Animals have been a part of human culture for centuries, and their significance has been reflected in various aspects of our lives, including language. Sanskrit is one of the world’s oldest and most beautiful languages, dating back to the Vedic period of ancient India. The language is known for its complexity, beauty, and clarity. For thousands of years, it has been used to represent numerous elements of life and the environment, including the animal kingdom. Sanskrit has a rich history of animal names that reflect their characteristics, behaviour, and significance in the society.
In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating world of animal names in Sanskrit which will help you learn Sanskrit better. Let’s start with the most prominent animals accepted in the Sanskrit culture one by one and then we will have a table for the name of animals in Sanskrit in the end.
Also read Sanskrit words for everyday usage.
What is Cow called in Sanskrit?
Cow is called Gau (गऊ) in Sanskrit. In several variations you will also get गो (go). Cow is considered a sacred animal in Hinduism and is revered as a symbol of wealth, motherhood, and purity. In Hindu mythology, the cow is associated with the goddess Aditi, who is also known as the mother of all gods. The cow is also believed to be the abode of several gods and goddesses, including Lord Krishna and Goddess Lakshmi.
The significance of the cow in Hinduism can be seen in the following Sanskrit shloka:
गवां मुक्ता फलं दत्तं, कञ्चनं धनमप्यलम् यशसं सर्वभूतेषु, गावो धनं स्वयं भवेत्।
“Gavam mukta phalam dattam, kanchanam dhanamapyalam Yashasam sarva-bhuteshu, gavo dhanam svayam bhavet”
Meaning: Giving a cow as a gift is more valuable than giving money or any other material possession. It is believed that by gifting a cow, one can attain wealth, prosperity, and fame.
Also read, Vegetable names in Sanskrit.
What is Elephant called in Sanskrit?
Elephant called Gajah (गजः) in Sanskrit. Elephant is revered in Hinduism for its intelligence, strength, and loyalty. Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom and prosperity, is depicted with the head of an elephant. Elephants are also associated with Lord Indra, the king of the gods, who is said to ride on a white elephant named Airavata.
The significance of the elephant in Hinduism can be seen in the following Sanskrit shloka:
हस्तिनाम् च महाभागा, गजिनाम् च महामनाः महाभूतानि भूतानि, गजः सर्वधृतिक्षमः।
“Hastinaam cha maha-bhaga, gajinaam cha maha-manah Maha-bhutaani bhutani, gajah sarva-dhriti-kshamah”
Meaning: Elephants are blessed with great strength and intelligence, and they possess the ability to carry heavy burdens and overcome obstacles.
Also read: Body part name in Sanskrit.
What is Lion called in Sanskrit?
The lion is called Simha (सिंहः) in Sanskrit. It is a symbol of courage, strength, and power. In Hinduism, the lion is associated with Goddess Durga, who is depicted riding a lion into battle. The lion is also associated with Lord Vishnu, one of the principal gods in Hinduism, who is said to have taken the form of a lion to defeat a demon.
The significance of the lion in Hinduism can be seen in the following Sanskrit shloka:
सिंहानां परमं मित्रं, गजानां च महात्मनाम् व्याघ्राणां चापि दैवतं, सर्वेभ्यो हि सुहृत्तमम्।
“Simhaanaam paramam mitram, gajanaam cha mahatmanam Vyaghraanaam chaapi daivatam, sarvebhyo hi suhrat-tamam”
Meaning: The lion is the greatest friend of all animals, and it is revered by elephants and tigers as well.
What is Bull called in Sanskrit?
Bull is called Vrishabha (वृषभः) in Sanskrit. It is a symbol of strength, masculinity, and fertility. In Hindu mythology, the bull is associated with Lord Shiva, who is said to ride on a bull named Nandi. The bull is also considered a symbol of wealth and abundance.
The significance of the bull in Hinduism can be seen in the following Sanskrit shloka:
वृषभानां महात्मानं, पशूनां पशुपूजितम् धन्यतमानां धन्यतमम्, सर्वेभ्यो हि सुहृत्तमम्।
“Vrishabhaanaam mahatmanam, pasunaam pashupujitam Dhanyatamaanaam dhanyatamam, sarvebhyo hi suhrat-tamam”
Meaning: Bull is the most respected among all animals, and it is worshipped by farmers and those who depend on agriculture for their livelihood.
Also read: Fruits Name In Sanskrit.
What is Dog called in Sanskrit?
Dog is called Shvan (श्वानः) in Sanskrit. It is considered a loyal companion and protector in Hinduism. Dog is associated with Lord Bhairava, a form of Lord Shiva, who is said to have a dog as his constant companion. The dog is also considered a symbol of vigilance and protection.
The significance of the dog in Hinduism can be seen in the following Sanskrit shloka:
श्वानां मित्रं परं दैवं, मृतानां हितकरकः राक्षसां पतिर्राक्षसं, सर्वेभ्यो हि सुहृत्तमम्।
“Shvanaam mitram param daivam, mritaanaam hita-karaka Rakshasaam patir rakshasam, sarvebhyo hi suhrat-tamam”
Meaning: Dog is the greatest friend of all animals, and it is considered a protector of the dead as well as the living.
