Hindu deities are seldom depicted without their particular ‘vahana’ (vehicles) on which they travel. These vahanas are either animals or birds and symbolises the various forced they ride. Lord Shiva’s vahana ‘Nandi’ represents strength and virility, Goddess Saraswati’s vahana ‘Hamsa’ represents wisdom, grace, and beauty. Shani’s vahana are vulture, raven or crow that represses thieving tendencies. While Lord Ganesha’s vahana is a mouse which symbolises crushing useless thoughts. Have you ever wondered why the elephant god rides on a tiny mouse? Well, there’s a story behind it.