Swami Vishwananda, Vishnu, Krishna and the Mayura or Peacock

Mayura (a Sanskrit word for peacock) is one of the sacred birds of Hinduism. There are references to the Mayura in a number of Hindu scriptures. The peacock, Mayura, is the national bird of India. It is also a contemporary Hindu name used in many parts of India.

Mayura was created from the feathers of Garuda, a vahana (conveyance) of Vishnu, one of the Trimurti (Vishnu, Brahma, Shiva). In images of the Mayura, it is depicted as killing a snake, which according to a number of Hindu scriptures, is a symbol of cycle of time. Krishna is frequently depicted with peacock feathers adorning his head. Vishnu’s crown is sometimes depicted having a peacock feather. The feathers of Mayura, the peacock, are considered sacred and are used to dust the religious images and implements of Hindus.

During Sri Swami Vishwananda’s Darshan in Centro D’ompio, Italy in September, two peacocks, Mayuas, came to Darshan. The peacocks stood looking inside, for some time, outside the large ceiling to ground windows in the building. Later, after Swamiji had left his room, one of the two peacocks sat patiently waiting.

Two Peacocks, Mayuras, outside Gurudev's Darshan

Peacock Patiently Waiting Outside Gurudev's Room

VISHNU & GARUDA

KRISHNA