Black Buffalo – Vehicle of Yama - Story - Symbolism In Hinduism

The vehicle or Vahana that is associated with Yama, the Hindu God of Death, is the black buffalo. All images of Yama show Him riding the black buffalo. The name of the Buffalo is Paundraka. Here is a look at the story and symbolism of the black buffalo associated with death in Hinduism.

Legend has it that Paundraka was born from the thighs of Rudra form of Shiva. It is as quick as the mind. Paundraka is a He Buffalo. The black color represents the unknown world that a person goes after death.

There is a belief that Buffalo is one of the most senseless animals. Just like the buffalo, death arrives to us senselessly – and takes our life without looking at age, status, religion or any other social parameters.