In Hinduism, frogs hold a significant place in mythology and symbolism, often associated with rain, fertility, and transformation. Here's a deeper look into the role of frogs in Hindu culture: Rain and Fertility: Frogs are commonly linked with rain in Hinduism . Their croaking is considered a harbinger of the monsoon season, symbolizing the arrival of rainfall essential for agriculture and fertility of the land. In this context, frogs are seen as auspicious creatures, bringing blessings of abundance and growth. Magical Powers: In Hindu mythology, frogs are sometimes depicted as possessing magical or mystical powers. For example, the story of the frog-faced sage, Mandooka Rishi, is prominent. According to legend, Mandooka Rishi was cursed to be born as a frog due to a misunderstanding with Indra, the king of gods. Despite his appearance, Mandooka Rishi retained his wisdom and spiritual insight, teaching valuable lessons to those who sought his guidance. Symbol of Transformat...

Mongoose in Hindu religion is mainly associated with Kubera – the treasurer of wealth in Hinduism. It is shown as sitting on his lap. There is also a belief that Mongoose spits gemstones and jewels. The animal is associated with Kubera because of its ability to fight and kill snakes. In many stories, Snakes are guardians of treasure, precious stones and jewels. To frighten the snake and take the wealth Mongoose is used. Again in many stories some type of snakes are known to have diamond fixed on their hood (Nag Mani) - perhaps to get the diamond one needs the help of a mongoose. There is another belief that mongoose attacks and cuts the snake into two and the mongoose also has the power to put the snake back into one. This is mentioned in the Atharva Veda while discussing child birth procedure.  There is also an interesting episode involving Yudhisthira and a Mongoose mentioned in the Mahabharata: After the Rajasuya Yajna, in which all great Saints of Bh...

Cow symbolically represents Mother Earth in Hinduism. As per Hindu beliefs, all deities in Hindu pantheon reside in the cow – symbolically it means that all elements in the universe are present in the cow. Here is a brief look at giving roti to cow especially as part of religious activity. Feeding roti to cows in Kali Yuga is equivalent to performing rituals and havans. It helps in sin redemption and thus helping a person to attain moksha or liberation. It is believed that offering roti to cow is equivalent to offering Prasad or naivedya or bhog to all the 33 crore deities in Hinduism. It is believed that those homes in which cows are taken care of will never face poverty and financial crisis. They will always have food even during the most tiring times. Those children that are born in a family that takes care of cow will lead a peaceful and prosperous life. When giving roti on Thursday, it is good to apply bit of turmeric. Financial progress and prosperity is achieved by f...

Tiger in Hindu religion is named Bhaga because of the immense power in the front (agra bhaga) of the body. In Hinduism, it symbolizes the force of divine energy and spiritual power. It is evident from the representation of the tiger on seals and stone figurines that its worship was popular in prehistoric times. Even today, the worship of tiger prevails widely among several tribes. The tribes of Mirzapur for instance, worship Bhagheswara, the tiger deity. In the figurines found in Mohenjo Daro, the tiger and other animals surround Lord Shiva, who was worshipped as Pashupati. In this form Shiva was the lord of all animals. As per Puranas and Mahabharata, the night-roving animals like tiger attended upon Shiva. Shiva is depicted as wearing and sitting on tiger skin. Legend has it that a group of saints let loose a tiger to annihilate Shiva who appeared as a nude wandering ascetic. The wives of the saints were enamored by the wandering ascetic. Shiva easily killed the...

There are no direct references in Hindu scriptures as per which animals can be kept at a Hindu home. Today there are many animals that are kept based on Vastu. But the scriptures do give hints while narrating incidents and stories. Based on these hints, these animals can be kept (and cannot be kept) in the home as per Hindu religion. Some of these are lucky animals as they change luck. As per Hindu religion, snakes are holy but they should not be kept as pets or in the compound of your house. Similarly, it is not auspicious to keep bats, python, and scorpion as pets. It is considered auspicious to keep deer as pets. It brings peace and prosperity. As per government rules, you are not supposed to keep wild animals like deer as pets. Having rabbits at home brings prosperity. Keeping them is good for those looking to have children. It is also beneficial to children at home. Keeping horse at home is considered beneficial in matters related to wealth. Keeping birds esp...

