Animals have been admired and revered by Hindus for ages.
Namaste!
Welcome to the oasis of delightful readings at www.onindianpath.com. Let’s focus on the reasons for love and respect to animals in Hindu culture.
Introduction
We Hindus are taught from the childhood to love and respect other living beings like plants, trees and animals.
Since Hinduism is the oldest religion still practiced today, we continue to follow our traditions and rituals. We honor and worship Gau Mata (the cow) as our guardian angel on Gopashtami and other days. We are reluctant to kill her for industrial leather use. Unlike the West, where animals are killed for cosmetics, leather, horns and other items we value the cow’s life. There are other areas of globe where animals are slaughtered for food, cosmetics, medicine, leather and garments.
Why animals are considered sacred?
In western part of globe, animals who live with humans are called pet. For them, pet love is best love in the world to learn and unlearn unconditional love. Conversely, our love and respect is questioned many a times.
However, our motto of considering them sacred is questioned many a times. When, we look at our Puranas and Vedas, we realise the importance of
- ahimsa (non violence)
- prem (love)
Loving all the creatures of God and non-killing is taught not only in Hinduism but also in Jainism and Buddhism.
As we all know, there is atma (soul) in every being. And, we have to pass from 84 lakh yoni ( 8.4 million birth sources) to be born as human. Nevertheless, this cycle of transmigration is essential for every Hindu. If one attains Moksha, they are freed from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Did you know that these 8.4 million birth sources include different species of plants, insects and animals?
Tulsi, peppal tree, Banyan tree, Belpatra tree are revered with utmost devotion and trust. Hinduism teaches the concept of reincarnation, where souls can be reborn in various forms, including animals. Thus, it fosters respect for all living beings, as any creature could house a soul on its spiritual journey.
My childhood memory of animal love
I still remember my Dadi (grandmother) going to the rooftop to offer food and water to wandering birds in the scorching heat. She used to worry a lot about them during monsoons and winters, concerned about how these innocent flyers would get food in such harsh climates. Eventually, as I grew up, it became a ritual for me to fill the water pot fixed for birds on the roof and refill the water container for dogs and cows at the corner of our house.
Every morning, my Dadaji (grandfather) used to feed Chitiyo ka Atta (mix wheat flour with powdered sugar) to the ants, believing they wouldn’t come out in the bright sunlight to seek food. This practice has been passed down to me through generations. I am now making a habit of doing the same and teaching my kids to be more benevolent and loving towards nature and the world around us.
Certainly, we are often stereotyped as a nation of snake charmers. However, I am proud of my culture and religion. We live with non-violence, harmony, peace and love towards every living being. We are an agricultural-based economy, and in our developing stage, we are not ashamed of our inclusive and harmonious way of living. We are a country of huts, houses, and residential societies, where we love to feed our cows with the first roti of the day. We are delighted to feed dogs with the last roti of the day. Additionally, we serve birds with “Chidiya ka Dana” on our roofs and verandas in small cities as well.
Lets look at the other reasons for reverving different animals in Hindu mythology:
Purity and austerity of Rituals
Hinduism is the religion which teaches us value of purity and austerity. As mentioned in my previous blog on Cow, essence of purtiy is discused in byproducts like ghee, cow dung, cow urnie and much more. Certain animals are believed to embody purity and virtue. For example, snakes (serpent) are associated with Kundalini energy and worshipped on Nag Panchami and Goga Navami. While some animals like peacocks are seen as symbols of beauty and grace. Peacock is revered as favourite to Hindu God Shri Krishna and mount to Lord Kartikeya.
Symbolic representation as Vahana
In our hindu mythology, many animals are vahana (vehicle epresentation) of different deities. For example, Lion is vahana of Goddess Durga while Nandi (Bull) is vahana of Lord Shiva. Likewise, Eagle is vahana of Lord Vishnu. Although, Swan is mount of Mata Saraswati representing peace, harmony and knowledge.
Reverence for the essence
Similarly, the cow is associated with the goddess Kamadhenu and is revered for its life-sustaining milk. Likewise, the elephant is connected to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. And, it is worshipped at many places in southern India.
Harmony with Ecology
Infact, animals reverence gives us opportunity to live peacefully with our Ecology. Hanuman ji, the monkey god has played an important role in Ramayana. While, a dog representing Yamaraj (god of death) is stated at the end of Mahabharata. Indeed, Hindu texts emphasize living in harmony with nature. We are suggested to worship natural bodies like Govardhan puja, holy river Ganga etc. Moreover, worshipping animals is seen as a way to honor and protect the natural world.
Conclusion
These aspects highlight the deep interconnection between spirituality, respect for life, and ecological consciousness in Hindu worship practices. In conclusion, India, with its population of 120 million people, thrives in a secular and democratic setup that cherishes age-old Hindu values and traditions. While instances of ignorance and carelessness may occur, the overarching truth remains: we strive for harmonious coexistence with our environment.
Keep growing and reading with us.
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