Mythic Creatures from the Indian Tradition
A few days back, during a visit to the temple I noticed a unique creature carved on the temple entrance, serving as sentries. It piqued my interest as this was the same creature that just the previous day had come up in discussions during an astrology session. Looking into it, I wasn’t aware I would stumble upon a treasure trove of Indian mythical creatures that hold such importance in everyday life. These are mentioned throughout the Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas, and if you observe your surroundings closely, you will find these embedded with symbolisms all around.
In this comprehensive list, I try and draw the connections to other mythical creatures around the world, and also list where these can still be spotted in our modern world. PS: the images are closest depictions generated via AI.
Ahi
A mythic creature from Hindu mythology, also known as Vritra, is the dragon of drought and adversary of Indra, the god of thunder. Ahi is depicted as a huge serpent or dragon that blocks the flow of rivers and causes famine and suffering. It lives in the mountain ranges of the world. It is said that at one time it drank all the waters of the world, which led to it being slain by Lord Indra with his thunderbolt weapon – Vajra – and the waters were released to nourish the earth. This story is symbolic of how waters are frozen during winter and melts during spring. The Ahi is known for stealing women and cows and endangering fertility. This creature is also sometimes known as Vritra, meaning ‘the enveloper’. It is an Asura/serpent/dragon that personifies drought.
Similar to Dragons in Far East Asia (2nd image)
Airavata
A mythic creature from Hindu mythology, also known as Abhramu, the king of elephants and the mount of Lord Indra. Airavata is depicted as a white elephant with four tusks and seven trunks, symbolizing the seven elements of earth, water, fire, air, ether, mind and intelligence. Airavata is said to have emerged from the churning of the ocean of milk, along with other divine beings and objects. Airavata holds the ability to suck up the water of the earth and spray over all the land creating rain as a gift to mankind. It is also one of the sixteen elephants that holds up the earth and lies in the eastern quarter. Another story tells the origin of Airavata which came from Lord Brahma who opened a cosmic egg while reciting mantras. Sixteen elephants manifested from each half of the shell, eight males each with four tusks and eight females. The strongest of these elephants was Airavata. All sixteen elephants hold up the earth. According to the Ramayana, the elephant's mother was Iravati. In the Mahabharata he is listed as a great serpent. There is a reference to Airavata in the Bhagavad Gita as well.
Anantasesha
Also known as Shesha – the thousand-headed serpent, the king of serpents and the supporter of the earth – Anantasesha is depicted as a massive snake with a thousand heads, coiled around the god Vishnu as he rests on the cosmic ocean. Anantasesha is said to be the first creation of Lord Brahma – the god of creation – and the source of all wisdom and knowledge. Its name means “infinity”, “the endless serpent” or “the one who remains”. It is also associated with the Lord Shiva, who is said to have danced on his head. It is believed that he holds the whole universe on his hood. When it coils forward creation takes place and when it coils backwards the universe ceases to exist. This is why he is called “Shesha” which means remainder as he remains when coiled back and nothing else exists. It is said to spend most of his days singing praises to Lord Vishnu. It has the ability to spit fire and has an instant deadly poisonous bite. It’s seven heads serve as bed for Lord Vishnu. It is said, that eventually Anantasesha will destroy the planet as it does at the end of each era.
Similar to Ouroboros (2nd image)
Ashwini Kumaras
Also known as the Ashwins are the twin sons of the sun god Surya and the goddess Saranya. Ashwini Kumaras are depicted as handsome and youthful horsemen, who ride a golden chariot drawn by horses or birds. They are the gods of medicine and healing and perform many miraculous deeds for the benefit of humanity. They symbolise the sunrise and sunset appearing in the sky before the dawn in a golden chariot, bringing treasures to men and averting misfortune and sickness. In the epic Mahabharata, King Pandu's wife Madri is granted a son by each Ashwin and bears the twins Nakula and Sahadeva who, along with the sons of Kunti, are known as the Pandavas. They can be compared with the Dioscuri (the twins Castor and Pollux) of Greek and Roman mythology, and especially to the divine twins Ašvieniai of the ancient Baltic religion.
Apsara
Apsara is a female spirit of the clouds and water from Hindu and Buddhist mythology, also known as a celestial nymph or a heavenly maiden. Apsara is depicted as a beautiful and graceful woman, who dances and sings in the court of the gods or in the natural realms. She is said to be the source of inspiration and joy for the gods and humans alike. Apsaras are beautiful, supernatural female beings, known to be youthful and elegant, and excel in the art of dancing. They are often the wives of the Gandharvas (see below), the court musicians of Indra. They dance to the music made by the Gandharvas, usually in the palaces of the gods, entertain and sometimes seduce gods and men. Apsaras are said to be able to change their shape at will, and rule over the fortunes of gaming and gambling. Urvasi, Menaka, Rambha and Tilottama are the most famous among them.
