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