What do Hindu deities symbolize?

All Hindu deities are themselves symbols of the abstract Absolute and point to a particular aspect of the Brahman. The Hindu Trinity is represented by three Godheads: Brahma – the creator, Vishnu – the protector, and Shiva – the destroyer.

Why do Hindu gods have mounts?

Even more rarely, the elephant-headed Ganesh may be seen riding another elephant, or a lion, or a many-headed serpent. The vahana, the mount or vehicle of a deity, serves the function of doubling a God’s or Goddess’ powers. The vahana also represents the devotee’s mind which allows the deity to guide the devotee.

Why are Hindu gods animals?

Each Hindu deity has a particular animal-vehicle or vahana on which it travels. The Sanskrit word translates literally as “that which carries,” or “that which pulls.” These vehicles, which are either animals or birds, represent the various spiritual and psychological forces that carry each deity and represent it.

Why do gods have vehicles?

All Gods and Goddess are depicted with particular vahanas (Vehicle). These Vahana are the representation of the various energies (animal energies) that exists in the universe as well as in human beings and they need to be controlled and channelled properly so as to transform ourselves spiritually.

What does Ganesha’s mouse symbolize?

The mouse represents ego. Lord Ganesha using the mouse represents the need to control ego and so it’s said that one who controls his ego has Ganesha consciousness. Ganesh Chaturthi is a celebration of The Lord who controls the universe. The wandering mouse also signifies the wavering human mind.

What animal represents Kali?

There are several traditions of how Kali came into existence. One version relates when the warrior goddess Durga, who had ten arms each carrying a weapon and who rode a lion or tiger in battle, fought with Mahishasura (or Mahisa), the buffalo demon.