Airavata

Indradeva

Airavata is a mythological white elephant who is considered to be the king of all elephants in Hindu mythology. Airavata is also known as 'Erawan' in Thai mythology. This divine elephant is most often associated with Indra, the king of the Devas (gods) and the lord of heaven and rain. Airavata is said to have emerged during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) along with other celestial beings and objects. He is depicted as having four tusks and seven trunks and is often white in color, symbolizing purity.

Mythology

According to the Puranas, Airavata was born from the egg of the sage Kashyapa and his wife, the sage-daughter Kadru. Kadru gave birth to a thousand snakes, and Airavata was born from the egg as a white elephant. Another legend states that Airavata emerged from the churning of the Milky Ocean, along with other treasures like the goddess Lakshmi, the Amrita (nectar of immortality), and the moon.

Airavata is known to carry Indra into battle against the forces of evil, particularly the Asuras (demons). He is also said to have the ability to produce rain by drawing water from the lakes in Indraloka (the abode of Indra) and spraying it through his trunks.

Symbolism and Worship

In Hindu culture, elephants are symbols of wisdom, strength, fertility, and royalty, and Airavata, as the king of elephants, embodies these qualities to the highest degree. He is worshipped in various parts of India and Southeast Asia, where elephants hold cultural significance. In art and sculpture, Airavata is often depicted carrying Indra and sometimes shown in a protective stance over him.

Influence in Southeast Asia

Airavata's influence extends beyond India to countries like Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos, where he is known as Erawan and is a significant cultural and religious symbol. In Thailand, for example, the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok is a famous landmark dedicated to Brahma, but it is the statue of Erawan, the three-headed elephant (a form of Airavata), that attracts the most attention and devotion.

In Popular Culture

Airavata has been depicted in various forms of popular culture, including films, literature, and art. He represents not only physical strength and divine power but also the cultural and spiritual heritage of Hindu mythology.

See Also

• Indra
• Samudra Manthan
• Puranas
• Elephant in Indian culture