Indian mythology holds a special reverence for animals. These creatures are revered as divine beings, representing various gods and goddesses in mythology. With a belief in one supreme creator, Indian mythology associates different animals and birds with its numerous deities.
This spiritual connection between the Hindu gods and the natural world is deeply ingrained in the religion. By bestowing divine status upon fur, feathers, and fins, Indian mythology highlights the importance of respecting and cherishing all living beings, fostering a sense of harmony and compassion within its followers.
 In this blog, we are sharing stories of a few!
Vishnu-Eagle
Garuda was known for his insatiable hunger and his forbidden desire to feast on humans. One day, he accidentally swallowed and then spat out a Brahmin, a member of the higher class. Despite his hunger, Garuda went on various adventures, during which he encountered challenges.
Whenever he perched on a branch, it would break due to his immense weight. On one occasion, as Garuda caught a falling branch to protect a Brahmin from harm, Lord Vishnu, a prominent Hindu deity, observed him. Lord Vishnu, known as the sustainer within the Hindu Trinity, approached Garuda and questioned his actions.
Garuda admitted his struggle to find a steady perch as no tree or mountain could bear his weight. In response, Lord Vishnu graciously offered his arm for Garuda to sit upon, unaffected by the burden.
When Garuda remained hungry, Vishnu offered him his flesh, which Garuda ate without leaving any wounds. Realizing Vishnu’s divine nature, Garuda became his loyal friend forever.
Source: https://www.yogalife.net/
Kartikeya-Peacock
Subramanya, also known as Kartikeya, is a revered deity often depicted riding a peacock. Devotees often wonder why this particular bird was chosen as his vehicle. Subramanya, the commander of the devas, was known for his invincibility in battle against the Asuras.
Carrying his trusty weapon velayudha, he vanquished numerous demons. It is believed that those who sincerely worship Subramanya as their last resort are guaranteed protection against even the gods themselves.
Centuries ago, a demoness named Varaangi gave birth to a son called Surapadma. His father, Kashyapa Rishi, was a sage, making Surapadma a mix of both demon and sage blood. Surprisingly, Surapadma turned out to be even more demonic than his mother had anticipated.
Unfortunately, Kashyapa Rishi, preoccupied with his ascetic duties, failed to notice these alarming developments. Surapadma then embarked on a penance dedicated to Lord Shiva, ultimately winning the deity’s favor.
Lord Shiva granted Surapadma a boon, but Surapadma asked to be killed only by Lord Shiva’s son, believing that Shiva would never have a son. Shiva warned Surapadma about this, but he laughed it off. The Devas, fearing for their safety, prayed to Lord Vishnu, who reassured them that Shiva would indeed have a son who would eventually kill Surapadma.
Goddess Parvathi was approached by the devas who explained their troubled situation. She granted their prayers and gave birth to Subramanya, who later engaged in a battle with Surapadma. Despite their fierce combat, Subramanya successfully struck Surapadma with his weapon, causing him to transform into a mango tree.
When Subramanya’s weapon hit the tree, it collapsed, forcing Surapadma to reveal himself. Part of the tree became a peacock and the other part turned into a rooster. Surapadma, disguised as the peacock, pleaded for mercy from Subramanya, who favored peacocks and chose the bird as his vehicle. Surapadma became a devoted follower of Subramanya after this incident.
Source: https://www.boldsky.com
Also Read: Trees Associated with Gods in Hindu Mythology
Durga-Lion
Durga, the powerful mother of the universe and fearsome warrior goddess, fearlessly plunges her spear into the heart of the buffalo demon, all while riding upon a lion. Known as the King of the Jungle, the lion holds a revered status as the supreme creature in Hinduism. This story mentions how Durga effortlessly tames this mighty lion, showcasing her indomitable strength and control.
Once Lord Shiva started an extensive meditation journey, his consort, Goddess Parvati, patiently awaited his return. However, as time passed, Shiva remained committed to his spiritual practices.
Eventually, Parvati decided to depart from Mount Kailash and seek solace in a dense forest, where she began her penance. While engrossed in meditation, a lion caught sight of her and stealthily approached her
The lion pounced on Parvati, but it could not harm her due to a protective layer surrounding her. As she continued to meditate, Shiva, who was pleased with her penance, arrived in the forest to take her with him.
When Parvati finished her deep meditation, she discovered a lion beside her. As the Divine Mother, she felt immense compassion for the creature.
Utilizing her divine abilities, she entered the lion’s soul and erased its animalistic instincts. She cleansed it of all negative karma, bestowing purity upon the once-wild beast. Parvati then brought the lion with her to Kailash, where it has since served as her loyal mount and trusted companion.
Source: https://www.astroved.com/
Indra- White Elephant
Lord Indra, the god of gods, has a white elephant named Airavata as his companion.
Lord Indra sought an animal companion to accompany him to events and battles. He approached Lord Brahma for assistance, who agreed to grant his wish. Lord Indra was told to return the next day to receive his elephant.
Airavata was born through the sacred rituals performed by the deity Brahma, who chanted Mantras over halves of an eggshell. These eggshells belonged to the same egg from which the divine bird Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu, hatched.
Following Airavata’s birth, seven male and eight female elephants were also born. The beautiful white elephant, Airavata, faithfully served Lord Indra.
Source: http://www.shubhiagarwal.in/
Shiva-Snake
Shiva’s adornment of a snake around his neck has been steeped in countless legends. Among them, the most captivating story reveals that during the Samudra Manthan, poison emerged. Fascinatingly, certain snakes, along with Shiva himself, willingly consumed this substance.
Astonished by their act, Shiva decided to embrace Vasuki, the king of snakes, encircling his neck. It is believed that this sacred snake safeguards Shiva’s throat, preventing the venom from sliding down his throat.
The three coils of the snake encircling Shiva’s neck symbolize the past, present, and future.
Source: https://www.scoopwhoop.com/
Shiva-Bull
According to ancient myths, Goddess Surabhi (the mother of all cows), once gave birth to numerous adorable calves. The milk overflowed from her divine form and flooded Lord Shiva’s abode, which enraged him.
To appease Lord Shiva, Goddess Surabhi selflessly offered him her beloved son, Nandi. Graciously, Lord Shiva accepted Nandi as his eternal companion. It is believed that if you confide your aspirations to Nandi, he will leverage the blessings of Shiva to help fulfill your desires.
Source: https://www.boldsky.com/
Also Read: 50+ Symbols of Spirituality With Meaning & Power (Full List)
Brahma & Saraswati- Swan
Hamsa, or White Swan, serves as the trusted Vahana (vehicle) for Lord Brahma and Goddess Saraswathi. Within Hinduism, Lord Brahma assumes the role of the creator, while Goddess Saraswati presides over art and learning.
The Hamsa symbolizes an exceptional ability to separate milk from a milk and water mixture, reflecting the importance of discernment in the act of creation. Thus, Lord Brahma is often depicted riding on a Swan.
Goddess Saraswati is also often depicted with a Hamsa, as her Vahana, symbolizing the swan’s ability to make precise distinctions. This represents the creative power, knowledge, inner realization, and glorification of the Lord that arise from discernment.
By acquiring Brahman knowledge, one can embody the qualities of the swan, enabling them to navigate the vast ocean of ‘Samsara’.
Source: https://ashokakhedkar.com/
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