Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v2.c74.s7.9
Vāstu-śāstra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v2.c74.s7.9
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v2.c74.s7.9
**(ii) Vahana.**—Āsana and Vāhana are allied topics in the Hindu Iconography; what are called Āsanas may be taken as Vāhanas also. We have already noticed that some of the Āsanas described by the authorities like Ahirbudhnya may be taken in the sense of Vāhanas, viz. Kūrmāsana, crocodile as Āsana which in its turn becomes Vāhana also. According to Hindu mythology, gods are supposed to have their respective vehicles, e. g. Brahmā Hamsa; Viṣṇu Garuda; Siva bull; Durgā lion; Ganeśa mouse; Kārtikeya cock; Indra and Rudra elephant; Śītalā the ass; Laksmi the owl; Gaṅgā the crocodile, etc., etc.