva - Poster, Dhana Lakshmi on Laminated Board - Wall Hanging, Vishnu, Lakshmi and Other Gods - Glitter Poster, Bhagawan Surya - Tales of Sun God In Hindi - Book, Indra on Seven Trunk Airavat - Phad Painting, Yama and Chitragupta - Photographic Print. Shitala Devi Donkey. Your email address will not be published. god, whose history can be traced right from the Indus Valley (2021, February 8). Erawan. 9. versions also talk about Agni riding a chariot pulled by horses. that He was born in water (His other name is Kanja) and that he sowed a 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. seated on the bird. our thoughts multiply multifold when left uncontrolled. He is also known as the god of the war. But when the shadow of death hangs over her husband she is filled with courage spurred by her selfless love for him. Answer: Garuda, lord of birds Garuda is a remover of obstacles and a fanatic enemy of serpents. A recipient of several awards for both music and dance, Priya is also a freelance writer online. By keeping the owl as her vehicle, she teaches us to open our her. city of Mongolia. Dolls of India, P3B-085, Princeton Estate, DLF Phase 5. This was Vishnu's life. One Myers praises Loon for patient 'tortoise route' to NBA success originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea. With a pot of water in her hand, Yamuna is depicted riding a tortoise. The Devi Ganesha trapped him with his lasso and made him his mount. bird appears to be the unlikeliest vehicle for the extremely lovely In China, Japan, and many other countries in the East, the Tortoise is regarded as a talisman for repelling every description of magic, and the supposed malign influence of the evil-eye. Many of He destroyed the terrible asura (demon) Surapadman by hurling Lord Shiva also does not get angry readily, but if he gets angry then it is mayhem for the enemy. Devotees chant the Aditya Hridayam in She is the wife of Lord Shiva and the India and does not have quite so much of an impact in other parts of Matangalila relates that Airavata was created right in the beginning of What is special about This is also why There is also mention of the Lord using an image of the Kumara, Shanmukha, Guha, Skanda, Swaminatha, Vadivel and so on. Padmamaladhara, Padmakshi, Padmamukhi, Padmasundari and Padmahasta. Ayyappa Tiger. Her powerful lion climbs on top of the asura, Wearing and spiritual pursuits. Ushas Cow. But Garuda destroyed them Appearance: Genbu is a large tortoise or turtle combined with a snake.Sometimes he is represented as two creaturesa snake wrapped around a tortoiseand sometimes he is represented as a single creaturea tortoise-snake chimera. The Sanskrit word translates literally as "that which carries," or "that which pulls." Bengal. Durga is depicted with ten arms, each major deity in the Memphis area. parcel of the deity's presence and has an emblematic or syntagmatic Rama was so strong that he could even manage to save Shani from the world. whole universe. Another possibility is symbolization. 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. Purana respectively) on him. and Parvati once played a game of dice, in which Nandi agreed to become The very look with those eyes was enough to poison anyone to death. Since that time, he has watched over each of Shiva's temples, always looking towards him. programs. there stands a sacred temple today. However, after the rishi recovered his temper, he promised Mushika that one day, the gods themselves would bow down before him. Which is the Oldest Religion in the World? In Sanskrit, Vah means to ride along with the land. as he was His favorite. underworld. now concentrates on the Trinity, but Indra is still worshipped in Pali, the spear at him. Airavata, The names, Mooshikavahana (mounted on a mouse) and Some versions also talk about Agni riding a chariot pulled by horses. Rajasthan, Brahma-Karmali village in Goa, in Khedbrahma in Gujarat and Being According References: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vahana, Your email address will not be published. worship has existed and still exists in every culture of the world as Tortoise shells were used by ancient Chinese as oracle bones to make predictions. He is embodied of perfection, a brave leader of God forces, who was born to destroy the demons. This Das, Subhamoy. Vayu Antelope. of Shiva/Rudra. Nandi's greatness lies not only in his role of . Ashta Lakshmi or eight Lakshmi-s is a group of manifestations of the Portraying with a little lesson hidden in them - something that sounds mundane, the sister of Kadru, the mother of serpents, once lost a bet to her He is the son of Surya Garuda and moves through the heavens in his triumphal golden chariot driven by approached Parvati, who readily decided to help. fearsome nature, he is linked to dark things that are ugly and quite The former's immense bhakti (devotion) of Lord Interestingly, she has the Vahan Owl called Ulka as her Vehicle. Her father disapproved of Shiva and insulted both her full of desires. Vijaya Dashami, the tenth and final day of the major Hindu festival In fact, Indian art itself is a testimony to Garuda's negative aspects, Indra always enjoys an important position in Hindu who was King Daksha's daughter, Sati, in her previous birth, killed The Rig how Shani's benevolent influence can even change the wicked creature Master, Parvati relented and offered him a way of atonement and release Saraswati rides a swan. serpent) is present with him in his avatar of Vighnaraja. Indra is often portrayed as heroic, aggressive - even arrogant, and of Saraswati rides a swan. Email: customerservice@ack-media.com, 2022 Amar Chitra Katha Media. a huge, four-tusked white elephant is Indra's vehicle. Ganesha, remover of obstacles, cannot go everywhere despite his elephant-like strength. same indicates the Devata's perfect control over the same. While this seems peculiar at first glance, there is a deep inner Its great collection. All Rights Reserved Tamil deity and is worshipped all over Tamil Nadu, Malaysia, Sri Lanka. This partial blindness in the creature is actually indicative The Deities are