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Worship of cow (Gau-pooja)

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Worship of snake on Nagapanchami

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Avatar Some animals are worshipped as deities themselves. For example, Ga nesha , the elephant-headed God and Hanuman , the monkey God.

Avatar Many animals are considered as vehicles of the deities and hence developed sanctity. For example, Garuda (Brahminy Kite), the vahana of Lord Vishnu and Nandi (Bull), the vehicle of Lord Shiva.

  • Avatar Animals have also been regarded as the abode (either temporary or permanent) of the souls of the dead. Sometimes, even as the actual soul of the dead. For example, Crow and Dog
  • Avatar The sanctity of an animal may also be based on their economic value . For example, t he water buffalo is venerated by Todas – a small pastoral tribe of the Nilgiris – who rely on the animal for their sustenance.
  • Avatar In many Indian societies (especially in the rural parts of the country), animals are sacrificed to deities and each slaughtered animal receives divine honours.

LIST OF SACRED ANIMALS

Asiatic Black Bear

Asiatic Lion

Bengal Tiger

Blackbuck Antelope

Blood Pheasant

Brahmy Kite

Camel

Cock

Conch

Cow / Bull

Crow

Deer

Dog

Domestic Goat

Donkey

Dove / Pigeon

Fish

Hanuman Langur

House Shrew

Horse

Indian Cobra

Indian Crocodile

Indian Elephant

Indian Flying Fox

Indian Peafowl

Mongoose

Owl

Parakeet

Rat

Sarus Crane

Spider

Swan

Three-striped Palm Squirrel

Tortoise

Vulture

Water Buffalo

Wild Boar / Domestic Pig