Kapota is associated with Mother Goddess and Shiva in Hinduism. The dove or speckle-necked pigeon is a symbol of fertility and love. Harappa – Mohenjodaro – Lothal The dove accompanies the Mother Goddess figurines unearthed from Indus Valley sites of Harappa, Mohenjodaro and Lothal. Kopta in Vedas In Rig Veda, it is the messenger of Yama, the god of death. Its presence was considered inauspicious. If it came near the holy fire during a yajna, it was to be driven away by chanting holy verses. Kapota was believed to be the son of Nirtti, the goddess of misery, disease and death. Kapota in Puranic Period During the age of the Puranas, Kapota began to be regarded as a favorable bird. It became a symbol of love, sexual urge and procreation. Shiva and Goddess Parvati took dove shapes for sexual union and came to be known as Kapoteshwara and Kapoteshwari. Goddess Rati, consort of Kamadeva (the god of love), have pigeon has her symbol. Today, Dove is associated...

Animal goat is mentioned both as a symbol and as a vehicle of Gods in Hindu scriptures. In the Samkhya system of Hinduism, Prakriti is depicted as a female goat. Prakriti represents the Mother Nature. The color of goat is red, black or white and represents the three gunas – Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. The vehicle of Goddess Kali is a black goat. Agni rides Mesha – a ram. Kubera, the god of wealth, also has a ram as his vehicle. A ram is an uncastrated adult male sheep. After the self-immolation of Sati, Shiva beheads Daksha and later, on repentance, Shiva breathes life into Daksha by replacing his head with that of a goat. Goat finds mention occasionally in Puranas and Vedas. It is mentioned that the seed which fell from Prajapati transformed into a male-goat. There are incidents in Puranas involving Indra and goat. Goat is also mentioned in Tantric texts both as an animal and as a symbol. Sadly, Goats are also sacrificed to Goddess Kali and other villag...

Dog in Hindu Religion is mainly associated with Bhairava form of Hindu God Shiva. Bhairav is shown along with a black dog. In some paintings, the god takes the role of Vahana or vehicle of Bhairava. There are also some people who believe that dogs are an incarnation of Bhairav. For some Hindu communities dogs are a link to the world of the dead. Next most important instance of dog in Hinduism is associated with Lord Dattatreya – an incarnation of Trimurtis – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Dattatreya is followed by four dogs, which symbolically represent the four Vedas and his complete mastery over the Vedas. The most popular instance of dog in Hindu scriptures is in the Mahabharata. Here God Yama takes the form a dog and follows the Pandavas during their final journey and tests the Dharma of Yudhishtira, the eldest of the Pandavas. Indra, the king of demigods (devas) has a dog named Sarama. This dog is believed to have helped the Devas in recovering the cows stole...

Aged elephants in Kerala will soon get an old-age home – a geriatric centre. The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages a large number of Hindu Temples in southern Kerala including the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple , will set up the geriatric care centre. DNA reports  Temple elephants, suffering from various age-related ailments, will be shifted to the geriatric care centre and given special care and treatment under trained mahouts and veterinarians. Kerala is home to a large number of captive elephants in India .   "The geriatric care centre is planned to be set up in Thiruvananthapuram or in central Kerala. We are planning to shift aged elephants, kept at TDB temples, to the new centre. They will be given scientific care and upkeep there," Devaswom Commissioner P Venugopal said.

Airavata is a white elephant that appeared after the Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the ocean, episode mentioned in the Puranas and Mahabharata. It was gifted to Indra, the King of Devas. Symbolically, Airavata represents the white clouds that appear after the rains – Indra riding on the white clouds throws thunder bolts and force the dark clouds to shed rain and clear the sky. Airavata is a unique elephant – apart from the white color – the elephant has six trunks and six pairs of tusks. In some Hindu cultures, especially of those in Southeast Asia, Airavata is a three-headed animal. Airavata is also referred as ‘the brother of Surya’, the Sun God. Symbolically, this suggests that Airavata clears the dark cloud that blocks the path of Sun.  Additional Information On The Topic Airavata, the majestic white elephant of Indra, holds profound symbolism deeply rooted in Hindu tradition and Indian cultural ethos. Here's an expansion on its symbolism: Divine Protection and ...

The management committee of the world famous Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple in Kerala is planning to start a convert a cattle-rearing centre into an old age home for cows and bulls.  Times of India reports  The idea is to use the Vengad facility (at the Devaswom's 90 acre facility near Perinthalmanna in Malappuram district) as a care station for aged and unwell cows without any emphasis on milk production, Devaswom managing committee member A Suresan said. Cows in good health will be moved to the Devaswom's milk production centre at Kaveedu near Guruvayur. Even otherwise, milk production from 1,000-odd animals at the facility is just 40 litres per day. The aging cows will be given proper feed and veterinary care.  Bulls there will be isolated so that cows in poor health will not subject to their unwanted attention, veterinarians at the centre said. There are about 25 sheds currently and more will be required for augmenting the care.

