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.
