Indian

Animals used in Indian art are depicted as an animal or take with partial human anatomy. Such artistic expressions have stories which communicate religious information to the audience. This section would explore three categories of animal symbolism; Lord Vishnu’s Incarnations and gods with partial animal anatomy, animals of religious significance and mythical origin.

Fig 1: Ganesha image in entrance of
 Ganesha Pol at Amber Palace, Jaipur.
  Image source: Saumil Shah

 Ganesha (Fig 1) will be the first icon and it is appropriate with him being the lord to invoke before starting anything anew. He is the elephant headed god with a pot belly and a rat for his vehicle. Ganesha is known as one who places as well as removes obstacles. This is reminiscent of characteristics symbolized by the elephant; vehemence and friendliness, uncontrolled strength and offering of security, irate obliteration and care.  His large ears and pot belly is interpreted as the ability to be acute of hearing and provide immediate response. Very often, he can be found in the entrance of households and venues of auspicious events.Check out this website for your own  Ganesha styled door or wall-hanging. 

Fig 2: Hanuman Temple at Shedung foothills (India). Image source: Image event

          
           Hanuman (Fig 2) is the  King of monkeys revered to be a god. His birth is explained by a variety of stories but that is not an issue here. Being a monkey god, he has special legendary attributes which include invisibility at will. He is the icon of courage, bachelorhood and devotion to god. Idols bearing his image can always be found in temples of Vishnu of whom Hanuman is a great devotee.

Lord Vishnu is one of the male trinity, and he has taken many incarnations on earth to save mankind and teach them moral lessons. Since 800AD, 10 incarnations have been acknowledged and of those four have animal anatomy.

Fish (Matsya, Fig 3): This form was taken by Lord Vishnu to save the first man Manu from the great flood that would destroy earth. There are many variations to this myth and iconic representation of this avatar is half human and half fish. 

Fig 3: Picture of figurines. From left to right; Matsya, Kurma and Varah

Tortoise (Kurma, Fig 3): As is true of myths, the myth describing Vishnu’s Kurma form also has many variations. The myth which has Vishnu as the progenitor mentions how he took the tortoise form to assist the gods and demons in their endeavour to obtain Amrit (Drink of Immortality). The unbreakable tortoise shell was able to support the mountain used as a rod to churn the milky sea.

Boar (Varah, Fig 3): Aside from various versions, the Puranic literature attributes this avatar to Vishnu. Overwhelming evil deeds caused by a demon could not be withstood by the earth goddess and it had sunk to the underworld. Lord Vishnu took the form of a boar to burrow underground and delicately carried earth up. He then fought with the demon to restore peace and order in the world.

Man-Lion (Narsinha): This avatar was taken to fight King Hiranyakashipu who was wrecking damage in the world by punishing Lord Vishnu’s devotees, including his son. The king was arrogant as he had received a boon that allowed him to be killed by no human or animal, not at night or morning and the stipulations continue. Vishnu thus took the half- human and half-lion form to kill the king with his sharp claws and drank up any blood that spilled. As such, he managed to overcome the boon which had shielded the king.

Religious representations of animals would predominantly feature their role as mounts.The image of a god riding an animal actually signifies that the rider has brought the animal, characteristics of that animal, under his control.

White bull (Nandi): Nandi plays many roles in relation to Lord Siva (one of the three male trinity). Being Siva’s mount and guard is only a couple of roles played by Nandi. In accordance with being Siva’s guard, Nandi is always placed outside of Lord Shiva’s shrine facing him. Special prayers that are done in honour of Lord Shiva are also performed for Nandi (refer to embedded video ). Since the bull represents fertility and strength, it is symbolic that Shiva has managed to suppress these characteristics.

Peacock: The peacock is the symbol of vanity and greed. Lord Karttikeya’s vahana is the peacock and this symbolises his control over vanity and greed.

 Swan (Hamsa): This is the mount of Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of creativity in arts and wisdom. Hamsa has the ability to separate water from milk and this is symbolic of discerning the truth from falsehood or obtaining justice. Since Saraswati’s mount is Hamsa, it indicates her ability to know right from wrong.

Eagle (Garuda): Garuda the king of birds and the mount of Lord Vishnu. He is a powerful being who is worshipped in his own right other than his relation to Vishnu. His wings have the ability to stop the earth from revolving and strength to fell warriors. Garuda symbolises military supremacy which is evident in Indian military.

Mythical creatures are abound in the Indian myths and epics that describe many creatures with special attributes. These are often reincarnation of divine people and placed on earth to serve some purpose or atone for sins committed. 

 Snakes (Nagas): The Nagas are mentioned to be a superior race of serpents with celestial powers which threatened the humankind. Adding to their ferocity they had drunk potent venom that appeared from during the quest of churning the milky ocean for Amrit. Snakes are considered to be gods and worshipped with separate temples and snake pits are preyed by mostly females. (Image A, Image B)

Fig 4: Image of Kamadhenu depicting

gods in various parts.

Image source: Srimadhvyasa

Holy cow (Kamadhenu, Fig 4): This is a mysthical creature that can grant any which. It has many animal parts converged in one and is the great cow representative of gods and devas within its body. Posters that illustrate this notion can be easily found and one of the reasons cited for the sacredness of cows to Indians.  

References

Callewaert, W. M. Gods and Temples in South India. New Delhi: Manohar Publishers& Distributors, 2005.

Singal, V. Hinduism: From Maya to Moksha. New Delhi: Vision India Publications, 2013.

Williams, G. M. Handbook of Hindu Mythology. California: ABC-Clio, Inc, 2003.