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TAMIL NADU
19TH CENTURY
Enamel paint on wood
59.75 x 69 in (152 x 175.2 cm)

NON-EXPORTABLE REGISTERED ANTIQUITY

This larger than life mythical animal has the head and tail of a rat and the hooves of a cow. He is likely to be the vahana of Ganesha


In Hindu mythology, a vahana is a celestial bird or beast assigned to be a vehicle to the Gods. Varying versions speak of how a bird or beast came to be associated with a particular deity. They have been given the status of demi-gods; some are worshipped alongside the Hindu Trinity and their spouses. Their influence is not limited to the Indian subcontinent; Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Indonesia bestow vahanas with great importance.

Spanning the Hindu pantheon, the most important vahanas are the ones associated with Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and their consorts-Saraswati, Mahalakshmi and Parvati. The swan is the vehicle of Brahma, who is associated with learning and knowledge. Vishnu's vehicle is Garuda, the eagle. Nandi, the bull, is Shiva's steed, representative of virility, strength and fertility, and worshipped widely across India. Goddess Durga, is portrayed seated on a Lion or Tiger, representing her shakti and fierce, powerful personality. Ganesha's vehicle is Mooshika, the mouse.

Viewed as sharing a symbiotic relationship with the Gods, the vahanas amplify the association between their roles as fulfillers and protectors, and humans as indebted receivers. In South India, these vahanas are often carried in processions for celebration and worship.

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