Immortal Myths Connects Tiger With Religion

Last week, I happened to watch a television commercial- 'Save Our Tigers'. All of a sudden, I was shocked to know about the unusual slope down of tiger population. It seems that my favorite animal is in danger and asking for help. The video touched the core of my heart and compelled me to pen down my concern for the issue.


My early childhood literature has provided me a few knowledge about Tigers. I used to watch comic films on Tigers and visit wildlife forest to have a close glimpse of this amazing carnivore. The animal fascinated me so much that whenever my school organized dramas on Jungle Book, I used to be the first one to play the role of the protagonist( Tiger-The King of Jungle). But now, I fear if my next generation would enjoy the same feeling, as I did.


Thousands thoughts came all at once. Being a theist, I fear that, with the extinction of this beautiful creature, we would lose an important part of our religious affair. Tigers hold special position in the catalog of Indian culture. Since time immemorial, this powerful predator has been the symbol of reverence in the human society. According to mythology, there exist a relationship between man and Tiger. I came across this mystique affair during my visit to a village in North Bengal. Both Hindu and Muslim devotees believe in the worship of the Tiger God.


I have heard a number of legends, which states that the Tigers are connected with Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. Check-out the mythological books, paintings and religious calendars, and you are sure to find the signs and symbols, that depicts the power of this animal. Portraits with Gods and Goddesses riding a tiger with wings is truly a heavenly experience for any mortal.


To know more about the religious importance of the Tigers, I had a talk with some of my friends from Nagaland. I found that they have sentimental connection with the origin of this beast. Nagas believe that they have brotherly relationship with the tigers. It is said that the mother of the first tiger and the first man came out of the earth from the same exit point.


This 14th February, when the whole world rejoices the arrival of the Chinese Tiger Year, I will engage myself to save this majestic animal. Lets not only wine, dine and party...lets spare sometime and save our tigers.