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The Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, arts and wisdom has a swan as her vahana.

Vahanas - the Mounts of the Hindu Deities

Discover how Hindu gods and goddesses travel on animal or mythical mounts called vahanas, and what these vehicles say about each deity’s power, duties and character.

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Fascinating Fact:

The god Vishnu is often shown riding Garuda, a powerful eagle-like bird that represents speed, protection, and the defeat of evil.

In Specialist Religions Hinduism, this quiz explores vahanas, the sacred “mounts” of Hindu deities. You will see how different animals and mythical creatures express each god’s qualities, stories and responsibilities.

Key Terms

Vahana: A sacred vehicle or mount that a Hindu deity rides, often shown as an animal or mythical creature in art and stories.
Deity: A god or goddess who is worshipped, prayed to, or honoured within a particular religion or tradition.
Symbolism: When an image, object or action stands for a deeper idea, such as courage, wisdom, strength or protection.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is a vahana in Hinduism?

In Hinduism, a vahana is the special mount or vehicle of a deity. It is usually an animal or mythical creature and helps show the god or goddess’s character and role.

Why do Hindu gods have animal mounts?

Hindu gods have animal mounts so that complex ideas can be shown through images. Each vahana’s strengths, habits and behaviour help believers understand the deity’s powers and responsibilities.

Which animals are common vahanas for Hindu deities?

Common vahanas include Nandi the bull for Shiva, a mouse for Ganesha, a lion or tiger for Durga, a peacock for Kartikeya and the mighty bird Garuda for Vishnu.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

Who is the vahana of Lord Shiva?

Shaitaan, the black panther

Ganga, the crocodile

Nandi, the bull

Kadru, the serpent

Long ago, Nandi was the 'Lord of Joy' but he transferred his divine prerogatives to Lord Shiva

2 .

Who is the vahana of Lord Brahma?

Singam, the lion

Humaa, the kite

Talaash, the whale

Hamsa, the swan

Hamsa symbolises intelligence and the ability to classify every being as it is considered to be a bird which can separate water from milk

3 .

Another aspect of Parvati is Sherowali. As Sherowali, what is the goddess' vahana?

Goat

Cow

Tiger

She-bear

It is the fearlessness of the tiger that qualifies it to be the vahana of Durga, the goddess who exists to destroy evil. Though usually depicted as a tiger, the vahana is sometimes drawn as a lion, appearing without stripes

4 .

What is the vahana of Parvati?

Buffalo

Turtle

Lion

Frog

Parvati is the consort of Lord Shiva, who rides a bull. It is highly interesting that Parvati rides a lion, almost the only animal that can hunt a bull

5 .

What animal is the vehicle of Lakshmi?

Leopard

Owl

Crocodile

Horse

The owl represents spiritual wisdom, rather than the blindness associated with seeking worldly rather than spiritual wealth. The owl is also a good avian match for Garuda, since Lakshmi is Vishnu's consort

6 .

Who is the vahana of Lord Vishnu?

Bunda, lord of apes

Garuda, lord of birds

Nag, lord of serpents

Akila, lord of wolves

Garuda is a fanatic enemy of snakes and also a ferocious warrior. Once he defeated all the gods, only to be defeated himself by Vishnu. He served as Vishnu's mount thereafter

7 .

Who bears the considerable weight of Lord Ganesh?

Musaka, the mouse

Zhiyaan, the bear

Taqaat, the bull

Hathi, the elephant

It is a great paradox that a mouse bears an elephantine god like Ganesh. It is a source of much theological explanation and discussion. Ganesh is popular among the devotees of Vishnu and Shiva alike. He is a very friendly god

8 .

What animal is the vahana of the river goddess Yamuna?

Dolphin

Kingfisher

Tortoise

Osprey

Yes, a land dwelling tortoise rather than a water dwelling turtle. Kurma is always translated as tortoise

9 .

What animal is the vehicle of Saraswati?

Pelican

Parrot

Skylark

Swan

Saraswati, consort of Lord Brahma, is usually associated with the god's vahana. She is also often accompanied by a peacock

10 .

Who is the mount of Indra, king among the demigods?

Airavat, lord of elephants

Daaman, lord of mountain goats

Sitam, lord of lions

Khodi, lord of peacocks

Airavat was formed out of the primordial ocean, churned by the gods. His name itself means 'produced by water'. He is depicted with four tusks and eight trunks. Airavat's wife is Abharamu

Author: Siddarth Bhattacharjee (Respected Hindu Scholar and Educator)