Mayurasana - Pose of the Peacock
The Sacred Indian peacock is one of the most magnificent birds on mother earth, a symbol of beauty, elegance, pride, delight, immortality, magnificence, spirituality and mysticism. This charming bird has a unique dance to attract a female that is regal, royal mesmerizing and seductive. Peacocks have been revered in India for their poisonous snake eating capabilities, they have been a constant entity in temples for 4000 years as a sacred symbol of beauty and power. In the western world peacocks are referred to as the SLAYER OF SERPENTS. The shimmering color of its tail feathers were explained by the innate ability to transform snake venom into solar iridescence. The peacock feather is an apparent solar symbol because of the resemblance between the rays of the sun and the circular fan of the tail in full display. Peacocks are believed to be an indicator of rain as they spread their tails in ornamental plumage and dance in rhythmic fashion. It's restless activity prior to a rainstorm has caused it or become a symbol of rain and abundance in many cultures.
The peacock is known as the bird with one hundred eyes. The eye-like pattern within its beautiful tail represent the stars, the universe, the sun, the moon, and the vault or gateway of heaven. It is symbolic of Omniscience or the all seeing God. The peacocks "eyes"also represent the beautific vision of eternal knowing and truth.
Peacocks are steeped in Hindu culture and spirituality, they are a symbol of India and can be found in Indian Temples. Many Hindu gods are portrayed riding upon a peacock (Lakshmi, Brahma, and Kama). The peacock means much to many in the east. According to Hindu tradition, the peacock's voice was like that of the devil; his walk like that of a thief, and his feathers like those of an angel. The peacock is a destroyer of snakes and was believed to swallow their poisonous venom, digest, transform and then use the toxic poisons it ingested to create its colorful plumage. The peacock represents TRANSMUTATION. It was believed to chase way evil spirits. The Hindu god, Skanda, was depicted riding a snake- killing peacock. Skanda used the poisons to create a magical elixir of Immortality and the snakes his peacock killed symbolized earthly attachments.
Like many SHIVA or mythological solar symbols, the peacock is an emblem of resurrection, immortality, and the incorruptible soul. Overall, the peacock is a symbol of beauty, prosperity, royalty, love, compassion, the soul, and peace.
