What is Airavat:
Airavat or The white elephant is a mythological and great and deity elephant in both Hinduism and Jainism. Airavat is a white elephant with 10 tusks with 5 heads. Airavat is brother of Garuda and Shesa naga and son of Kashyap and Kadru. Airavat was in form of serpent. His name means king of Elephants or born from water or bringer of clouds etc.
In Hinduism:
In Hinduism There are different births as per Hindu scriptures. In Mahabharat it was said that Airavat is son of Kashyap and Kadru. And he was in form of a serpent but in another variation it was said that Bramha had created while reciting hymns of Vedas. And in another variation it mentioned that Airavat born while churning of sea. But the most important role of Airavat that he is mount of Indra. Indra is the king of ancient Gods of Hinduism. After churning of sea Indra asked Vishnu for Airavat as his vehicle to defeat the demons. Airavat is also said as the bringer of rain , when Indra wants to make rain he brings thunder and Airavat put his trunks inside underworld and takes water from there and sprays into clouds. In another variation Airavat is son of Iravati . But whatever he is mount of Indra.
Jainism:
In Jainism there is not more about Airavat. It is said that Airavat is one of triratnakas in Jainism and the mount vehicle of Indra.
In other countries:
In other countries like Laos and Vietnam and Thailand, Airavat is in their flags as symbol. In Thailand Airavat has three heads and one tusk. And in some 33 heads and 33 trunks. But no mention about Indra in there.
Airavat statue in Thailand
Airavat has the same capacity to carry earth like his brother Shesa nag. Airavat is the most powerful elephant in earth and world and when demons were watching his walk and roar they were trembled with fear.
So this was myth about Airavat in both Cultures.
God bless you all.
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