Similar to Nymphs (2nd image)
Baglamukhi
Baglamukhi is the goddess of speech and silence and is depicted as a yellow-skinned woman, who holds a club and a severed tongue in her hands. Bagala is said to have the power to paralyze the enemies of truth and justice with her words or her silence. She is one of the ten Mahavidyas, the manifestations of the supreme goddess Parvati. She is worshipped by devotees who seek protection from evil forces, enemies, and diseases. She controls black magic, poisons and disguised forms of death.
Daitya, Danava, Asura, and Rakshasa
Often considered as the enemies or rivals of the gods or the Devas, they are usually depicted as powerful and fierce beings, who have various forms and abilities. Some of them are also benevolent or righteous, and some of them are related to the gods by blood or marriage. They are the children of Diti and the sage Kashyapa. They were a race of giants who fought against the Devas because they were jealous of their Deva half-brothers. The female Daityas are described as wearing jewellery the size of boulders. Danavas are demons of gigantic proportions. They had some viscous leaders which included Bali. Like the Daityas, they made war on the gods but were eventually banished to the bottom of the ocean by Indra. In Hinduism, the Asuras are non-suras, a different group of power-seeking deities besides the suras, sometimes considered naturalists, or nature beings, in constant battle with the devas. A Rakshasa is said to be a mythological humanoid being or unrighteous spirit in Hinduism. Rakshasas are also called man-eaters. Often Asura and Rakshasa are interchangeably used. Shukra was known to be their Guru. Some famous names in this category would be Vibihishana, Kumbhakarna, Ravana, Ghatotkacha, and Hidimba. Some other Puranic references include Mahishasura, Raktabija, Bhasmasura, Rahu and Narkasura among others. In early Vedic texts, both the asura and the suras were deities who constantly competed with each other, some bearing both designations at the same time. In late-Vedic and post-Vedic literature the Vedic asuras became lesser beings. According to the Vishnu Purana, during the churning of the ocean the daityas came to be known as asuras because they rejected Varuni, the goddess of sura or wine; while the devas accepted her and came to be known as suras. Asuras were originally just, good, virtuous, their nature had gradually changed. The asuras (anti-gods) were depicted to have become proud, vain, to have stopped performing sacrifices, to violate sacred laws, not visit holy places, not cleanse themselves from sin, to be envious of devas, torturous of living beings, creating confusion in everything and to challenge the devas.
Farasi Bahari
Also known as the sea horse or the water horse, Farasi Bahari is a magical green water horse that live at the bottom of the Indian Ocean. They graze near the coast during certain days of the year. People leave their horses near this area and remove themselves hoping that the Farasi Bahari will mate with their steeds. No one can come near them because they flee at the scent of man. If any horses are successfully mated, they will produce green horses that gallop fast with eternal endurance due to their lack of lungs. They are depicted as a horse-like creature with scales, fins, and a long tail, that lives in the ocean and can swim very fast. It is said to be a loyal and friendly companion to the fishermen and sailors, who can ride on its back and communicate with it. Some examples of magical green water horses are the Kelpie from Scottish folklore and the Hippocampus from Greek mythology.
Similar to Kelpie from Scotland (2nd image) and Hippocampus from Greece (3rd image)
Gandaberunda
A mythic creature from Hindu and Kannada mythology, also known as the two-headed bird or the double-headed eagle. Gandaberunda is depicted as a powerful and majestic bird, who can create storms and earthquakes with its wings. Ancient religious Hindu texts (Vishnu Puranas) annotate the Gandaberunda to be a personification of Lord Vishnu. Shown with two heads and beaks, connected to one body the Gandaberunda is believed to possess unimaginable strength. Several depictions have been found in Indian texts and historic art portraying the bird as carrying an elephant in each of its talons and beaks out of Narasimha (Vishnu) emerged an even more fearful form – Gandaberunda, with two heads, fearful rows of teeth, black in complexion and with wide blazing wings. This mythical bird formed the royal emblem of the Wodeyar Kings of the princely state of Mysuru (2nd image) and is the emblem of Karnataka’s state seal (3rd iamge).
Gandharva
Also known as a celestial musician or a heavenly singer, Gandharva is depicted as a handsome and talented man, who plays various musical instruments and sings in the court of the gods or in the natural realms. Gandharva is said to be the master of music and art, and the lover of the Apsaras, the celestial nymphs. They are male nature spirits where some are part animal, usually a bird or horse. They are known to have guarded the Soma and are associated with the yakshas, as formidable warriors. In Hindu theology, Gandharvas act as messengers between the gods and humans. In Hindu law, a Gandharva marriage is one contracted by mutual consent and without formal rituals.
