Indian Mythologies

Animals of Indian Mythology

First Online: August 10, 2002
Page Last Updated: February 17, 2024

  • Animals and Ancient Indians -- Ancient Indians gave a great importance to nature, life and environment. They made deities out of animals and worshiped them. Kamat on animals of Indian mythology.

  • Extreme Vehicles -- Most Hindu Gods have their own vehicles that they use to go about their tasks and responsibilities. We bring you this fascinating exhibition of pictures from Indian mythologies.

The following is a list and discussion of various animals found in stories of Indian classics and mythologies.

 

Birds
  • Cock
  • Crow
  • Goose
  • Hawk
  • Owl
  • Peacock
  • Swan
Insects
  • Bee -- Kama's Bee Arrow
  • Butterfly
  • Crane
  • Dove
  • Falcon
  • Spider
Mammals
  • Bats
  • Bear
  • Boar - Varaha, Vajravahi's vehicle?
  • Buffalo - Durga, Yama
  • Bull - Nandi, Shiva < Agni's vehicle,
  • Cat
  • Cow
  • Dog
  • Deer - Vayu's vehicle, Maricha
  • Elephant
  • Fox
  • Goat
  • Horse
  • Leopard (Shiva's skin)
  • Lion (Nara Simha)
  • Monkey
  • Rat
  • Tiger
  • Rabbit
Reptiles
  • Crocodile
  • Lizard
  • Snake
  • Squirrel
  • Turtle
Fantastic Animals
  • Eagle - Ganda berunda

 

Airawat
Indian Mythology

Pictures
Kamadeva and his wife RatiSage Sandipani Teaching Krishna and SudhamaLion Faced Vishnu Destroys HiranyakashipuGaruda, the King of BirdsGaruda the Mythical BirdMatsyavatar -- Vishnu as the Rescuing FishThe Descent of Ganga
Mythical CharacterWriting of MahabharatHanuman Mistakes the Sun for a FruitSati SavitriGandhari with a MaidDraupadis WeddingSavitri and Satyvan by Artist Ardhenduprasad Banerji
Killing of ValiTwo Headed BirdBhishma Lies on the Bed of ArrowsHumiliation of Draupadi and Krishnas RescueContest to Marry DraupadiCelestials from a Sanskrit TextCelestial Creature in Kavi Art
Krishna Rescues the Elephant from the CrocodileSix Headed Deity Riding a SwanVishnu as a Wild Boar (Varahavatar)Eight Handed Lord GaneshLord Brahma and Adhiti - 19th Century IllustrationPainting from Srinivasa Temple, MulbagilWall Painting of Hanuman in Rajasthan
The Humiliation of ShurpanakhiFantastic AnimalsThe Army of Super CreaturesThree Legged Devotee Bhringi Agni the FireArjuna Quenches Bhishmas Thirst as he Lies on a Bed of Arrows and Krishna Looks OnCelestial Dharani rides a Turtle
Divesting of DraupadiFour Headed BrahmaKrishna Kills a Charging ElephantMythical AnimalNaga-Nagini ConjugationNarad Teaching KayadhuNarad Advising a Devotee
Vishnu as a Lion-ManParashuram in Ganjifa Playing CardParashurama and RamaIcon of Vishnu as Boar

Kamat's Potpourri The Timeless Theater Indian Mythologies List of Animals found in Indian Mythologies