Makara: Difference between revisions
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==Concordance, Etymology, History== | ==Concordance, Etymology, History== | ||
[[File:An Amalgamation of Wonder.JPG|thumb|A makara is a mythical fusion of different animals. Above is one with tail of a peacock, body of a lion, face of a crocodile. It is depicted as a vahana (ride) (CC BY Subbhashinee S).]] | |||
A "makara" is a mythological figure, a mixed mythical sea creature in Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Frequently, it is depicted as a hybrid with the body of a crocodile, fish, or seal, and the head of an elephant, stag, or deer. It serves as the ''vahana'' (mount) for the river goddess Ganga and the ocean god Varuna. As a guardian of gateways and temples, it symbolizes protection, transformation, and the unity of nature's forces. | A "makara" is a mythological figure, a mixed mythical sea creature in Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Frequently, it is depicted as a hybrid with the body of a crocodile, fish, or seal, and the head of an elephant, stag, or deer. It serves as the ''vahana'' (mount) for the river goddess Ganga and the ocean god Varuna. As a guardian of gateways and temples, it symbolizes protection, transformation, and the unity of nature's forces. | ||
Revision as of 08:18, 31 January 2026
Makara (Sanskrit मकर makara m.) is an Indian name, used by the Indian Vedic tradition. Most of these names are roughly 3000 years old and pre-date Hinduism but were taken over by it. It refers to a constellation in Capricornus.
Concordance, Etymology, History
A "makara" is a mythological figure, a mixed mythical sea creature in Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Frequently, it is depicted as a hybrid with the body of a crocodile, fish, or seal, and the head of an elephant, stag, or deer. It serves as the vahana (mount) for the river goddess Ganga and the ocean god Varuna. As a guardian of gateways and temples, it symbolizes protection, transformation, and the unity of nature's forces.
Origin of Constellation
Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation
Religion/ Tales/ Mythology
mnemonic tales and cultural significance
Weblinks
References
- References (general)






