A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1104

c5.1104

MAKARA. A huge sea animal, which has been taken to be the crocodile, the shark, the dolphin, &c., but is probably a fabulous animal. It represents the sign Capricornus in the Hindu zodiac, and is depicted with the head and forelegs of an antelope and the body and tail of a fish. It is the vehicle of Varuna, the god of the ocean, and its figure is borne on the banner of Kāma-deva, god of love. It is also called Kantaka, Asita-danshtra, ‘black teeth,’ and Jala-rūpa, ‘water form.’