In Hinduism animals occupy an important place.

In Hinduism animals occupy an important place. It is said that when Brahma created the animals, he hid a specific secret in each of them to signify their spiritual importance to humans. It is also said that Shiva imparted to each of them specific states of yogic awareness. In ancient India, knowledge of the animals, or pasu vidya was considered an important subject of study. Hindus believe that animals contain the souls of their ancestors or may be reborn as friends and family members. India is probably the only country in the world where life in all forms is honoured and revered, and where you will find temples and rituals for animals. Hinduism also acknowledges the importance of animals in the transmigration of souls.

Lioins and tigers enjoy an exalted status in Hinduism as symbols of royalty, strength, and ferocity. One of the ten incarnations of Shri Vishnu is Narasimha, who has the head and shoulders of a lion, but the torso of a human. Narasimha is one of the fiercest forms of Shri Vishnu in his aspect of Kala, or Death. Maa Shakti has either a lion as her vehicle. Lions are mentioned in the Vedas and the Puranas. Goddess Durga, a fierce form of Shakti, has a golden lion as her vehicle, while Rahu, a planetary guard, rides upon a black lion as his vehicle. Like the tigers and elephants, lions represent royalty, ferocity, majesty, strength, courage and commanding power. Lions form an important part of Hindu religious art. The face of the lion (simha-mukha) is used in images and sculpture in many Hindu temples to decorate the doors, walls, arches, and windows. Their fierce form, bloodshot eyes, and large teeth, represent Kala, the devourer. A similar form is used in the masks, kirti mukhas, which are worn by actors in traditional Hindu dance dramas to enact ancient legends and stories from the Puranas and the epics. Lions also appear in the art of ancient India as symbols of royal authority. The memorial pillar at Saranath which was erected by Ashoka after his conversion to Buddhism contains four beautifully carved standing lions at the top on a round abacus representing the imperial power. They now constitute the official emblem of the government of India.! ✨👁🐆🕉🎨

Jai Maa Durga ~ Jai Maa Shakti ~ Hari Om Tat Sat Namah Shivaya 🔱👁🔱