Garuda
A large mythical bird or bird-like creature that appears in both Hindu and, also known as the king of birds or the mount of Vishnu, the god of preservation. Garuda is depicted as a large and majestic bird, who has a human-like torso, golden wings, and a beak-like nose. Garuda is said to be the enemy of the serpents, the protector of the Vedas, and the symbol of courage and speed. This ancient deity was said to be massive, large enough to block out the sun. The story of Garuda's birth and deeds is told in the first book of the great epic Mahabharata. According to the epic, when Garuda first burst forth from his egg, he appeared as a raging inferno equal to the cosmic conflagration that consumes the world at the end of every age. Frightened, the gods begged him for mercy. Garuda, hearing their plea, reduced himself in size and energy.
Hayagriva
It is a horse-headed avatar of Lord Vishnu in Hindu mythology, who is the god of knowledge and wisdom. He is often depicted with a human body, four arms, a white horse head, and a radiant aura holding a conch, a discus, a book, and a rosary. He is also the patron deity of learning, arts, and sciences.
Kamadhenu
Also known as Surabhi, Kamadhenu is a divine cow in the Hindu mythology, who is regarded as the mother of all living beings. She can grant any wish to her owner and is often depicted with the head of a woman and the body of a cow, with wings, a peacock tail, and various deities around her. She is also associated with the sacred rivers of India, and the four Vedas. Kamadhenu is revered as a symbol of abundance, prosperity, and fertility. Hindu scriptures provide diverse accounts of the birth of Kamadhenu. While some narrate that she emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean, others describe her as the daughter of the creator god Daksha, and as the wife of the sage Kashyapa. Other scriptures narrate that Kamadhenu was in the possession of either Jamadagni or Vashista (both ancient sages), and that kings who tried to steal her from the sage ultimately faced dire consequences for their actions.
Kimpurusha
It is a half-man, half-lion being in Hindu mythology, who is said to live in the forests and mountains. They are loyal to Lord Rama and helped him in his war against Ravana. They are said to be the descendants of the sage Kashyapa and his wife Surabhi, the mother of all cows. They serve as the guardians of sacred places, are skilled in music and dance, and can assume any form they wish.
Similar to Sphinx from Egypt
Kinnara
Depicted as half-human and half-bird celestial beings in Hindu and Buddhist mythology, they are renowned for their musical skills and often play instruments like the flute or the harp. They are also associated with love, romance, and poetry. Kinnara woman called Kinnaris are beautiful woman from head to waist. They are good at poetry, playing musical instruments, and dancing. Puranas mention them as horse-headed beings. The epic Mahabharata mentions Kinnaras, not as horse-headed beings but as beings who were half-man and half-horse i.e. like a Centaur. Mahabharata and the Puranas describe regions north to Himalayas as the abode of Kinnaras. Another reference in the epic considers them as a sub-group of Gandharva.
Makara
A makara is a mythical aquatic creature that is often depicted as a hybrid of a crocodile, an elephant, a fish, and a peacock. It is considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity in Hinduism and Buddhism. They are said to be the vehicles of the river goddess Ganga and the sea god Varuna. It is also the insignia of the love god Kamadeva. Kamadeva is also known as Makaradhvaja (one whose flag has a makara depicted). Makara is the astrological sign of Capricorn, one of the twelve symbols of the Zodiac. It is often portrayed protecting entryways to Hindu and Buddhist temples.
Navagunjara
It is a mythical creature who is composed of nine different animals – the head of a rooster, the neck of a peacock, the hump of a camel, the body of a lion, the tail of a serpent, the legs of an elephant, a tiger, a deer, and a human each. It is said to be a manifestation of Lord Vishnu as a variant of the virat-rupa (Omnipresent or vast) form of Krishna. They are also a symbol of the diversity and unity of life. The animal is a common motif in the Pata-Chitra style of painting, of the Indian state of Odisha. In Mahabharata, once, when Arjuna was doing penance on a hill, Krishna emerges as Navagunjara. Initially, Arjuna was terrified as well as mesmerized by the strange creature and raises his bow to shoot it. Finally, Arjuna realizes that Navagunjara is a manifestation of Vishnu and drops his weapons, bowing before Navagunjara.
