Lessons of Vahanas

We bow before Ganesha,
yet chase away the mouse.

We admire Durga's lion,
yet fear what strength looks like in real life.

We speak of Saraswati's swan,
the one that separates truth from illusion,
yet struggle to do the same in our own thoughts.

We associate Lakshmi with prosperity,
yet use "ullu" as an insult,
forgetting the owl once symbolized awareness in darkness.

Maybe these forms were never just about worship.
Maybe they were mirrors—
showing us qualities we understand,
and qualities we still avoid.

Not everything sacred needs belief.
Some things are just lessons wearing stories.