In Hindus, Uchchaihshravas (, or , ), () is a seven-headed Winged horse, created during the Samudra manthan. It is considered the best of , as prototype and king of the horses. Uchchaihshravas is often described as a vahana of Indra, but is also recorded to be the horse of Mahabali, the king of the . Uchchaihshravas is said to be snowy white in colour.
Literature
Mahabharata
The Mahabharata also mentions a bet between sisters and wives of Kashyapa - Vinata and Kadru about the colour of Uchchaihshravas's tail. While Vinata—the mother of Garuda and Aruna—said it was white, Kadru said it was black. The loser would have to become a servant of the winner. Kadru told her Naga ("serpent") sons to cover the tail of the horse and thus make it appear as black in colour and thus, Kadru won.
is also mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita (10.27, which is part of the Mahabharata), a discourse by god Krishna to Arjuna. When Krishna declares himself to be the source of the universe, he declares that among horses, he is Uchchaihshravas—he who is born from the amrita.
Vishnu Purana
Non-religious works
The Kumarasambhava, by Kalidasa, narrates that Uchchaihshravas, the best of horses and symbol of Indra's glory, was stolen by the demon Tarakasura from Svarga.
In popular culture
- George Harrison's Dark Horse Records music label uses a logo inspired by Uchchaihshravas.
- In Warhorse Studios , Uchchaihshravas is one of the Tier-3 horses available for purchase in the village of Merhojed.
See also
- List of fictional horses
Notes
- Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend () by Anna Dallapiccola
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