Sanatan Dharma, or Hinduism, has a unique relationship with the natural world. Many animals, trees, flowers, fruits, and herbs are accorded sacred status in Hindu scriptures, stories, and practices. These beings serve as representations of gods and exemplars of divine virtues. Understanding the symbolism and sanctity of flora and fauna in Hinduism provides fascinating insights into Hindu ethics and spirituality.
In this article, we explore some of the major sacred animals and plants in Sanatan Dharma, unpacking their cultural significance and role in rituals. By appreciating nature’s divinity, we can learn to be more caring stewards of our shared planet.
Sacred Animals in Sanatan Dharma
The Bull
In Hindu iconography, Lord Shiva’s vahana or vehicle is Nandi – a divine bull who symbolizes strength, virility, and loyalty. Bulls are honored for their agrarian labor in ploughing fields and are associated with Lord Krishna’s cowherding days. Bulls also represent Dharma and righteousness.
The Cow
The cow is considered sacred across much of Hinduism as a symbol of the divine Mother, selfless generosity, and abundance. Cow milk and products are purifying and used in worship. The cow Kamadhenu is mythic wish-fulfilling symbol. Cow protection is a key Hindu ethic.
The Snake
Snakes like cobras are worshipped as possessing vital energy or shakti. Lord Shiva wears snakes as ornaments, while Lord Vishnu rests on the coils of Sheshanaga. Snake iconography represents cyclical time, fertility, and dangerous protection of treasures.
The Tiger
Goddess Durga’s vahana is a regal Bengal Tiger representing her fierce protective instincts. Lord Vishnu as Vaghra or tiger symbolizes his warrior fierceness. Tiger claws are believed to ward off evil. The Tiger is considered India’s national animal.
The Peacock
Beloved of Lord Krishna, the peacock represents cosmic patterns, the cycle of time, and the thousand eyes of Indra. Dancing peacocks epitomize joy and beauty. Peacock feathers are used in rituals for their protective qualities.
The Monkey
Monkeys, especially Hanuman, exemplify selfless service, devotion, strength, and skill. Lord Rama’s loyal ally Hanuman has immense power, intelligence and dedication to the Ramayana’s ethical quest. His monkeys assist Lord Rama in fighting evil.
The Elephant
As the remover of obstacles, Lord Ganesha’s head is that of a wise elephant. Temple elephants represent wisdom, fertility and royal authority. White temple elephants are especially sacred. Elephant processions are part of Hindu festivals.
The Horse
Uccaihsravas, the mythic seven-headed flying horse, is a vahana of Indra. The sun’s chariot is pulled by seven horses symbolizing light. Horses represent speed, prestige, and kingly valor. Ashwamedha or horse sacrifices affirmed kingly power.
The Eagle
Vishnu’s giant bird vahana Garuda – an eagle – loyally transports Hindu gods. His wings symbolize spiritual mastery over mind and liberation. Eagles represent focus, freedom and transcendence due to their sharp vision and flight.
Sacred Plants and Trees in Sanatan Dharma
Tulsi
The Tulsi plant is a medicinal and sacred basil variety central to worship of Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi. Tulsi symbolizes devotion and the power to dispel evil. Its leaves, oils, and seeds are used in Hindu rituals, cuisines, and Ayurveda.
Banyan Tree
The majestic banyan tree represents the Trimurti – its roots are Brahma, the trunk is Vishnu and leaves Shiva. Its expansive canopy offers cool shade, shelter and serenity. Sages meditate under banyan trees.
Peepal Tree
Peepal trees are believed to enshrine divinity and have been worshipped for ages as manifestations of the gods. Their heart-shaped leaves tremble in the wind like Om. Peepal offers purified air and peaceful rest beneath its canopy.
Lotus Flower
A primordial symbol of beauty, fertility, prosperity, spirituality, and purity, the lotus emerges untainted from the depths of water. Goddess Lakshmi and Brahma hold lotuses. Lotus motifs are ubiquitous in temple architecture and design.
Mango Tree
Mangos are prized as symbols of love, fertility and everlasting life. Lord Ganesha holds a ripe mango. Breaking a coconut beside a mango tree is considered auspicious. Mango leaves decorate homes in ceremonies. The Mango is the national fruit of India.
Sandalwood Tree
Sandalwood or chandana represents health, fragrance, cooling energy, and is used to make prayer beads. Sandalwood paste tilak is worn on the forehead. When carved, it makes iconic figures like deity statues come alive.
Neem Tree
Bitter neem is regarded as a powerful purifying agent in Ayurveda to remove toxins. Neem twigs are used to clean teeth. Its antibacterial qualities are beneficial. Neem leaf pesto helps immunity. It signifies curative wisdom.
Ashoka Tree
Closely associated with spring and feminine energy, the ashoka tree bears vivid red flowers. Tales say ashoka trees bloom when kicked by Lord Krishna’s consort Radha. The ashoka represents love and emotional surrender to the divine.
Bilva Tree
Tri-leafed bilva is beloved by Lord Shiva, symbolizing his Trinetra vision. Bilva leaves, flowers, and fruits are essential for Shiva worship, imparting good luck. The bilva tree signifies auspiciousness and destroyer of sorrows.
Coconut Tree
The multi-purpose coconut palm supplies nourishment, ritual ingredients, and sheltered rest. Breaking coconuts wards off evil and marks new beginnings. Coconut water has cleansing properties. Its hard shell represents the ego to be broken.
Why Are Certain Animals and Plants Sacred in Hinduism?
Symbolic Value
Certain qualities of animals and plants make them apt symbols of Hindu virtues or deities. Lotus connotes purity, snakes represent fertility, cows epitomize selfless giving.
Mythic Tales
Gods interact with flora/fauna in sacred stories, like Krishna lifting a mountain or Lakshmi emerging from the ocean on a lotus.
Ayurvedic Properties
Many revered plants have health benefits in Ayurveda. Neem purifies blood, Tulsi fortifies immunity, and sandalwood cools minds.
Ecological Roles
Animals like cows enrich farmlands, trees host birds, forests preserve water – contributing to interconnected ecosystems.
Ancient Worship
Early Vedic people venerated forces of nature. These beliefs evolved into animal/plant worship as representations of divinity.
Universal Utilities
Trees give shelter and nourishment. Animals assist in tasks or offer companionship. Their usefulness earns gratitude.
Conclusion
In summary, Sanatan Dharma perceives divinity all around in the natural world, especially embodied within certain sacred animals and plants. Each one symbolizes specific virtues, energetics, and divine personalities. Understanding their deeper meaning allows Hindus to appreciate the wisdom found in nature and show reverence towards all creation. When we open our eyes to behold the magnificent living temple that surrounds us, it becomes easier to walk in this world with respect and wonder.