Airavata

Hindu tradition

The appearance or birth of Airavata varies according to different Hindu texts. In the Ramayana, Airavata was born to Iravati (descendant of the sage, Kashyapa), whereas the Vishnu Purana notes that Airavata was born from the churning of the ocean of milk.

According to the Matangalila, Airavata was born when Brahma sang sacred hymns over the halves of the egg shell from which Garuda hatched. Airavata emerged from the right shell, followed by seven more males, while eight female elephants emerged from the left. The eight pairs served as the progenitors of all earthly and heavenly elephants, and as the Diggajas, supporting the universe in the eight directions. The descendants of these original sixteen elephants possessed wings and could change their form at will. The species lost this power after being cursed by an ascetic sage Dirghatapas, when several of his disciples were killed. A group of winged elephants had settled on a branch of a Himalayan tree directly above Dirghatapas and his disciples, and the branch broke. Dirghatapas's curse meant they lost both their wings and their ability to shapeshift, forcing them to live on the earth in service to humans.

Prithu made Airavata king of all elephants. The name of his consort, Abhramu, means "the one who knits or binds the clouds," reflecting the idea that elephants can produce rain clouds. The connection of elephants with water and rain is emphasized in the mythology of Indra, who rides the elephant Airavata when he defeats Vritra.

It is believed that the elephant guards one of the points of compass. Airavata also stands at the entrance to Svarga, Indra's palace. In addition, the eight guardian deities who preside over the points of the compass each sit on an elephant (world elephant). Each of these deities has an elephant that takes part in the defense and protection of its respective quarter. Chief among them is Airavata of Indra. There is a reference to Airavata in the Bhagavad Gita:

Of horses, know Me to be the nectar-born Uchchaihshravas; of lordly elephants, Airavata and of men, the monarch.

Airavata is also known for re-emerging during the churning of the ocean of milk. Once, sage Durvasa presented a garland to Indra, who passed it on to Airavata. The elephant threw the garland on to the ground, which angered Durvasa, who cursed the demigods to be "subject to old age and death." Durvasa's curse also destroyed Airavata. When Indra subsequently churned the ocean to recover his lost power, Airavata emerged from the waters alongside his consort Abhramu.

At Darasuram near Tanjore is a temple where it is believed that Airavata worshipped the Lingam; the Lingam is named after him as Airavateshwara. This temple, which abounds in rare sculpture and architectural workmanship, was built by Rajaraja Chola II (1146–73 CE).