Animals and Birds in Hinduism
Animals and birds play a prominent role in Hinduism. For example, every god uses an animal as their mode of transportation. The vehicle and the god form an interdependence. The animal helps the god perform his or her duties more effectively. For example, the bull is Shiva’s “vahana”. The bull represents strength and therefore adds to Shiva’s strength. Vishnu is the protector. The eagle, his vehicle, helps him oversee the world with a sharp eye.
In addition, some animals and birds have special statuses in Hinduism. The elephant is worshiped as Ganesha. Similarly, the monkey is worshiped as Hanuman. Finally, snakes are worshiped as Nagas. Also, in the realm of birds, the eagle is worshiped as Garuda.
Animals revered as gods
 Elephant (Ganesha) |  Monkey (Hanuman) |  Snakes (Naga Deva) |
Animals as mounts of gods
 Bull (Shiva – Destroyer) |  Eagle (Vishnu – Protector) |  Swan (Brahma – Creator) |
 Lion (Parvati – Power) |  Owl (Lakshmi – Wealth) |  Swan (Saraswati – Intelligence) |
 Mouse (Ganesha – Remover of Obstacles) |  Peacock (Muruga – War) |  Tiger (Ayyapan) |
 Horse (Sun) |  Antelope (Moon) |  Lion (Mercury) |
 Horse (Venus) |  Ram (Mars) |  Elephant (Jupiter) |
 Crow (Saturn) |  Lion (Rahu) |  Eagle (Ketu) |
 Elephant (Indra – King of Gods) |  Ram (Agni – Fire) |  Sea Dragon (Varuna – Water) |
 Antelope (Vayu – Wind) |  Buffalo (Yama – Death) |  Parrot (Kama – Love) |
Even “Man” is depicted as a “vahana”. “Man” carries Kubera, the god of wealth!
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