Representation Of Hindu…

Representation Of Hindu Vahanas In Ancient Texts

In Hinduism, nature and animals have always held significant importance, with gods closely connected to natural elements. Deities like Indra, Surya, and Chandradev etc., embody aspects of nature, such as thunder, light and night. A key aspect of Hindu iconography is the concept of vahanas, the divine vehicles that symbolize the powers and attributes of gods. In the श्रीशिवसहस्रनामावलिः, verse 409 features the name “ॐ पशुपतये नमः” (Om Pashupataye Namah), acknowledging Shiva as the Lord of all beings (Pashupati). This invocation emphasizes his role as a protector and sustainer of life, reflecting the multifaceted nature of his divine attributes.
In Temples and Paintings there is vahanas such as Nandi, Garuda, and Mushika. These animals represent the divine qualities of the deities they serve. Vahanas in Hinduism are more than just modes of transport; they embody virtues like strength, wisdom, and devotion, reflecting the deep connection between faith, nature, and divine attributes.

Examples From Ancient Text

भवतेऽपि वरं दद्यां वृणोतु भगवानपि । तं वने वाहनं विष्णुर्गरुत्मन्तं महाबलम् ।। १६ ।।
“O Deva! I also wish to grant you a boon. Even the Lord may ask for a boon.“ Then Sri Hari asked the mighty Garutman to become his vehicle.
– Mahabharat: Aadiparv/Aastikparv/33/16

The Matsya Purana (260.53-54) provides a detailed description of the iconography of Lord Ganesha.

ध्वस्तकर्णं बृहत्तुण्डमेकदंष्ट्रं पृथूदरम् । स्वदन्तं दक्षिणकरे उत्पलं चापरे तथा ।। ५३
मोदकं परशुं चैव वामतः परिकल्पयेत् । बृहत्वात्क्षिप्तवदनं पीनस्कन्धाङ्घियाणिकम् ॥ ५४
Verse 53:
“With broken ears, a large trunk, a single tusk, and a large belly. With its own tusk in the right hand and another tusk in the other hand.”
Verse 54:
“On the left side, one should imagine the modaka (sweet) and axe. Due to the large size, it has a lifted face, thick shoulders, and large limbs.”

Earliest Example In Art

Among the earliest representations of deities with vahanas, is a beautiful Kartikeya of 5th c. CE (Gupta era) sitting on his peacock vahana whose plumage is outstretched and forms a halo around the god. While vahanas occupied a relatively significant space in the early stages, they were later relegated to smaller spaces at the side or at the pedestal, a mere token or symbolism in the arena of iconography.

Conclusion:

Vahanas play a crucial role in Hinduism, symbolizing the characteristics of deities. For instance, Ganesha’s vahana, the mushika, represents the removal of obstacles, making Ganesha Vighnaharta. Similarly, the Ganga’s vahana was initially a dolphin, later evolving into the makara, a fusion of dolphin and crocodile. These vahanas provide deeper insights into the nature of the deities they represent.

Bibliography

Sahasranama Stotra Sangrah. Gorakhpur: Gita Press, 2005. ISBN 81-293-1395-2.
Vyasa, Veda. Mahabharata: 6 Volumes Set in Hindi. Compressed. https://archive.org/details/unabridged-mahabharata-6-volumes-set-in-hindi-by-veda-vyasa-compressed.
Matsya Purana. Edited by Gita Press, Gorakhpur. Accessed February 26, 2025. https://archive.org/details/matsya-puran-gita-press-gorakhpur/page/n1009/mode/2up.

Photograph

4. Explore Karnataka – Aihole: Cradle of South Indian Temple Architecture. Photograph, ExploreKarnataka.com. https://explorekarnataka.com/heritage/aihole/.

5. Sculpture of Ganesh on a Temple at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh State. Photograph, Alamy. https://www.alamy.com/sculpture-of-ganesh-on-a-temple-at-khajuraho-in-madhya-pradesh-state-image9721939.html.

6. Sculpture of Kartikeya, 5th Century Gupta Era Bharat, Among the Earliest Representations of Deities. Photograph, Facebook, December 25, 2021. https://www.facebook.com/sobeteachhikichhutenei/posts/kartikeya-5th-centurygupta-erabharatamong-the-earliest-representations-of-deitie/307397922088994/.