Hamsa

[Dominik Wujastyk]

On Wed, 28 Sep 2005, Bindu Bhat wrote:

> Hamsa is Anser Indicus (bar-headed goose). Their nesting areas are in the 
> Mountainous regions of central Asia north of the Himalayas. (No wonder they 
> want to be in Mansarovara). They come to northern India and Myanmar during 
> winter. They have light grey body, white head with two black bars on the back 
> of the head. Depending on the context Hamsa can mean God, Brahma, Vishnu, 
> Shiva, Soul, vital air, and individual soul. Used as Paramahamsa, it means 
> ascetic of the highest order. It is depicted as a beautiful bird in poetry 
> and beautiful women's graceful slow walk is equated to that of Hamsa. It is 
> the vehicle of Brahma.
> Bindu
>

Sigh.

DW