Vahana
(Sanskrit: वाहन, Vāhana, literally "that which
carries, that which pulls") denotes the being, typically an animal or
mythical entity, a particular Hindu deity is said to use as a vehicle. In this
capacity, the vahana is often called the deity's "mount". Upon the
partnership between the deity and his vahana is woven much iconography and
mythology. Deities are often depicted riding (or simply mounted upon) the
vahana.
