Significance of Animal body
According to Purana, the concept of animal body encompasses two main ideas. First, it is viewed as the physical form that houses the soul, often described as a limiting cage for the soul's expression. Second, it refers to the animal's physical structure, which is made up of the five primal elements. These perspectives underline the dual nature of the animal body as both a spiritual container and a material construct.1
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Animal body'
In Hinduism, the animal body symbolizes a limiting cage for the soul and represents the physical manifestation of the five primal elements, embodying both existence and the material constraints on spiritual identity.
Significance of Animal body in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana
Books
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The physical form that contains the soul, often perceived as a limiting cage.[1]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The physical form of an animal, which comprises the five primal elements.[2]
Significance of Animal body in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta
Books
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The figurative form through which Brahman is represented, but does not denote actual attributes of Brahman.[3]