In Hinduism, the vahanas (vehicles or mounts) of the gods and goddesses are not merely their means of transport — they are symbols of their powers and messages. Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, beauty, and prosperity, has the owl as her vahana. The choice of this bird is not coincidental; it carries deep symbolic meaning. But how did the owl come to be the vehicle of Goddess Lakshmi? Let’s explore the story behind it.
According to a Puranic tale, when nature and all living
creatures were created, every god and goddess began to choose their respective
vahanas. Goddess Lakshmi, too, descended to earth to select hers. All the
animals and birds expressed their desire to serve as her vehicle. The goddess
announced that she would visit the mortal world on the new moon night (Amavasya)
of the month of Kartik, and whichever animal or bird came to meet her first on
that night would be chosen as her vahana. Everyone agreed.
However, the night of Amavasya was pitch dark, and no animal
or bird could approach the goddess in such darkness — except the owl. When
Goddess Lakshmi arrived on earth that night, she found only the owl waiting for
her. Thus, she chose it as her divine vehicle.
Another Legend
The Puranas offer several other explanations. One version
says that when Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean
(Samudra Manthan), the owl appeared alongside her and became her eternal
companion and mount.
Choice Of Owl Is Symbolic
Many also believe that Lakshmi’s owl holds symbolic meaning.
The owl, being able to see clearly in the dark, represents foresight, wisdom,
and alertness. To safeguard wealth, one must be cautious and prudent —
qualities that the owl embodies. Hence, it is seen as the perfect symbolic
companion for the goddess of prosperity.
Moreover, the owl’s symbolism teaches the proper use of
wealth. It reminds us that accumulating riches is less important than using and
preserving them wisely. The owl’s silent flight suggests that true wealth is
not for display, but for careful and restrained protection.
In Hinduism, it is also believed that the gods and goddesses
use such metaphors to teach lessons about respecting nature and living
creatures. From this perspective, Lakshmi’s choice of the owl may serve to
challenge misconceptions. In some regions, owls are seen as inauspicious
because they are nocturnal, but their association with Goddess Lakshmi
overturns that belief — symbolizing that even in darkness or ignorance, wisdom
and light can be found.
Arrival Of Owl In Home
In rural Bengal, another belief prevails: if an owl enters a
home, it signifies Lakshmi’s arrival, as the owl protects crops by eating field
rats — a blessing for farmers.
Ultimately, the owl as the vahana of Goddess Lakshmi reminds
us that wealth is not merely material. It is tied to knowledge, vigilance, and
morality. The owl, therefore, is not just a bird — it is a symbolic messenger
of the goddess, an integral part of Hindu culture and spirituality through the
ages.