Hinduism is the fusion of various cultures, traditions and symbols. Each and every culture, tradition and symbol in Hinduism has its own importance. Everything is connected deeply to roots and has a unique way of its origin. There is nothing without meaning. We all know about the national bird of India- Peacock and adore its beauty. Its head, neck, feathers, in fact almost every feature captures one’s eye.
Peacock feathers have great significance in Hinduism. Many people even keep peacock feathers in their houses. Do you know why? Do you know what the connection of peacock with the Hinduism is? Do you know what the significance of peacock feathers in Hinduism is?According to the Hindu mythology, the peacock was created from one of the feathers of the bird Garuda (a mythical creature) which is the carrier of Lord Vishnu. Many Hindu sculptures use peacocks as a symbol of the cycle of time. The Peacock is also associated with Goddess Saraswati, a deity representing benevolence, patience, kindness, compassion and knowledge. It has a special relation with Lord Krishna too. Lord Krishna wears peacock feathers on his head and also ties them with his flute. These feathers are given to him by the peacocks themselves.
It is believed that once Lord Krishna was playing his flute, the sweet melody that poured out made the peacocks dance in joy and excitement. At the end of a long dance, they spread their feathers and the king Peacock offered with great humility its feathers as an offering. The Lord accepted it and adorned himself with it. Goddess Kaumari, another form of Shakti also rides a peacock. Peacock is also the mount of Hindu God of war Murugan, also called Kartikeya, the brother of Ganesha.The beautiful feathers of the peacock which we all adore today once were very dull. It is believed in a battle between Ravana and Lord Indra, the bird opened its feathers for Lord Indra to hide behind and wage a war. Lord Indra was saved and in gratitude, he made peacock long feathers iridescent. That is why Lord Indra is often depicted as seated on a peacock throne.
The peacock’s feather in all ages has been considered as a sign of beauty and knowledge, beauty because it is beautiful, knowledge because it is in the form of an eye. People keep the peacock feathers in their houses because it is believed that keeping peacock feather at home brings good luck and prosperity in the house.
The feather of the peacock has extraordinary powers, They give hypnotizing powers to the wearer. They stand for beauty, richness in life, Felicity and joy. The dark colours in it stand for sorrow, sadness and the bright colours for happiness. The eyes in the feathers are seen on both the sides, which commonly do not occur. It is very rare in nature. It represents the divine wisdom or the third eye of Krishna.
One is blessed with auspiciousness, wealth, health and transcendent knowledge when one worships Krishna with the feathers on his crown. It helps one attain the supreme knowledge of the self. It symbolically states that wisdom of the mind and love of the heart makes one existence whole and for this blessed state. It represents divine love that enters the human heart and fills one’s entire being in ecstasy. It also reminds us of the romantic love shared between Krishna and Radha. It is said Lord Krishna cleansed the holy feet of Radha with Peacock feathers, during their playtimes in Vrindavan.
The peacock is also considered to be a bird of protection and safe guarding. The feather protects one from evil eye and destroys all negativity like anger, greed, and jealousy. They also have the power to away from the bad influences of the planets. This bird is also valued as a protection for the psychic self. It brings harmony and joy to our mind. The peacock bird is majestic and proud, with much dramatic expression – the male bird dances for the sake of the female during courting, reminding us of the celebration in life.
Peacock feather is vastly used in the Vastu Shastra too. It is said that the South direction represents Lord Kuber and if the feather of the peacock is kept on the southern side of the locker room where you keep your wealth, it increases in leaps and bounds. The peacock is also connected to rain. It is said to be able to foretell rain, by dancing before it pours. And, if a peacock cries more than usual, it is said to foretell the death of someone in the family.
Not only in Hinduism, In Christianity too, the peacock is a symbol of eternal life. The Peacock symbolism represents the “all-seeing” church, along with the holiness and sanctity associated with it. Additionally, the Peacock represents resurrection, renewal and immortality within the spiritual teachings of Christianity.
Source : Sanskriti Magazine
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