To listen to the latest episode of our Podcast

Material Culture

We delve into the rich animal-centric folkloric expression that weaves the cultural fabric from Himachal to Tamil Nadu. This odyssey traverses the verdant landscapes, uncovering the symbiotic relationship between humans and animals.

Picture Source: Ananyaa Sharma [Votive Snake; Nag Devs for religious offerings]

Limbless, elongated, and carnivorous snakes are a part of the reptile world of the animal kingdom. Yet, in India, temples, love, and care are equal to fear and being bestowed the blessing of being companions of Gods in Hindu mythology.

The Nagas of India are mythical beings that transform from human avatars to giant serpents serving a purpose for the greater good. But what if they are more than that? This is the story of ‘The Snake Gods of Himachal Pradesh.’. The state natives are the Common Cobra, Common Krait, Coral Snake, Russell’s Viper, and Common Sand Boa. Places like Khajj Nag Devta and Chamba Devi provide more insights into the ever presence of these beautiful reptiles and their existence in the place's plane of worship and folklore. Through folk heroes like Gogaji (Gugga), we also understand the development of curing snake bites in the region. As a local of the place, the view of snakes as local and ancestral deities is as protectors of one’s land as well as a good omen but also as a cautionary warning not to provoke them; they are considered as being who attack only when alarmed, perfectly aligning with the most common Hindu Gods worshipped in the state: God Shiva & Devi Parvati.

Uttar Pradesh

When it comes to Uttar Pradesh, it unravels many tales, with Lord Krishna's playful association with monkeys in Vrindavan. Most popular tales centre on Krishna's fondness for butter and his playful activities with monkeys while stealing butter, representing the innocence of childhood and and carefree nature of monkeys that permeates Vrindavan. The Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan witnesses a unique tradition where devotees offer special sweets known as "Makhan Mishri" to the temple monkeys. This ritual extends the belief that these monkeys are considered dear to Lord Krishna. The association of monkeys with Lord Krishna in Vrindavan's folklore serves as a cultural bridge, blending spirituality with the everyday lives of the locals. Through these narratives, the monkeys transcend their ordinary existence, acquiring a symbolic significance that resonates with the more profound spiritual ethos of the region.

Further, in Uttar Pradesh and Mumbai, the rat, the vahana (Vehicle) and companion of lord Ganesha also gains popularity. The elephant head of lord Ganesha has deep symbolic meaning in Hindu culture, when his head was replaced by Shiva with the first animal that came into his possession—an elephant. It's commonly portrayed twisted to the left, like the letter "Om," which stands for the cosmological sound. Furthermore, the elephant-headed Ganesha's big ears represent the value of understanding and listening, while his small mouth represents the necessity of speaking thoughtfully.

Jharkhand

The bull is considered an auspicious animal moving towards the Jharkhand region. It is to be a carrier of Pasupathi or Lord SShivahiva in Indian literature. The centuries-old "Khuntau," or bullfight, held at the harvest festival of Sohrai, serves as one example. The game is risky, as players and spectators often sustain injuries even though it's not a fight and the bulls are not killed. To get the cattle in shape for the occasion, people in Karandih and surrounding areas continue to give their animals specially prepared food. The bulls are honoured during the competition, and their strength is judged and awarded. Bulls are utilized extensively for ploughing and other agricultural tasks, and the rural populace strongly thinks they are the only source of assistance needed to ensure a decent crop.

These narratives highlight the complex interactions between the creator, humans and animals- reflects co-existence- in which every species—no matter how small—contributes to the rich fabric of Indian folklore and cultural legacy. Regional animals like monkeys, rats, and snakes, too, have deep significance in the cultural tapestry. Understanding this dynamic interplay between regional and national symbolism allows us to fully appreciate the depth and richness of India's cultural heritage, in which each animal—celebrated nationally or only in local tales—plays a distinct role in forming the nation's complex identity.

Kerala

The belief of Oachira temple is that supreme power is Parabrahma, the omnipotent and there is a myth behind this. There lived a saint, who had a helper named Unnikkoran. The saint was always involved in prayers and the helper got amazed by this and asked him what was God? The saint got irritated and said “like the bull over there”, by pointing out to a bull. From that day onwards, the helper started to worship the bull. Another day they both decided to travel to a place.Throughout the journey the helper had to carry the two heavy bags. When the helper felt tired he heard someone whispering “A white bull follows you, hang the bundles on its back”.When the helper turned back he found the bull that he was worshiping.Without thinking further he placed all the bundles upon the bull and reached a forest, where the bull got stuck among the wines. Unnikkoran untangled the wines and said to the bull “Come this way”. The saint got surprised and asked him to whom he is talking to and the helper replied that it was to the bull.But the saint was surprised to see no one and asked for the bull, to which the helper replied Undikkavil (it is here in this grove).The place where Unnikoran showed the bull became the grove Undikkav.From that day onwards bull became a symbol of worship and devotees started to offer bulls as an offering known as Oachirakaalas.

Overall, these narratives highlight that the relationship between people and animals in Indian folklore and culture is complex and multifaceted. Understanding this dynamic interplay between regional and national symbolism allows us to fully appreciate the depth and richness of India's cultural heritage, in which each animal—whether it be celebrated nationally or only in local tales—plays a distinct role in forming the nation's complex identity.

Photo source: Google images

Page updated

Report abuse