Nandi, or Nandin, is a white bull constantly associated with Lord Shiva. It is Shiva’s vehicle. A murti of Nandi is found in almost all Shiva Temples. The bull is seated in front of the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) and is the guard or doorkeeper or gatekeeper. Puranas associated with Shiva, details about the role played by Nandi as guard. He is also the chief of Shiva’s ganas (attendants) and Nandishwara is another name of Lord Shiva. Nandi means ‘causing gladness.’ Nandi is always represented as quiet and benign. He also symbolically represents sexual energy tamed by Shiva. The disciplined bull, which is calm and docile, symbolizes Dharma, an image of controlled power. He is also considered to be the guardian of four-legged animals. The image of Nandi is often placed outside the sanctum sanctorum facing the Linga or the murti of Shiva. Sometimes the images are found on the corners of the sanctuary of Shiva temples. In North India , Shiva is also depicted a...

Koorma Nivas, Karthikeya Vanam, Mareecha Vanam, Gokulam, Chitrakooda Vanam…these are not names of places in Puranas but spots inside the Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park . The Zoo at Tirupati has numerous sections that are named after Gods, places and important incidents in epics and Puranas. Thus in Koorma Nivas named after the Kurma Avatar of Vishnu you can see Turtles and Tortoises. In Karthikeya Vanam named after Muruga you can see Peacocks; in Mareecha Vanam named after demon in Ramayana you can see deers. Naming sections of the Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park after gods, places, and incidents from Hindu epics and Puranas adds a unique and culturally rich dimension to the zoo experience. It's a thoughtful way to incorporate mythology and tradition into a modern-day attraction, allowing visitors to not only enjoy the natural beauty of the park but also learn about ancient stories and characters. The symbolism behind each name adds depth to the visitor's experience....

Some of the famous temples in Tamil Nadu have elephants in the temple premises that bless the devotees. The devotees in return give money and some people also give fruits, sugarcane, jaggery and bananas along with money. This is an age-old practice and now the wildlife authorities in Tamil Nadu are planning to ban the practice as they feel it is a stress on the animal. Elephants are seen as the living incarnations of Hindu God Ganesha by many Hindus and the blessing them from is considered sacred. But many Hindus don’t realize the torture the poor animals go through. For elephant owners and trainers the poor animals are a source of income. For this the elephants are made to stand for long hours in the hot sun. They are also tortured to perform the act of blessing. Some people also decorate the elephants with chemical paints which cause rashes on its skin. NDTV reports Wildlife officials have asked temple authorities to put an end to the practice as trainers torture ...

Major Hindu Temple festival season in Kerala begins by January mid-week and ends in April. And this is the cruelest and toughest period for the living representatives of Lord Ganesha, one of the most popular deities in Hindu pantheon. More than 400 captured elephants in Kerala that are trained to perform duties during temple festivities are paraded in the numerous temples in the scorching sun during this period. Interestingly, it is not written in Hindu scriptures that elephants should be part of temple festivals. In fact Ganesha symbolizes that man and animals (all animate and inanimate) are nothing but Brahman – the Supreme Being. Caparisoned elephants are paraded to satisfy the egos of the temple committee members and to gain superiority over the temple in the next village or town. Thanks to the tourist promotion campaign ran by the Government of Kerala, caparisoned elephants are one of the biggest attractions in the state. Elephants killing people during templ...

Milk, butter, curd are food. Urine and cow dung are medicines in Ayurveda. Dried cow dung is fuel. Dung mixed with daub is used to plaster walls and is a building material. Butter is used lavishly in Hindu rituals. The sacred white powder made from dung is applied on the forehead – the holy ash in Hinduism, symbol of God Shiva. Dried cow dung is also used in Hindu funerals in some parts of India .   Food, medicine, house, fuel, prayer….the list goes on…Tell me one reason why five thousand years ago the cow should not have been worshipped. God is the all provider and a cow was the all provider in ancient Hindu society. Various products provided by the cow are an integral part of a Hindu way of life. Quite often many Hindus might not be aware of it. Even today there are millions of households in India whose economy revolves around the cow. In rural India , you will find stories like… it is by selling this cow’s milk I was able to educate my son! Majority of the...