Saraswati, the Hindu Goddess of wisdom, knowledge and learning uses a white swan as her vahana and hence, is also referred to as Hamsavahini . The swan is also the carrier of Lord Brahma, the creator.

A swan is said to have a sensitive beak, which can distinguish pure milk from a mixture of water and milk. The swan thus symbolises discrimination between the good and the bad. Persons who have attained great spiritual capabilities are sometimes called ‘ Parama-hamsa’ (Great swam) on account of their spiritual grace and ability to travel between various spiritual worlds.