Birds in Hindu Scriptures
See also
Crow in Hindu Scriptures
There have been several birds mentioned in Hindu scriptures. One bird
crow has been mentioned elsewhere. Here we mention
some other birds - Garud (Eagle), Hans (Swan), Mor (Peacock), Ulloo (Owl)
which have special significance in Hindu scriptures.
Garud
The first and foremost bird is
Garud, an eagle, who is the ride of Vishnu. He is the son of Kashyap Jee
and his one of the 13 wives Vinataa. He is called Khag Raaj - means the King
of the birds; Pakshee Raaj - the King of the birds; Vainateya - son of Vinataa;
Suparn. Vishnu has not appointed an eagle as His ride just only to give him
honor or favor. There are many qualities in him. We can learn at least 7 timeless
lessons from the Eagle. This topic is hot and has a great life-changing impact.
These 7 lessons from the eagles are timeless. What are these principles that
makes the eagle so special. What lessons can we derive from them.
(1) The Eagle Flies at High Altitude and It does it Alone
This is an amazing principle of the eagle which very few people can cope with.
The eagle is not found among sparrows or other smaller birds. The eagles flies
in altitude only one kind of bird can fly-the eagle. Never with other birds and
never in flocks. What is the lesson here? If you ever want to do something great
in life, learn to be alone and when you are with people, share your time with
people of same ambition and desires.
(2) The Eagle Has Strong and Unbelievable Vision
This vision is so sharp to the extent that it can capture objects 5 kilometers
from the air. No matter the obstacle, the eagle focus on its prey and does not
back out until the prey is captured. Many obstacle will appear to distract you
in life. Stay focused and never allow dissenting views and voices to deter you
from your vital goals in life.
(3) The Eagle Eats Fresh Prey
Vultures can feed on dead animals but not the eagle. The eagle is so choosy and
special that it feeds on fresh prey only. What is the import of this principle
to you? Stale information will never do you good. Update yourself regularly with
fresh information from reliable sources. Research your subject areas and use it
for maximum benefit.
(4) The Eagle Gets Excited in the Midst of Storm
Other animals can run from adversity but not the eagle. The eagle loves
gathering cloud. In fact, it thrive best in the midst of storm and winds.
How often do you allow opposition to discourage you? Learn from the eagle.
Use life's storm to be better, wiser, greater, wealthier and healthier.
Challenges should be your stepping stone to your success and not to your
destruction. Sages went to sleep in the midst of the storm instead of fretting
like the disciples. Learn to rest and soar during the time of storm in your
life. That is the secret of the eagle.
(5) The Eagle Tests Before Trusting
There is a saying that says 'trust but verify'. I believe it was coined
from the principle of the eagle. This principle is peculiar to the female
eagle which subject the male eagle to vigorous testing before allowing the
male to mate with her. This principle could be applied in our relationship
with others especially when we want to enter one kind of agreement or partnership
with others. Test the commitment of people before you trust them with your
time and resources.
(6) The Eagles Prepares for Training
The male and female eagles takes the baby eagle to a mountain top at high
altitude to prepare it for the challenge of flying at great heights. When
the baby eagle is released, the free fall at first is frightening but the
mother eagle soon comes to the rescue and the process is repeated again
until the baby eagle can fly alone at high altitude in the manner of the
parents. Challenges of life are inevitable. It is a training period for
higher responsibilities. The better you are at managing your battles in
life, the wiser and more responsible you become. Preparation is vital for
future success.
(7) When the Eagle Feels Weak, and About to Die, He Retires to a Place Far Away in the Dark
The eagle does this to shed old wings and grow new ones. Stress and fatigue
is part of life. There is a need to learn how to retire to a quiet place for
periodic retreat and strategic thinking with planning. The freshness gained
from such practice improves productivity and quality of life. It also prolongs
life. Take time to refresh. It is an indispensable tool for success and longevity.
Hans (Swan)
--Hans (swan), the Divine bird is the ride of Saraswatee Jee. Due to her association
with the bird, Saraswatee is also referred to as "Hans Vaahinee", which
means "she who has a Hans as her vehicle".
--It is also said that the Hans who live in Maan Sarovar Lake have the capability to
separate water from milk. Thus if it is given milk mixed with water, he will drink
only milk and leave the water alone. It thus symbolizes the discrimination power
between the good and the bad or the eternal and the evanescent.
--Once Parameshwar preached Naarad Jee (Bhaagvat Puraan, 2/3) assuming the form of a Hans.
--The soul is also called "Hans".
Mor (Peacock)
Peacock (Mor) is a beautiful bird whose tail is the most beautiful part of his body
and is un-proportionately longer than his body. It is India's national bird also.
Surprisingly the peahen, being a female, doesn't have this beauty, nor she can dance
like the peacock. Peacock's tail is long and made up of many feathers and when it
rains, peacock spreads them in the shape of a fan and dances in the rain.
--Peacock as a bird is the ride of Shiv's son Kaarttikeya (Skand, Kumaar, Shadaanan etc)
--Peacock is associated with Lakshmee Jee also. Many of Her images are found with him
near Her.
--Krishn uses one peacock feather in His crown
--Peacock sheds his feathers seasonally. It is believed that if one keeps a peacock
feather in his house, prosperity will never abandon him.
--Peacock feathers are used for health benefits also.
Totaa (Parrot)
Another bird is parrot.
(1) Shuk Dev - the Son of a Parrot
Well known son of Ved Vyaas Jee Shuk Dev is the son from a parrot.
Ulloo (Owl)
--Ulloo is the ride of Lakshmee Jee
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