Mayura

Mayura (a Sanskrit word for peacock) is one of the sacred and highly sanctified birds of the Hindu mythology, and find references in a number of Hindu scriptures.

Mythology

The legend states that the Mayura was created from the feathers of Garuda, another semi-divine mythical birds of Hindu mythology. Garuda is believed to be a vahana (conveyance) of Vishnu, one of the Trimurti. In images of the mayura as a mythical bird, it is depicted as killing a snake, which according to a number of Hindu scriptures, is a symbol of "cycle of time".

ignificance

Mayura is associated with a number of gods and deities of the Hindus including the following:

*It is a vahana(vehicle) of Sarasvati, the goddess of speech and learning.

*Goddess Kaumari is generally depicted with a mayura and mayura also serves as her conveyance.

*A mayura also serves as a conveyance of the god Kartikeya.

*Krishna is generally depicted with peacock feathers adorning his head.

In general, feathers of mayura are considered sacred and are used to dust the religious images and implements of Hindus.

References

*"Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend" (ISBN 0-500-51088-1) by Anna Dallapiccola