INDIAN MYTHOLOGY AND ANIMALS
In ancient India people recognized the right of animals and understood that
co existence was the law of the land and so the relationship between men and
animals had always been a friendly one.

Animals were raised to the status of gods and goddesses. The dasavathara of lord Vishnu clearly depicts the different evolutionary stages of man on earth. The panchatantra, Jataka tales and many other children's stories, and children’s songs were based on animals. Its indeed very sad that today children are not trained to imbibe such qualities of coexistence and acceptance .

I. Indian mythology and animals

1.      Dasavathara of lord Vishnu is a very clear explanation of how origin of life has taken place.

1. Matsya Avathar -aquatic form -fish

2. kurma  Avathar or turtle  which represents the amphibian form,

3.Varaha   avathar- terrestrial Boar.

4.Narasimha avathar-beast attempting the human form

5.Vamana avathar-pigmy human form

6.Parashuram avathar- strong physical strength is portrayed.

7.Rama avathar- perfect human

8.Krishna avathar- saviour of environment

9.kalki avathar –represets destruction of one’s own race due to lack of concern for the fauna of this world.All these avatars or forms were taken by god to save mankind from destruction and save this world from disaster.
 II.Ancient Indian stories like Panchatantra,Aesop’s fables,Jataka tales etc contain numerous interesting stories in which      animals play a great role.

III.Lord Rama’s friendship with vanaras(monkeys)during his exile and the role played by them in  finding Sita are a very      good example of coexistence.Deer,jatayu bird and others played a great role.

IV. Lord Krishna is recognized as Govardhana giridhari because of his

    love and concern for animals and to protect them.

IV.The ocean churning by asuras and suras is a very well known episode of the Indian mytholgy.Vasuki,the serpent was         the churner and Mandarsa mountain was  the churner.Lord Vishnu came down to protect this earth in the form of a       turtle.

   Animals and their association with the gods:

         Lord Ganesh- has Elephant’s head and a tiny mouse is the vehicle. Here mouse represents activeness.

         Lord Hanuman.-had the form of a Monkey and was ever eager to help others.

         Lord Hiagriever. Horse

         Lord Siva’s minister is (Nandhi)   or Cow

                Lord Muruga’s vehicle. Was the beautiful Peacock
 We can quote many more such examples from  ancient Indian heritage which again and again remind us of this excellent   relationship which is very much essential for the survival of life on this earth. So let’s emulate from our culture and do our bit  to make  this world a better place to live in.

 

 BACK