Parakeet
In Religion and Mythology
Goddess Meenakshi
The bird is sacred to Goddess Meenakshi, who is depicted holding a parakeet in her right hand. The famous Meenakshi temple at Madurai, Tamil Nadu has a separate Killikoondu (Parakeet cage) mandapam . The parakeets in the mandapam are trained to repeat Goddess Meenakshi’s name.
In Religion and Mythology
Saint Andal with a parrot in her hand
The bird is also associated with Sri Andal, the only female, of the 12 Alvars (the renowned saints of Vaishnavism ). According to legend, the parrot is Sri Suka Brahma Rishi, who was sent by Saint Andal to Lord Ranganatha as thoodu (messenger).
The image of Sri Andal at the famous Andal temple at Srivillipithur is adorned with a parakeet made of leaves and flowers. Its body is made of tapioca and the beak of pomegranate flower. Its wings are made with Oleander ( Arali ) flowers and its feather from the leaves of Crepe jasmine ( Nandhiyavatai ) plant.
Scientific Name: Psittacula krameri manillensis
Common Name: Indian Rose-ringed Parakeet, Totha (Hindi), Pachai Killi (Tamil), Shukaha (Sanskrit)
Distribution: Throughout India
Conservation Status: Least Concern (LC)