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CHAPTER FIVE COLOR (GODS AND GODDESSES / DIVINE VAHANAS)
CHAPTER FIVE
COLOR
(GODS AND GODDESSES / DIVINE VAHANAS)
Year I Chapter 5-COLOR
103
BRAHMA
Brahma is the creator of the world. He represents the Vedas. He appeared on the lotus that grew from the navel of Vishnu.
Year I Chapter 5-COLOR
104
VISHNU
Vishnu is the protector of the world. He comes to earth
whenever there is a broken law or no order.
Year I Chapter 5-COLOR
105
NATARAJA
Shiva is a great master of dance and hence he is called
Nataraja. The divine art of dancing has emanated from Him.
Year I Chapter 5-COLOR
106
DAKSHINAMURTI
Shiva is the embodiment of Highest Wisdom (Jnana). He sat facing south
(=dakshina) in supreme silence, arising out of such wisdom. His mere presence dispelled all doubts and darkness from the minds of the sages who
sat before Him and the light of Truth shone in their hearts. So Shiva came to be known as Dakshinamurti.
Year I Chapter 5-COLOR
107
DURGA
Durga is one of the most widely worshipped aspects of the Divine Mother (Parvati). Armed with various weapons and riding on a fierce lion, She
challenged the Demon Mahishasura and destroyed him. She will destroy the sorrow of all who take refuge in Her and confer on them pure bliss.
Year I Chapter 5-COLOR
108
KAMAKSHI
The Divine Mother (Parvati) as Kamakshi is worshipped in the famous temple at Kanchipuram in Tamilnadu, dedicated to Her. Worshipping Her one reaches the end of all desires
and attains salvation.
Year I Chapter 5-COLOR
109
AYYAPPA
Ayyappa is the son of Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Shiva). He is also called Shasta.
There is a famous temple in Sabarimalai in Kerala State to which lakhs of people from all over India go on pilgrimage undergoing many hardships and
observing various vows.
Year I Chapter 5-COLOR
110
HANUMAN
Hanuman, the monkey-god is the god of power and strength. He is the
greatest devotee of Ram who loves Hanuman the most. It is believed that wherever a discourse on Ramayan or Ram Bhajan takes place there is
Hanuman listening to it.
Year I Chapter 5-COLOR
111
SWAN
The Swan is the vehicle of Goddess Sarasvati, the goddess of
learning. Hamsa (swan) is also the vehicle of her consort Lord Brahma.
Year I Chapter 5-COLOR
112
GARUDA
The word Garuda means ‘wings of speech’. The Vedic
knowledge has come down to earth from God on Garuda’s wings. He is the king of birds and the Vahana (vehicle) of
Lord Vishnu.
Year I Chapter 5-COLOR
113
BULL
The Bull or Nandi is the Vahana (vehicle) of Lord Shiva. It is installed in a sitting posture facing the Lord in every Shiva
temple. Hence Shiva is also called Nandivahana.
Year I Chapter 5-COLOR
114
PEACOCK
The Peacock is the Vahana (vehicle) of Lord Muruga. With its
beautiful plumage it represents creation in all its glory. Peacock is also the Vahana of Goddess Sarasvati.
Year I Chapter 5-COLOR
115
OWL
The Owl is the Vehicle of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and fortune.
Year I Chapter 5-COLOR
116
LION
The Lion, the king of beasts, is the most majestic animal in
creation. It is the Vahana or vehicle of Mother Durga. Hence she is also called Simhavahini.
Year I Chapter 5-COLOR
117
MOUSE
The Mushika or mouse is the Vehicle of Lord Ganesha. Even
though it is ridiculously small in proportion, it has the strength to carry his master. Lord Vinayaka therefore has the
name of Mushikavahana.
