The Role of Birds in Indian Mythology

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By Salini Vineeth

  • India
  • Mythology
  • History
  • Religion

    • Table of Content

    Animals and birds have a significant role in Indian mythology. They are often portrayed as powerful creatures or demigods. A variety of birds are depicted in Indian mythology, and many of them have a human-bird hybrid form. For example, Garuda and Jatayu are two popular human-bird hybrids who play crucial roles in epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana. Other birds, like peacocks, swans and parrots, are also featured in Indian mythology. In this article, let us look at the roles of birds in Indian mythology.

    Garuda

    Garuda is one of the most prominent birds in Hindu mythology. This mighty eagle is a demigod and the vehicle of Vishnu. In Indian religious and temple art, Garuda is depicted both in the eagle form and in the human-eagle hybrid form. Garuda is featured across Vedas, Puranas and

    Hindu epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana. Vedas mention that a mighty eagle, Syena, brings Amrut, the elixir of eternal life, from heaven to earth. Later, Puranas indicate that Syena and Garuda are the same.

    According to Hindu mythology, snakes are Garuda’s arch-enemy. There’s an interesting story about the origin of this enmity. Vinata was Garuda’s mother, and she had a co-wife named Kadru, who was the mother of all serpents. Vinata once lost a bet to Kadru and became her servant. Kadru ill-treated Vinata and Garuda pledged to avenge her children, all serpents.

     

    Vishnu Riding Garuda Oleograph by Raja Ravi Varma

     

    In many epics like Ramayana, Garuda often defeats snakes. For example, in Ramayana, during the epic Ram-Ravan war, Garuda comes to rescue Ram, who was wounded by the Nagapash, the snake arrow. In Indian art, Garuda is often depicted with a snake in its beak or on its talons.

    Jatayu

    Jatayu is a mythical vulture featured prominently in Ramayana. According to Hindu mythology, Jatayu is the son of Aruna, the charioteer of Surya. Interestingly, Garuda, the great eagle, is Jatayu’s maternal uncle. Jatayu is depicted as an enormous and mighty bird, who is also shown as a human-vulture hybrid in some artworks.

     

    The Divine Messenger: Pattachitra by Purusottam Swain

     

    Jatayu in Ramayana

    The first reference to Jatayu in Ramayana is when Ram and Sita come across Jatayu sitting on a banyan tree in Panchavadi. Seeing his colossal body, Ram and Sita wonder if it was a monster. However, Jatayu says he is the friend of King Dasharatha, Ram’s father. He then pledges his allegiance to Ram and Sita.

    Jatayu plays a vital role in Ramayana. When Ravan abducts Sita, she calls out to Jatayu for help. The mighty bird fights bravely with Ravan, but due to his old age, Jatayu fails to stop him. However, when Ram and Lakshman return, he gives them crucial information about Sita’s abduction. Jatayu then dies, and Ram blesses him with moksha, which is freedom from the cycle of birth and death.

     

    Jatayu saving Sita Mata: Bengal Pattachitra by Swarna Chitrakar

     

    In Indian art, Jatayu’s fight with Ravan is often depicted as a dynamic scene. Some paintings depict the fight in progress, and others depict Ravan chopping off his wing. Jatayu is a symbol of courage and selfless devotion and is a hero who died trying to defend a woman’s honour.

    Peacock

    The peacock has a significant place in Indian mythology. According to Hindu beliefs, the peacock was created using the feathers of the powerful mythical bird Garuda. Snakes are Garuda’s arch enemies, and peacocks share this trait with them. This belief is consistent with the fact that peacocks have the skill to attack and eat venomous snakes. According to Indian mythology, snakes are the symbol of the cycle of time. Since peacocks attack snakes, they are believed to have the power to transcend time.

    Peacock as a vehicle of Gods

    In Indian mythology, the beautiful and fierce peacock is the vehicle of many deities. Kartikeya (Subramanya), the elder son of Shiva and Parvati, rides on a peacock named Paravani. Paravani is believed to have great speed and aggression, helping Kartikeya, the God of wars, in his fierce battles. In Hindu religious paintings, the peacock is often depicted with a snake in its claws, just like they portray Garuda.

