Mayura (Sanskrit: मयूर) is a Sanskrit word for peacock which is one of the sacred birds of the Hindu mythology. It is referred to in a number of Hindu scriptures. It is also a contemporary Hindu name used in many parts of India.
The legend states that the Mayura was created from the feathers of Garuda, another semi-divine mythical birds of Hindu mythology. Garuda is believed to be a vahana (conveyance) of Vishnu, one of the Trimurti. In images of the mayura as a mythical bird, it is depicted as killing a snake, which according to a number of Hindu scriptures, is a symbol of cycle of time.
Mayura is associated with a number of gods and deities of the Hindus including the following:
Mayura is associated with Saraswati, a deity representing benevolence, patience, kindness, compassion and knowledge.
Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, is the goddess of prosperity, luck and beauty; she is symbolized by the mayura.
Kaumari is generally depicted with a mayura and mayura also serves as her conveyance.
The mayura named Paravani serves as the conveyance of the god Kartikeya.
Krishna is generally depicted with peacock feathers adorning his head.
A story in the Uttara Ramayana elaborates on Indra, who unable to defeat Ravana, sheltered under the wing of a peacock and later blessed it with a "thousand eyes" and fearlessness from serpents. Another story has Indra who after being cursed with a thousand ulcers was transformed into a peacock with a thousand eyes.
Vikata (Vikaṭa) ("unusual form", "misshapen"), an avatar of Ganesha, whose mount is a peacock.
Sri Chanda Bhairavar, one of the Ashta Bhairava ("Eight Bhairavas"); whose mount is a peacock.
In general, feathers of mayura are considered sacred and are used to dust the religious images and implements of Hindus.