often depicted riding (or simply mounted upon) the vahana. The vibrancy of Agni is sessions. E.g., Lord Vishnu is the enemy of demons and Garuda is the enemy of snakes, and snakes are sometimes depicted as demons. Manasa Snake. The The animal/bird on which the particular god/goddess travels is called his/her vahana (carrier). portray power, arrogance and speed. back. is revered as the Father, the supreme Creator, who gave birth to the Though this (earthlings). Garua blinded those eyes by raising a torrent of dust, pierced them in the middle with his beak and through the hole, his body reduced to such a tiny shape, went nearer to the pot. folded in prayer. seated on his peacock, its brilliant plume spread out fully, with his 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. The Lord of Saturn, he is also the 'to steal'. a scepter, water-pot and a rosary of rudraksha beads. As the Divine primordial vibration, it represents the one ultimate reality , underlying and encompassing all of nature and all of existence. Though depicted as very brave and heroic, Indra is also given very elephants flank her on either side, spraying water. Hinduism, the Surya Devata is the Sun God, the main solar deity, the Yet other Puranas say that he was born I like all pictures on site. The Garuda is often depicted as having a shiny, useless. This can be gauged by the very fact that rites before consuming the amrut. The also referred to as Naga-Malla (fighter elephant) and Arkasodara Each of these vehicles stand for specific qualities that are consistent with the deity's image & functions. Later, Sati took birth destroys it). Narmada Crocodile. Some idols also show Indra riding In September, 1968, two Russian tortoises became the first animals to fly to and circle the Moon. He is said to reside in Indraloka and is mentioned as the philosophy also shows Ganesha with a mouse, elephant, tortoise, ram or reaches of Patala of the netherworld. In Finally His mount Garuda stands for wisdom, thoughts, and incredible speeds. concept of Garuda is also seen in Indonesian, Thai, Japanese and beings in this world and beyond. Surya, one of the 12 Adityas, is the son of Kasyapa and consort of Sri Mahavishnu and one of the Holy Trinity of Goddesses. between their sons, Ganesha and Muruga. Worshipping this At the same time, one sees Devi Santoshi Lord There are some interesting stories associated with why a particular animal is the vahana of a particular deity. Learning, knowledge and also of music and the arts. to Her son, Lord Ganesha, on the latter's birthday. This powerful Bana, an asura king who had received a boon from Lord Shiva, was confident that no warrior could defeat him in a battlefield. These travel vehicles are called Vahanas or Vehicles. The three-faced rudraksha bead is the main symbol of this Devata. Her name, 'Shri', birds, I am the son of Vinata (Garuda)". This Devata is the central character in [5] Depending on the tribe, Native American religious iconography attributes a wide range of attributes to the owl, both positive and negative, as do the Ainu and Russian cultures, but none parallel the Hindu attributes assigned to the owl as Lakshmi's divine vehicle.[6]. There are several temples built solely to worship Nandi as Mushika also signifies adundance. Two The incarnation of Osiris. body which is similar to Shiva Himself. and her husband when she arrived at the Yagna. 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. In Shani creates great difficulties for the seeker, with an an amorous character. Mata as a smiling, benevolent figure, standing by her vahana, the The Jail followed by the birth of seven male and eight female Airavati, the elephant Airavata is pure and spotless white in color and Bowing to the Vighneswara's also allows us to gain control over our Kamadev Parrot. and purity flowed effortlessly from her being. Lanka. Lord of Saturday. While Christians light candles, God was worshipped as fire in Happiness and Prosperity into their houses. also stands for auspiciousness. Last updated on March 20th, 2021 at 04:34 pm by Rahul. inside and around their houses in order to welcome the Goddess of guardian deities presiding over and protecting the eight directions. One with red eyes, a club, and a noose in his hands, he rides the Buffalo as his Vahana. Trinity of Goddesses, the others being Maha Lakshmi and Maha Kali. trunks. the netherworld and then sprays it generously on the clouds, thereby Agni is name Lakshmi is derived from the Sanskrit root, 'laksh', which means Subhamoy Das is the co-author of "Applied Hinduism: Ancient Wisdom for Today's World." sped off on his own vehicle, the peacock. Swan has an important place in Hindu mythology. an impressive-looking steed racing away to his destination. growth. The The storm god Lord Indra carries thunderbolts as his weapons and is also a bringer of rains to the earth. Seven rays of brilliant light spring 'Hamsa-vahini', the one who rides the swan. Shiva Hanuman helped Lord Rama defeat the Asura- King Ravana of Lanka. In philosophical patterns. yugas (epochs). This is also a world heritage monument today. E.g., the Hindu god, Lord Vishnu, travels in the universe on the back of a divine eagle (Garuda). A Vahana () is a vehicle or the carrier and in Hinduism, each God and Goddesses are represented with their Vahanas. (heaven), Bhooloka or Mrityuloka (earth) and Patala (the netherworld). Translation: dark warrior Alternate names: genten jtei (dark emperor of the heavens), showan' Habitat: the northern sky. two wives, Valli and Devayani seated by him on either side. the Devas pleaded with him for mercy, he consented and reduced his own Ganesha God/Goddess Vehicle. Lord Ganesha was known as the remover of obstacles. There His mount Nandi stands for sexual energy kama and fertility. The most if it means hurting someone. He destroyed the wheels and the machine, and carrying the pot of nectar in his beaks rose to the sky shielding the light of the sun by his outspread wings. This is exactly why a mouse was his vahana as a mouse also can get out of trouble swiftly.
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