Animals in Hinduism: Exploring Communication Beyond the Human Realm in Sacred Texts and Practices

Animals in Hinduism have been portrayed as vāhanas, or divine mounts, of various Gods and Goddesses within Hindu texts. Additionally, the practice of worshipping animals before the temple deities underscores their symbolic importance and ritualistic significance in Hindu worship. This creates a scope to understand communication beyond human realm within the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology. Throughout a Hindu’s life, animals play integral roles, whether through belief systems, ritual observances, or moral teachings derived from sacred texts. This ongoing interaction between humans and animals within Hinduism underscores a network of extrapersonal communication, shaping cultural practices and religious beliefs within the Hindu tradition. Extrapersonal communication is one of the forms of communication where the interaction takes place between human and non-human entities, mainly animals. This paper delves into the captivating world of Hindu mythology and its enigmatic portrayal of the concept of human-animal communication by tracing its roots from ancient times to the present.