Elephants in the Hindu Religion
Elephants have become a sacred and
highly praised animal within the Indian culture and religion. In India many of
the citizens practice the Hindu religion. In the Hindu religion, animals and
plants are not viewed as mere objects, but to be fully deserving of respect and
compassion. When it comes to elephants
within the religion, they are represented as deities and symbolized through
Ganesha.
Ganesha
is a popular Hindu God represented as an elephant deity riding on a mouse. Each
part of Ganesha has a symbolic function. The head symbolizes the ability to
acquire wisdom and knowledge. The big ears bestow the patience to listen
carefully. The small eyes behold the future and recognize truth. The trunk
symbolizes the ability to sniff out good and evil. The mouse that Ganesha sits
upon represents the ability to move quickly and decisively.
Ganesha being a deity really impacts
how people from the Indian culture and of the Hindu religion view the elephant.
Because of their practices, elephants are deemed sacred and should not be
killed in this religion. The elephant is seen as the wisest of the
animals. Since elephants are seen as
esteem animals it has truly impacted the social perception of those who
practice this religion. These people have the upmost respect and care for not
only elephants, but for all animals.
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