Peacock feathers, or mor pankh, are regarded as an auspicious symbol in Hindu mythology because of their association with the peacock, a beautiful bird which is also the national bird of India. You may have noticed that many people keep peacock feathers in their homes. It is believed that keeping peacock feathers at home brings good luck and prosperity into the house.
The Secret of its Survival
The peacock remains the oldest ornamental bird in the world. Have you ever wondered what could be the secret of its survival? You will be surprised to learn the myths surrounding the peacock’s survival. Here are some stories from Hindu mythology which substantiate the symbolism of the peacock and its feathers.
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Origin of the Peacock
It is believed that the mayura, or the peacock, was created from one of the feathers of Garuda (a mythical bird in Hindu mythology and a carrier of Lord Vishnu). It is depicted as a mythical bird which is killing a snake. According to a number of Hindu scriptures, it is a symbol of the cycle of time.
The Beautiful Mor-Pankh
Believe it or not, peacocks once had dull tail feathers. In a battle between Ravana and Lord Indra, the bird spread its feathers wide open, to allow Indra to hide behind them and thus wage a war. Indeed, it was able to save Indra, in return for which, the god made the peacock feathers iridescent. Incidentally, Indra is often depicted seated on a peacock throne.
The Peacock Feather & Goddess Lakshmi
The peacock is also identified with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. That is why people keep peacock feathers at home, believing that they will bring wealth and prosperity into the house. It is also believed that peacock feathers keep the house free from flies and other insects.
Peacock Feathers in Hinduism
The peacock feather is of great importance in Hinduism. Lord Krishna wears a peacock feather on his crown. Lord Karthikeya uses the peacock as his mode of conveyance.
Peacock Feathers for Protection
The peacock is considered to be a bird of protection and safe guarding. This bird is also valued as a protection for the psychic self. Thus, the peacock feather within a home is said to safeguard the energy in the environment.
Peacock for Harmony
The peacock 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.
Cultural Motifs
In Hinduism, when god Indra transforms himself into an animal, he becomes a peacock. In India, the peacock is believed to have a thousand eyes in its feathers. In Java, the peacock is associated with the Devil. In Mosul, northern Iraq, a sect of Yezidis hold that the Devil is not evil, and call him by the name Peacock Angel.
Mystic Animal
The myth is that the peacock has angels’ feathers, a devil’s voice, and the walk of a thief. But Hindus believe it is not only the mount of Kartikeya, but also of Sarasvati, the goddess of wisdom and learning. It is also the vehicle of Lakshmi and Brahma. When mounted by kama, the god of love, it represents desire. Hindu gurus are fond of using peacock feathers during their discourses, so as to pass on their aura to their followers.
Peacocks and Rain
Finally, one of the most common symbolism lies between a peacock and rain. The peacock 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.
Source: www.speakingtree.in
Peacock is supposed to be Vehicle – vahana of Godess Saraswati and Not Lakshmi as has been said in this Post. Please correct if Wrong .
Rajendra
Namastey sir,
I’ll like to know what do you think of the following; it puzzles me to this day.
I had a vase with 12 Peacock Feathers and I was moving from one floor to another (from higher to lower floor) in the same apartment building. I had too many nick knacks so I put this vase of Peacock Feathers with some other things at the side of the elevator “on the floor I was leaving”. I thought that everyone will see them there and take whatever they wished and no one knew that I had put them there.
About two months after I settled nicely into my new apartment on the lower floor, I came off the elevator and I saw the same vase that I had put out with all the peacock feathers intact. Anyway I smiled as I took it up and said to myself, maybe this is meant for me to keep so God let it come back to me; I said thank you Lord for bringing this back to me, maybe it is something that I should keep so please bless the person who brought this back to me.
I was very happy and thought that I’ll never put it out again or give it to anyone; it stays with me forever. I didn’t know the importance for Hindus to have these feathers into their homes. Thank you for educating me as always; may God bless you and your family always.
Namastey to all.
All article are very educative
Thanks to writer.very useful information
Very good information about peacock.
All the articles on Hinduism I had gone through are of great value to hindus and informatory.nice
The peacock is actually the vehicle of Skanda or Kartikeya. Son of lord Shiva and Mata Parvati.
It is said that Peacock is the only animal which produces progeny without conjugal relationship. Is it true ?
I love all the articles you put in your website, thanks for sharing the knowledge, and chaneling wisdom, the peacock is mainly vehicle of Sri Kartikaya(Ganesha’s brother and Shiva Parvati’s son), but it is also depicted as Saraswati(Brahma’s consort and Goddess of knowledge/art and creativity)’s vehicle, however Saraswati’s main vehicle remains the (Hamsa)graciouse white swan, and also peacock is sometimes depicted as Sri Lakshmi(consort of Vishnu the
maintainer of the world), and Goddess of prosperity’s transporting bird; however her main vehicle remains as the white owel(symbole of sharpest vision in the dark nights and the only bird who lives in the graveyards so it could lead the lost souls to the ultimate destination)!…
Namashkaram to all seakers of truth
Great information about spiritual importance of peacock feathers……