‘NANDI’-scared bull of shiva .He is also a symbolism of eternal waiting.
‘MOOSHIKA’, the celestial mouse, is the vahana of lord Ganesha. Despire
Nandi is shiva’s animal form , his means of transportation and his most
its small and humble nature, mooshika holds deep symbolic significance,
ardent worshiper
representing traits like humility resourcefulness, and the ability to navigate
through the smallest obstacles. The mouse is often depicted seated beneath
Ganesha, emphasizing that even the smallest creature can serve a divine
purpose
‘KAMADHENU’, also known as Surabhi is a divine cow in Hindu ‘DIVINE DOG’ ‘Shvan’ of lord kaala Bhairava fierce form of
puranas that is believed to fulfill any wish or desire. she is often lord shiva . Celestial dogs hold significant symbolism in our
regarded as the mother of all cows and a symbol of abundance, puranas representing protection , loyalty and spiritual
fertility, and prosperity. guardianship
Kamadhenu appears in several Hindu texts, including the Mahabharata
and puranas.
‘GANDABERUNDA’ is a legendary creature from hindu
‘SHARABHA’ is another powerful creature from Indian puranas often mythology, most famous for its striking image: the two headed
described as a part-lion, part-bird or part-elephant hybrid.it is believed bird in hindu mythology, believed to possess immense magical
to be stronger than a lion or an elephant and its purpose is usually to strength. Its also considered to be the avatar of lord Vishnu.
subdue these mighty animals. In particular , Sharabha is associated with
shiva who is said to have assumed this form to calm the wrath of
Narasimha, Vishnu’s fierce lion-man incarnation.
‘ANNAPAKSHI’ also known as the “hamsa” or “annaparavai”, is a divine
‘DIVINE PARROT’ A celestial parrot represents a divine bird associated with bird in Indian culture, often associated with purity, wisdom, and grace. It
this state of joy, wisdom, or tranquility. In our puranas and Indian art birds resembles a swan or goose and is believed to have the ability to separate
often symbolize higher knowledge, freedom, and the connection between the milk from water, symbolizing discrenment and purity. The annapakshi is
heavens and earth. frequently depicted as the vahana of Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, or as
a sacred bird of high spiritual significance
‘JATAYU AND SAMPATI’ are two brothers from the ramayana who are ‘KINNARAS AND KINNARIS’ are fascinating ethereal beings found in our
vulture-like demigods. They symbolize courage , loyalty and devotion. puranas and folklores. In hindu, in buddhist and jain traditions ,
Their story is also often interpreted as a reminder of the role of sacrifice kinnaras(male) and kinnaris(female) are depicted as part-human, part-bird
in the battle between good and evil. beings, known for their beauty, musical talent, and grace. They are often shown
with the head or torso of a human and the body or wings of a bird symbolizing
a blend of divine beauty and artistic elegance. Their images evoke love and
devotion
‘GARUDA’: known as the king of birds in our puranas holds
‘THE PEACOCK AND THE ROOSTER’ . They illustrate lord a revered place as the vahana of lord Vishnu. With his eagle-
Murugan’s qualities as a warrior deity who embodies both like form and indomitable strength , he embodies courage,
grace and vigilance. freedom, and devotion. He is the symbol of protection and
divine power.
‘JAMBHAVAN’ king of bears and considered one of the oldest celestial ‘THE PURUSHA MIRUGAM ‘also known as purusha mruga or
beings in our puranas and ithehasas. He was created by brahma to assist in purusha –mirga, is a fascinating celestial creature in our puranas. It
the destruction of evil during the churning of the ocean(samudra manthan). combines human and animal characteristics often depicted with
He plays a significant role in the Ramayana, helping hanuman remember his human-like face and the body of a beast, typically resembling a lion. It
strength and encouraging him to leap across the ocean to lanka . Jambavan symbolizes the pursuit of spiritiual wisdom and the taming of primal
embodies loyalty and strength. instincts
‘SHESHANAGA OR ADHISHESHA’ is the humongous snake who is
‘VASUKI’ is another prominent serpent in hindu puranas. He is the snake
the nagaraja the king of snakes and is one of the primal ibeings of
that coils around the neck of lord shiva. As the king of the nagas he is
creation according to our puranas. He is a many headed coied snake
revered as a powerful, wise and loyal serpent deity.
that constantly sings of the glories of Vishnu from his many mouths
and is often depicted carrying Vishnu . Some consider sheshanaga to be
a servant of Vishnu or a manifestation of Vishnu.
‘UCHCHAIHSHRAVAS’ is a celestial seven headed horse from our
puranas often considered the king of horses . It emerged from the ‘AIRAVATA’ is a divine, multi –tusked white elephant in in our
churning of the ocean and is associated with indra, the king of the puranas considered the vahana of the god indra. Known for immense
gods, as his divine steed . This horse symbolizes speed , strength, and power and nobility, airavata symbolizes strength, purity, and grandeur.
nobility , being a divine creation and one of the treasures from the
cosmic event.
‘GAJA SIMHA’ is another fascinating creature from indian puranas often
‘YAZHI’ is a celestial creature from Indian traditions often depicted in depicted as a hybrid of an elephant and a lion. It symbolizes immense
ancient temple carvings, art and architecture. It is a composite creature, strength and protection. Gaja simha is typically portrayed with the body of
blending features of different animals , similar to other hybrid celestial lion and the head of an elephant , embodying the power and majesty of both
beings. Yazhi is known for its majestic appearance and symbolism, animals. In some temples, it’s considered a guardian figure and is associated
often seen as a guardian or protector . with deities like Vishnu and shiva
‘NAVAGUNJARA’ is a fascinating celestial creature from indin ‘NAGA KANYA’ is a benevolent spirit who bestows treasure of all
mythology, particulary found in the odia version of the kinds. Naga kanya is said to bring enormous blessings- everything
mahabharata. It is a composite being , part of the story where lord from prosperity, rain, friendship , romance, spiritual growth,
krishna appears before arjuna in this form t o teach him about the enlightenment , good opportunities, generosity, protection, wisdom
unity and diversity of all life. here am sharing the interesting story and support .
with an illustration.
‘MAKARA’- the legendary sea creature. It is depicted as half land
‘KEERTHIMUKHA’- the face of glory and half sea animal . Ganga the river goddess and varuna the sea
Keerthimukha , is a celestial creature and guardian figure found in hindu god use the makara as vahana. ‘ makara’ the legendary sea creature.
temple architecture. It is typically depicted as a fierce, leonine face with wide, It is depicted as half land and half sea animal. Ganga the river
bulging eyes, large fangs, and a open mouth. Its origin story coonects it to goddess and varuna the sea use the makara as vahana.
shiva who created kirtimukha to devour a demon. However, after scaring the
demon, kritimukha turned on itself and consumed its own body, leaving only
its face. Shiva impressed by its devotion, made kiritimukha a symbol of self
sacrifice and transformation, assigning it as a guardian to temple entrances.