Vehicles of Gods and Goddesses, A Symbolism

 

The entire cosmos is the form of energy, and the same energy is hidden within us. Energy can be positive or negative, constructive or destructive. It depends, what kind of energy we are invoking and in what kind of circumstances. In Indian mythology, it is represented as goddesses, their weapons and mounts. Different gods and goddesses use distinct vehicles. Vehicles are used to carry an individual from one place to another place. The vehicles of divinities are energies or qualities personifies as animals, birds and mythical beings on which the respective gods have control. By using them intelligently or by riding upon them we can reach the divinities. The vehicles are the means to arrive at some destination with the help of its controlling divinity.

Rat is the vehicle of lord Ganesha. Rat represents our ego and uncontrolled mind. By reducing our ego at the small level, at the rat size, we can overcome of the obstacles. By controlling our mind, we can achieve the super consciousness, the wisdom (lord Ganesha). Tiger or lion is the vehicle of goddess Durga. The tiger or lion is the symbol of majesty and courage. Using these energies or qualities we can invoke Durga to slay the demons of darkness and depression that are hidden in our consciousness. The swan is the vehicle of goddesses Sarasawati and Lord Brahma. The swan personifies the power of discretion. By using this power of discretion we can attain the right knowledge (Sarasawati), and by using the right knowledge, analysis and observation, we can be the creator (Brahma) of our life.

Bull is the mount of lord Shiva. It represents the raw sexual energy or libido. In Tantra, the sexual energy is used to attain the consciousness of Shiva. Laxmi`s mount is owl which represents wisdom and caution, by using which one can invoke Laxmi and attain wealth and prosperity. Snake and hawk are the mounts of lord Vishnu. Snake represents the short-sight and focus on the present work only, and hawk represents far-sight and great vision. Vishnu is a leader and householder. As a leader he needs to have hawk quality, the vision and strategy, and as householder, he needs to be attentive at the present.

Goddesses are the symbolism of the ultimate energy and power hidden within us. By riding on the vehicle of the respective divinities, we can invoke the energies hidden within us, and by these energies, we can reach the highest set aim in our life. Apart from worshipping these female divinities or powers in the temples and homes, seeking their help for material success, we need to know them from a higher perspective and invoke them to achieve higher consciousness and self-realization. And for the self-realized person, there is nothing in this universe to be known.