Significance of Vaahana (Vehicles)

As per Hindu Mythology, the following are the vehicles of important gods.

1. Ganesha - Mushika (Mouse)
2. Saraswathi / Brahma - Hamsa (Swan)
3. Parvathi - Tiger / Lion 
4. Shiva - Nandi (Bull)
5. Vishnu - Garuda (Eagle)
6. Lakshmi Devi - Owl 

Overview:

                    A vehicle doesn't necessarily mean that it is used only for traveling purpose. It means that the vehicles (animals) are controlled by the gods. Here, each animal signifies a particular type of quality which a human being possesses.

Let us see, what they signify:

• Mouse:

                    A mouse is always nervous and is confused. It goes here and there and will always be in doubt whether to do something or not. So, by worshiping Ganesha, one will get a psychological feeling that one has a moral support and can come out of nervousness.

• Owl:

                    Owl wakes up at night and sleeps during morning. It has no friends. It doesn't like human beings. It is always alone. Also, owl is considered to be inauspicious. So, one must understand that, one who runs behind money should lead a life like an owl. He should be aware of the fact that he would not have friends, he would be doing certain things to multiply his money only in the dark (illegal activities).

• Bull:

                    Bull is always aggressive, doesn't think at all and if not controlled, attacks all those who come on its way. So, the meaning is that, one should be aware of this quality and control it. Whenever we think of Lord Shiva, we should keep this point in mind and try to control the aggressiveness, bullying nature in us.

• Garuda:

                    Garuda pakshi is the fastest bird. It is believed that, this bird travels faster than the sound (Supersonic). The bird, here represents 'thoughts'. So, one has to control his words and his thoughts. Garuda Pakshi is the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. So, Vishnu would control our thoughts.

• Hamsa:

                    Both Saraswathi Devi and Brahma are associated with this Vahana. 'Swan' is an imaginary bird which represents 'Beauty', 'Peace', 'Grace', 'Attitude' and 'Noble Living'. Also, it is believed that it has a capability to separate 'Milk' and 'Water'. 'Milk' means right deeds and 'water' means wrong deeds. So, it means that one has to lead a 'noble' life by thanking Brahma for creating a 'beautiful' world. By differentiating the right path and wrong path, one can get moksha.

• Adi Sesha:

                     Lord Vishnu sleeps on Adi Sesha. Adi Sesha (Serpent) is not a 'Vahana'. But, it is controlled by Lord Vishnu. Here, the comparison is that, the desire in us will be like a snake. It comes out suddenly and will not think what is wrong and what is right. So, whenever we think of Vishnu, it should come into our mind that, this quality is bad one and should always be controlled.

• Tiger / Himalayan Lion:

                     Similarly, Tiger is Cruel, Angry, Violent and has no respect for other animals. These qualities will be controlled by Goddess Kali / Parvathi.

In this way, we have to relate each vehicle to some quality and should control it.