The veneration of animals is an important aspect of Hindu culture and the book titled ‘Sacred Animals of India’ by Nanditha Krishna explores this unique characteristic of Hinduism. Apart from the religious aspects, the book also examines the various traditions, tribes and communities that protect certain unique animals in India and also gives a reminder about the role of animal species in the earth’s biodiversity. Apart from the Hindu tradition, the book also mentions about the animals worshipped in Buddhism and Jainism. From the Flyer of the Book Belief in the sanctity of animals originated from ideas of karma and the transmigration of souls — thus an ant or a tiger could be one’s past or future identity. Sacred Animals of India draws on the ancient religious traditions of India —Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism—to explore the customs and practices that engendered the veneration of animals in India . Animals are worshipped in India as deities, as, for instance, the elep