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

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.

• 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
• 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.
• In many Indian societies (especially in the rural parts of the country), animals are sacrificed to deities and each slaughtered animal receives divine honours.