Vehicles of the Gods

[Praveen]

Hindu deities have particular vehicles or 'vahana' on which they
travel. These vehicle, which are either animals or birds, represent
the various forces that he or she rides. These deities are seldom
depicted without their corresponding creatures.

Vehicles as Symbols

Goddess Saraswati's vehicle, the graceful and beautiful peacock
denotes that she is the controller of the pursuit of performing arts.
Vishnu sits on the primal serpent, which represents the desire of
consciousness in humankind. Shiva rides the Nandi bull, which stands
for the brute and blind power, as well as the unbridled energy in man
- the qualities only he can help us control. His consort Parvati,
Durga or Kali rides on a lion, which symbolizes mercilessness, anger
and pride - vices she can help her devotees check. Ganesha's carrier,
a mouse represents the timidity and nervousness that overwhelm us at
the onset of any new venture - feelings that can be overcome by the
blessings of Ganesha.

Below is a list of Hindu gods and goddesses who are inseparably linked
with their respective 'vahanas':

* Aditya - seven horses
* Agni - the ram
* Brahma - seven swans
* Durga - the lion
* Ganesha - the mouse
* Indra - the elephant
* Kartikya - the peacock
* Lakshmi - the owl
* Saraswati - the swan or the peacock
* Shakti - the bull
* Shani - the crow
* Sheetala - the donkey
* Shiva - Nandi, the bull
* Varuna - seven swans
* Vayu - a thousands horses
* Vishnu - Garuda, the eagle & Adi Shesha, the serpent
* Vishwakarma - the elephant
* Yama - the male buffalo