     

    Shanmukha Subramanyam (Kartikeya) Oleograph by Raja Ravi Varma

     

    In Buddhism, the peacock is the vehicle of Mahamayuri, a female Bodhisattva and the Goddess of knowledge.

    Peacock feather as a symbol of elegance and power

    The peacock feather has great significance in Hindu mythology and rituals. In mythology, we see peacock feathers used in the crowns. Krishna is always featured wearing a peacock feather on his crown or hair. The peacock feather is a sacred object according to Hindu beliefs. Peacock feathers are often placed in temples, especially near the idol of Krishna, and also at homes. The peacock feather symbolizes power, elegance and the ability to transcend time.

     

    Lord Krishna In Kerala Mural by Adarsh

     

    Swan

    Known as Hamsa (or Hansa) in Indian mythology, the swan is a symbol of purity, wisdom, and enlightenment. Swan is the vehicle of various deities like Saraswati, Brahma, Gayatri and Vishvakarma. Vedas, the oldest Hindu text, mentions swans as birds with reasoning power and wisdom. One reference in Vedas mentions that swans have the ability to separate milk from water.

     

    Maa Saraswati Tanjore Painting by Sanjay Tandekar

     

    Swans also represent spiritual enlightenment, and people with the highest spiritual capabilities are often referred to as Paramahamsa, which means the supreme swan. Here’s one interesting parallel drawn between swans and enlightened people in Indian mythology: Just like the swan’s feathers don’t get drenched in the water, these spiritually enlightened people don’t get drenched in worldly affairs. This detachment helps them attain moksha or salvation. 

     

    Maa Saraswati on a swan: Bengal Pattachitra by Manoranjan Chitrakar

     

    Swans in Buddhism and Tribal Myths

    The swan is a significant bird in Buddhism as well. A key episode in Sakyamuni Buddha’s early life was nursing a wounded swan back to health. This is one of the early examples of young Buddha displaying compassion. Swans are also featured in tribal myths that explain creation. According to the Santhal tribe based in Odisha, a pair of swans called Hanshansali were the first creatures to be created. Interestingly, they were created by a divine crow named Maranbonga, who then went on to create all other plants, animals and birds in the world. Swan is also used as a decorative motif in Indian art. Its beauty and serenity have inspired artists to use them as an aesthetic element in paintings and sculptures.

     

    Swans in Madhubani Painting by Vibhuti Nath

     

    Parrot

    In Hindu mythology, the parrot is the vehicle of Kama Deva, the God of love. Parrots have a unique skill of imitating human beings, so in Indian mythology, you’ll find many talking parrots. For example, Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge, is often depicted along with a parrot. Maybe it was inspired by the parrot’s skill to talk and impart wisdom. Parrots are known to express love, and that might be the reason Kama Deva chose a parrot as his vehicle.

     

    Parrot in Copper plate by Baaya

     

    Suka: The Narrator of Bhagavata

    There are many interesting stories in Indian mythology related to parrots. One story is about a baby parrot that overhears Shiva while he narrates the divine secrets to Parvati. Shiva chases the parrot, but it flies to earth and enters the womb of Vatika, the wife of sage Vyasa. The parrot, afraid for its life, denies coming out of the womb. It takes the shape of a human embryo and stays inside the womb for 12 years. After, at Vishnu’s behest, the parrot finally comes out of the womb to be born as a human being, Suka. Since he was originally a parrot, Suka has the extraordinary ability to repeat anything he hears. Suka is believed to be the one who narrates Bhagavata Purana to King Parikshit.

    A Radiant Parrot in Miniature Painting by Mohan Prajapati

     

    Indian mythology is rich with animal and bird characters, both real and mythical. Dwelling deep into mythology will help us understand the spiritual and physical uniqueness of each animal. It will help us get a fresh perspective on the world around us and appreciate the beauty, power and diversity inherent in nature.

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