Mayura

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Mayura (a Sanskrit word for peacock) is one of the sacred and highly sanctified birds of the Hindu mythology, and find references in a number of Hindu scriptures.

[edit] Mythology

The legend states that the Mayura was created from the feathers of Garuda, another semi-divine mythical birds of Hindu mythology. Garuda is believed to be a vahana (conveyance) of Vishnu, one of the Trimurti. In images of the mayura as a mythical bird, it is depicted as killing a snake, which according to a number of Hindu scriptures, is a symbol of cycle of time.

[edit] Significance

Mayura is associated with a number of gods and deities of the Hindus including the following:

• It is a vahana(vehicle) of Sarasvati, the goddess of speech and learning.

• Goddess Kaumari is generally depicted with a mayura and mayura also serves as her conveyance.

• A mayura also serves as a conveyance of the god Kartikeya.

• Krishna is generally depicted with peacock feathers adorning his head.

In general, feathers of mayura are considered sacred and are used to dust the religious images and implements of Hindus.

[edit] References

• Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend (ISBN 0-500-51088-1) by Anna Dallapiccola

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