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Kapota – Dove – Speckle-Necked Pigeon in Hinduism

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.
Speckle-Necked Pigeon in Hinduism

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 with beauty and innocence.
  • Goddess Parvati is referred to as Kokamukha, dove-faced.