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Home  » Resources » Glossary » Vāhana

Vāhana

The vehicle of a Hindu god or goddess. Usually an animal, the vāhana fulfils one or more roles and may:

  • be the deity’s emblem
  • symbolise positive attributes associated with the deity
  • represent evil powers over which the god has triumphed
  • help the divinity to perform duties.

The vāhana may also have its own divine powers or be worshipped in its own right.

Related Articles:
  • Glossary: Haṃsa
  • Glossary: Swan
  • Glossary: Vehicle
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