What is Buffalo called in Sanskrit?
The buffalo is called Mahisha (महिषः) in Sanskrit. It is considered a symbol of strength and power in Hinduism. In Hinduism, the buffalo is associated with the demon Mahishasura, who was defeated by the goddess Durga. The buffalo is also considered a symbol of fertility and abundance.
The significance of the buffalo in Hinduism can be seen in the following Sanskrit shloka:
महिषाणां महावीर्यं, महात्मानं महाबलम् सर्वेभ्यो हि सुहृत्तमम्, धन्यतमानां धन्यतमम्।
“Mahishaanaam maha-viryam, mahatmanam maha-balam Sarvebhyo hi suhrat-tamam, dhanyatamaanaam dhanyatamam”
Meaning: Buffalo is the most powerful among all animals, and it is revered by farmers and those who depend on agriculture for their livelihood.
What is Horse called in Sanskrit?
Horse is called Ashwa (अश्वः) in Sanskrit. It is considered a symbol of strength, speed, and intelligence in Hinduism. According to the Rigveda, one of the oldest texts in Hinduism, the horse was believed to be a divine animal that could carry the gods from one place to another. In the Mahabharata, one of the two major Sanskrit epics, the horse is also associated with royalty and is often used as a symbol of power and status.
The significance of the horse in Hinduism can be seen in the following Sanskrit shloka:
अश्वं वाहनं विद्यतु, सर्वदा सुख-सम्पदम् आरोग्यं पुष्टि-वर्धनं, सर्व-काम-फल-प्रदम्।
“Ashvam vahanam vidyatu, sarvada sukha-sampadam Arogyam pushti-vardhanam, sarva-kama-phala-pradam”
Meaning: Owning a horse brings happiness, health, and prosperity, and fulfills all desires. In Hindu mythology, the horse is also associated with the Sun god, Surya, and is believed to be his vehicle.
What is Monkey called in Sanskrit?
Monkey is called Markat (मर्कटः) in Sanskrit. Monkeys are considered a sacred animal in Hinduism and is revered as a symbol of strength, devotion, and loyalty. In Ramayana, Lord Rama’s ally, Hanuman, is depicted as a powerful and intelligent monkey who helped Rama in his battle against the demon king, Ravana.
Editor's note: There is a dispute between whether Monkey is Vanar or Markat. Vanars were a species during treta yuga and Markat are the monkey who participated in the war and are still present. We will update once the dispute is sorted. If you have something to share with us, please do!
The significance of the monkey in Hinduism can be seen in the following Sanskrit shloka:
वानरैः परिवृत्तं रामं, रामेण सह मोदते। तस्यैते सुभगे पुत्रा, सुग्रीवो नाम वानरः॥
“Vanaraih parivrittam ramam, Ramena saha modate Tasyaite subhage putra, Sugrivo nama vanaraha”
Meaning: Lord Rama was surrounded by monkeys during his exile, and one of them was Sugriva, who became his ally and helped him defeat Ravana. In Hindu mythology, the monkey is also associated with the monkey god, Hanuman, who is considered a symbol of devotion and loyalty.
Also read Bhagavad Gita Quotes.
What is Tiger called in Sanskrit?
The tiger is a majestic animal and is considered as the king of the jungle. In Hinduism, the tiger is associated with some forms of the goddess Durga, who is also known as the warrior goddess.
Tigers are also believed to have a protective role in Hinduism. The tiger skin is considered a symbol of power and is used as a seat or as a covering for weapons. The Sanskrit word for tiger is Vyaghra (व्याघ्रः).
List of animal names is Sanskrit:
By exploring and understanding these names, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity and interconnectedness of the animal kingdom.
| Sanskrit | Transliteration | Meaning (English) |
| पशुः | Pashuh | Animal |
| जलचरः | Jalacarah | Aquatic animal |
| अस्वल | Asval | Bear |
| कृष्णः | Krishnah | Black buck |
| वराह | varāha | Boar |
| महिषः | Mahishah | Buffalo |
| वृषभः | Vrishabhah | Bull |
| उष्ट्रः | Ushtrah | Camel |
| मृगः | Mrgah | Deer |
| श्वानः | Shvanah | Dog |
| खरः | Kharah | Donkey |
| गजः | Gajah | Elephant |
| चित्रोष्ट्रः | citroṣṭraḥ | Giraffe |
| अजः | Ajah | Goat |
| अश्वः | Ashvah | Horse |
| चीरविक्रमः | Chiravikramah | Leopard |
| सिंहः | Simhah | Lion |
| नरसिंहः | Narasimhah | Man-lion |
| समुद्रीयः | Samudriyah | Marine animal |
| मर्कटः | markaṭaḥ | Monkey |
| उद्र | udrá | Otter |
| शशः | śaśaḥ | Rabbit |
| व्याघ्रः | Vyaghrah | Tiger |
| कशीका | kaśīkā | Weasel |
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