According to Hindu mythology, all animals were created by the god Shiva who simply assumed their particular asana or stances. Due to their divine origin, most animals are considered sacred, though in varying degrees. Most sacred are cows, which are considered the symbol of an all-sustaining mother goddess. Snakes are also sacred, especially the mighty cobra, which is closely associated with Shiva. Even rats are sacred—up to a point—as a rat is the faithful 'vehicle' (vahana) of the elephant-headed god Ganesh.

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