Pishacha
It is a mythical creature that is depicted as a flesh-eating demon or ghost in Hinduism. They are usually portrayed as dark or pale skinned, with red eyes, sharp teeth, and long nails. They are associated with impurity, disease, and insanity. They are the offspring of Brahma and a female spirit and are said to feed on human flesh and blood, and cause diseases, madness, and nightmares. They are also known to possess humans and animals, and shapeshift into various forms. Another legend describes them as the sons of either Krodha (anger) or of Dakṣha‘s daughter Pisaca. They are believed to have their own language, which is called Paisaci. They like darkness and traditionally are depicted as haunting cremation grounds along with other demons like Bhut and Vetalas. They have the power to assume different forms at will, and may also become invisible. They feed on human energies. Sometimes, they possess human beings and alter their thoughts, and the victims are afflicted with a variety of maladies and abnormalities like insanity. In order to keep the Pishacha away, they are given their share of offerings during certain religious functions and festivals.
Rahu and Ketu
They are mythical creatures that are said to be the severed head and tail of a demon named Swarbhanu who tried to drink the elixir of immortality during the Samudra Manthan. They are also the names of the lunar nodes, the two shadowy planets, and one of the Navagraha (nine planets) in Vedic astrology. They are said to cause eclipses by swallowing the sun and the moon. Rahu & Ketu are often depicted as having a serpent-like appearance, with Rahu having a human head and a snake’s body, and Ketu having a snake’s head and a human body. Rahu is depicted in part as a serpent with no body riding a chariot drawn by eight black horses. The Rahu kala (time of day under the influence of Rahu) is considered inauspicious. Ketu is said to be the body of Rahu, after the head of the asura was cut off by God Vishnu.
Sharabha
It is a mythical creature that is said to be a hybrid of a lion and a bird, with eight legs and two wings. It is considered powerful and fierce that can overpower lions and elephants. It is also a form of Lord Shiva, who assumed this shape to pacify Lord Narasimha. Sharabha is revered as a symbol of strength, courage and devotion. Shaiva scriptures narrate that god Shiva assumed the Avatar (incarnation) of Sharabha to tame Narasimha - the fierce man-lion avatar of Vishnu. This form is popularly known as Sarabeshwara or Sharabeshwaramurti. In Buddhism, Sharabha appears as a previous birth of the Buddha. This creature features in the emblems and logos of Karnataka (2nd image) state and Mysore university (3rd image).
Uchchaihshravas
Said to be a seven-headed flying white horse. it is considered a symbol of purity, beauty, and power in Hinduism and Buddhism. It is the mount of Indra, the god of thunder, who can fly in the air and travel between the worlds. They are said to have emerged from the churning of the ocean of milk, along with other divine beings and objects. Surya, the chief solar deity in Hinduism, is often depicted riding a chariot harnessed by seven horses or one horse with seven heads.
Vasuki
In legends, he is most famously associated with the “Samudra Manthan” – the churning of the oceans by the gods to extract the elixir of life – “amrita”. Vasuki is a mythical serpent king who is revered as a deity in Hinduism and Buddhism. He is said to have coiled around Mount Mandara and served as the churning rope for the gods and demons during the Samudra Manthan, the cosmic event that produced the elixir of immortality. Vasuki is a giant serpent in Hindu mythology, who is the king of the nagas and the brother of Anantasesha. He is often depicted as having a hooded cobra’s head, a human torso, and a snake’s tail. He is also a symbol of wisdom, strength, and protection.
Yaksha
Yaksha is a mythic creature from Hindu and Buddhist mythology, also known as a nature spirit or a guardian of the treasures. Yaksha is depicted as a stout and dwarf-like man, who wears jewels and carries a mace or a club. He is said to be the attendant of Kubera, the god of wealth and the lord of the north. Yaksha is often accompanied by a female counterpart called Yakshini. They are benevolent caretakers of the natural treasures hidden in the earth and tree roots. The yaksha has a dual personality. On the one hand, a yaksha may be an inoffensive nature-fairy, associated with woods and mountains; but there is also a darker version of the yaksha, which is a kind of ghost that haunts the wilderness and waylays and devours travellers.
Yali
Also known as Vyala or Sarabham or Vidala in Sanskrit, Yali is a mythical creature seen in many Hindu temples, often sculpted onto the pillars (the same one that triggered this post - 2nd image). It has the head of a lion, the body of a horse, and the tail of an elephant. It is known as a Leogryph in English. Yali is a motif in Indian art and it has been widely used in south Indian sculpture. Descriptions of and references to Yalis are very old, but they became prominent in south Indian sculpture in the 16th century. Yalis are believed to be more powerful than the lion/tiger or the elephant. Images or icons have been found on the entrance walls of the temples, and the graceful mythical lion is believed to protect and guard the temples and ways leading to the temple.