Airavata is the king of all elephants and is the vehicle of Lord Indra, king of the demigods. This magnificent creature symbolizes power, strength, and prosperity.
Some of the many names of Airavat:
- Abhra-Matanga – the elephant of the clouds
- Naga-malla – the fighting elephant
- Arkasodara – brother of the sun
- Shwethasti -The white one
- Gajraj – The elephant king
Airavat emerged from the churning of a cosmic ocean known as Samudra Manthan. Upon receiving permission from Lord Vishnu and the Asura King Bali, King Indra accepted Airavata as his celestial vehicle.
Airavata also took on the role of guarding Indra’s kingdom, known as Swarga (the heaven). With Airavata’s immense strength and wisdom, Indra rode into battles against demons and protected the celestial realms from evil forces. Airavata became a symbol of Indra’s authority and divine power.
According to sacred Hindu texts, A pristine white-coloured Airavata is described as being born with either four tusks and seven trunks or ten tusks, five trunks, and ten teeth, each representing the ten directions.
Abhramu is the consort of Airavata
