In our land of magnificent temples, sacred rivers, living spirituality, animals are more than companions but divine symbols and vehicles (vāhana) of gods & goddesses. Join us as we explore 9 incredible temples where animals are held in special esteem.
The Deshnoke shrine is revered for its thousands of divine rodents -- known locally as kaba. The 16th-century temple draws worshippers and travellers from across the globe.
Situated in Bengaluru's Basavanagudi locality, the temple is dedicated to Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiv. The structure dates back to 1537 and was established by Kempe Gowda of the Vijayanagara dynasty.
Haripad is home to an age-old sanctuary that venerates serpent deities. The shrine is devoted to the serpent king.
Roughly 10 km east of Jaipur lies Galtaji, a historic Hindu retreat in Galwar Bagh, famed for its resident troop of rhesus macaques, who roam freely among the hillside shrines and natural springs.
Set in the village of Sasthamkotta, beside the state’s largest freshwater lake, and in honour of Lord Ayyappa, this mandir is noted too for its resident monkeys, regarded as sacred companions of the presiding deity.
In Khapri village near Balod, stands a unique shrine honouring a canine figure alongside a form of Lord Shiva. This unusual place of worship draws attention for its rare devotion to both deity and dog.
The Khajuraho place of worship houses a massive single-stone statue of Varaha, Vishnu's boar incarnation. A World Heritage Site since 1986, it stands as a remarkable example of Chandela-era craftsmanship.
On Mandaragiri Hill, near Tumkur, is a Jain sacred site called the Pinchi or Peacock Temple for its fan-shaped design inspired by the Digambara monks' peacock feather whisk.
At Bagbahara, wild sloth bears join in with the daily aarti, blending peacefully with devotees -- a rare, divine bond between wildlife and worship.
Believed to be around 5,000 years old, it is on the Kumaradhara river in Subramanya village. It reveres Kartikeya, the sovereign of serpents.