Sacred Animals of India

In Hinduism animals occupy a unique place. Many of them act as vehicles of various gods and are venerated. Compared to Western culture, in India existence of animals in private life or in public places is different. Respect and role they play in religion, reflects in their good or ill-treatment every day.

Tiger painted on the head of an elephant carrying tourists to Amber Fort. Amber Fort, India 2012
Tiger painted on the head of an elephant carrying tourists to Amber Fort. Amber Fort, India 2012
A goat shortly before decapitation as a sacrifice to Kamkya goddesses. Kamakhya temple, Guwahati, India 2012
A goat shortly before decapitation as a sacrifice to Kamkya goddesses. Kamakhya temple, Guwahati, India 2012
Sacred cow in front of a temple in the holy city of of Ayodhya. Ayodhya, India, 2012
Sacred cow in front of a temple in the holy city of of Ayodhya. Ayodhya, India, 2012
Holy rats drinking milk donated by devotees in Karni Mata temple (Temple of Rats), believing that they will be reincarnated as holy man. Eating food that has been touched by the rat is considered a blessing. Deshnok, India 2012
Holy rats drinking milk donated by devotees in Karni Mata temple (Temple of Rats), believing that they will be reincarnated as holy man. Eating food that has been touched by the rat is considered a blessing. Deshnok, India 2012
Monkeys eating bananas donated by devotees on the way to Galta Temple also known as the Monkey Temple. Jaipur, India 2012
Monkeys eating bananas donated by devotees on the way to Galta Temple also known as the Monkey Temple. Jaipur, India 2012
A child lying next to a lion guarding the entrance to the Karni Mata temple. Deshnok, India 2012
A child lying next to a lion guarding the entrance to the Karni Mata temple. Deshnok, India 2012
Heads of goats sacrificed in the Kamakhya Temple. Devotees come every morning with goats to offer to Shakti Guwahati, India 2012
Heads of goats sacrificed in the Kamakhya Temple. Devotees come every morning with goats to offer to Shakti Guwahati, India 2012
The groom riding a horse during a traditional wedding ceremony. Kalilabad, India 2012
The groom riding a horse during a traditional wedding ceremony. Kalilabad, India 2012
The roof of the bird hospital run by Jains. Old Delhi, India 2012
The roof of the bird hospital run by Jains. Old Delhi, India 2012
Kamakhya temple, place of submission of goats in the sacrifice of the goddess Kamakhya. Goats are being sacrificed by decapitation. Guwahati, India 2012
Kamakhya temple, place of submission of goats in the sacrifice of the goddess Kamakhya. Goats are being sacrificed by decapitation. Guwahati, India 2012
Monkeys and holy cows on the way to Galta Temple also known as the Monkey Temple. Jaipur, India 2012
Monkeys and holy cows on the way to Galta Temple also known as the Monkey Temple. Jaipur, India 2012
Wounded bird being treated in a bird hospital run by Jains. Old Delhi, India 2012
Wounded bird being treated in a bird hospital run by Jains. Old Delhi, India 2012
Devotees touch the sacred cow in the holy city of Ayodhya. Ayodhya, India 2012
Devotees touch the sacred cow in the holy city of Ayodhya. Ayodhya, India 2012
Bird hospital run by Jains. Old Delhi, India 2012
Bird hospital run by Jains. Old Delhi, India 2012
Dressed goats running around the streets of Jaipur. Jaipur, India 2012
Dressed goats running around the streets of Jaipur. Jaipur, India 2012
Dog sleeping on the roof of a car in Paharganj in New Delhi. Dogs in India are one of the least respected animals. New Delhi, India 2012
Dog sleeping on the roof of a car in Paharganj in New Delhi. Dogs in India are one of the least respected animals. New Delhi, India 2012
Kamakhya temple, place of submission of goats in the sacrifice. Guwahati, India 2012
Kamakhya temple, place of submission of goats in the sacrifice. Guwahati, India 2012