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Temples Dedicated to Animals in India – Part 1

By Akshatha Vinayak

Have you ever wondered about the various forms of Gods in Hinduism? When you observe, you will find that many of them have half-human - half-animal form. Lord Ganesha is the elephant god (elephant head - human body), Lord Narasimha (lion head - human body); it is also interesting to see the vehicles (vahanas) of Gods (animals) in each temple. Indian mythologies have a special place for the animals. So, is it a surprise when we see temples which are dedicated to animals in India!

Didn't we have fun watching Salman Khan praying each and every monkey in Bhajarangi Bhaijaan film? Or several movies where elephants helping humans in the form of gods hold a special place in the heart of the audience.

Shall we go around to the temples that are not only for gods in India?

Dog Temple - Channapatna

Anyone will cry when they see movies like Hachiko or Eight Below! Dogs are the most adorable pets around the world. They guard their owners and land; don't they deserve a temple? In the 'town of toys', Channapatna, people have built a temple for dogs. There are two idols of dogs in the temple; one is aggressive, another is the pleasant form. People worship them like gods and even perform poojas at this temple in Karnataka.

Temple for bears

People feeding bears at Chandi Mata Temple

Bear Temple - Chattisgarh

Something strange happens in Chandi Mata Temple every day; a few sloth bears come to this temple in Mahasamund at Chattisgarh at the time of aarti, eat prasad (offerings) from the priest and does parikrama (temple rounds) nine times and leave. Interestingly, they have never hurt the people in the temple. Chandi Mata Temple is near to Malkangiri Forest Division from where these bears come.

Monkey Temple

Monkey at Galtaji Temple
Photo Courtesy: Travis Wise

Monkey Temple - Jaipur

Monkeys have made their home in the Gopalji Temple complex in Galtaji Temple. In fact, Galtaji Temple is more popular as the Monkey Temple in Jaipur. Large tribe of monkeys are the major attractions in Galtaji Temple. When we have Monkey God (Hanuman), why not for monkeys?!

Rat temple

Rats at Kari Mata Temple
Photo Courtesy: Avinashmaurya


Rat Temple - Bikaner

Here the presiding deity is Karni Mata, and the rats are believed to be her children. So nobody dares to hurt these rats at Karni Mata Temple near Bikaner. You can even find the white rats in this temple; people offer food and also a prayer for their well-being!

Vedagiriswarar Temple

Eagles fed by the temple priest
Photo Courtesy: Edgar Thurston

Eagle Temple - Thirukazhukundram

Two Egyptian Vultures used to visit the temple for many years. People believed that they were the sages who were cursed by Lord Shiva. So, they came to Vedagiriswarar Temple (Shiva Temple) in Thirukazhukundram. Hence, the name Kazhugu Koil (the Eagle Temple) in Tamil Nadu. However, they haven't been spotted from some years.

The stories of these temples in the name of animals are interesting, isn't it? Well, we are not done yet, there are much more to come. So, keep looking for the second part where we take you to some more unique animal temples in India!

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