Table 1 List of some common animals, birds & reptiles and their associated beliefs

1

Panthera tigris

Tiger

Used in rituals and medicine.

2

Elephas maximus indicus

Elephant

In Hindu mythology, during Sagar Manthan (Milk sea churning), the Gods (Angels) and the demons (Asura) churned the ocean for the elixir of life called “Amrit” (Nectar) which make them immortal. From the churning the ‘navratnas’ (nine jewels) surfaced. Some of these jewels were the Aeravatha (white elephant), Karpavruksha (tree), Kamadhenu (Holy cow). Therefore considered to be sacred among Hindus.

3

Bos Taurus

Cow

In Hindu mythology the cow is considered holy The cow is equated to one’s own mother (hence the expression ‘Gaumata). In Hindu mythology, Kamadhenu, the wish-fulfilling celestial cow. It is believed that cow could grant any wish for those who worship cow.

4

Bos taurus

Bull

Bull occupies a special place in Hindu mythology. The reverence of the animal has been one of the central themes of Hinduism, since ancient times. Bull is vehicle/vahana of lord Shiva.

5

Antilope cervicapra

Black buck

It is also known as Krishna Mruga in Kannada.

6

Macaca mulatta

Monkey

Monkey is known to be associated in the army of Hindu God Hanuman hence considered sacred.

7

Felis catus

Cat

Cats are associated with fertility and the goddess of birth, Shakti.

8

Pavo cristatus

Peacock

Hindu mythology peacocks are associated with the goddess Saraswati (goddess of education & knowledge). The feathers thus represent qualities like: kindness, patience and good fortune.

9

Naja naja

Snake

The snake is commonly called (‘Nag’ in Hindi language) is worshipped by people across the country. Some of the snakes are considered in mythology as ‘protectors’ and other categories as harmful/destroyers’. Lord Shiva wore snake as an ornament. Lord Vishnu sleeps on snake with thousand heads Adiseshu (King cobra) as his bed on milk sea.

10

Bos grunniens

Yak

The bushy tail is in great demand as a fly–wish (fan) in many Buddhist monasteries and temples.

11

Gyps indicus

Indian Vulture

According to the epic Ramayana, when Ravana was abducting Sita to his kingdom of Lanka, a fierce battle took place between him and the vulture King Jatayau. The bird was fatally wounded it its attempt to rescue Sita from Ravana.

12

Columba turica

Dove/Pigeon

Goddess Rati, the Goddess of passion and lust and the consort of Kama, the God of love, is believed to be usually depicted with a pigeon as her vahana.

13

Corvus splendens

House Crow

The house crow occupies a special place in Hindu religious rituals. It is usually identified with departed souls of ancestors. In Hindu the ritual of ‘pinda pradhana’ (offering of cooked rice balls) to the crow.

14

Sus scrofa Linnaeus

Wild Boar

The third avtara of Lord Vishnu was Varaha, a boar. Varaha is generally depicted having a boars head on human body. Varahi is the Hindu Goddess Durga in the form of a wild boar.

15

Ratufa indica

Squirrel

Squirrels are considered sacred in India and are not to be harmed. Squirrels are association with Lord Rama. During the construction of the Adi Sethu (bridge) at Rameshwaram by Lord Rama and the vanara sena, a little squirrel also contributed in its own little way. Lord Ramas pleased by the creatures dedication, caressed the squirrels back and ever since, the Indian squirrel carried white stripes on its back, which are believed to be the mark of Lord Ramas fingers.