Chapter 4.25 - The Hamsa (Swan) in the Epics

In the Indian mythology and literature, swan is a noble bird praised by many poets. It is a remarkable fact that the migration of swans was accurately noted and written about in Sanskrit literature.

There are many descriptions in the Ramayana about this bird.^[1] This is a bird that belongs to the genre of the swan. In the Ramayana the name ‘Plava’ is also used for this bird.^[2]

The migratory route of swans was also observed. Kumbhakarna says, “Some observe the superior strength of an enemy who is hasty in actions. Others on their parts look for his weak point even as swans seek the fissure in the Kraunca Mountain in order to cross it.”^[3]

In the Mahabharata, there is a citation when a big army is described. It is said that swiftly flying swans leave the Manasa and occupy the River Ganga.^[4]

Swan was believed to be the symbol of the supreme soul. It is also said that great sages were residing in the Manasa Lake by taking the form of swan and they came to meet Bhishma.^[5] In another situation, Hamsa is compared to the Paramatma.^[6]

In the Karnaparva of Mahabharata, there is a story about a swan and a foolish crow.^[7] In this story, the swans are said to be the residents of the Manasa Lake. They are described as flying swiftly as the mind. The crow gets defeated by the swiftly flying swans.

The swan was a favourite bird that was used frequently in the allegories and metaphors in Sanskrit literature. Here are some examples from the Ramayana: “With volumes of white foam that were being tossed about in numberless particles, the sky looked as if overcast with autumnal clouds crowded with flocks of flying swans.”^[8]

The voice of Rama was compared to the cackling of a swan in nest^[9],whereas the voice of Bharata whose voice was chocked with tears and emotions was said to resemble to a cackling of a kalahamsa.^[10]

“Adorned with water-lilies, the water in the big pond with a solitary swan lying asleep on it, looks delightful like the sky completely bereft of clouds, illuminated by the full moon and spangled with a host of stars at night.^[11]

The loveliness of the best of banks with their broken girdle of swans scattered here and there and their wreaths of full blown lotuses, and therefore, looking like lovely women adorned with jewels, stands enhanced today.”^[12]

“The Lake Vaikhanasa was said to be inhabited by beautiful swans shining brightly as the rising sun.”^[13]

“The pearl necklace of some women which had come out shone like the rays of the moon, appeared like swans lying asleep in the space between their breasts.”^[14]

Here what Hanuman saw in the palace of Ravana in the course of his quest for Sita is described.

Swan is described by Valmiki both as a water bird and also as a domestic bird. Detailed descriptions of this bird abound and they are seen on different significant occasions.

Water birds appeared in the Yakshaprashna story. Bird migration is mentioned in the epic when Bhishma is lying down on the Arrow Bed. The people noticed a kind of birds and commented that Uttarayana is round the corner. Atreya, a great seer, assumed the form of a swan.Shibi story also portrayed swan.(3-197 Mahabharata )

There are actually 7 varieties of swan^[15].

The first variety is called Hamsa. They are very beautiful with white wings. They generally live near lakes, lotus ponds and big wells. They eat good fruits and lotus leaves and trunks. They are very fast when flying. The flight of a swan is something very fine to see. Their beaks and feet are red in colour. Their necks are very long. They have very soft feathers. They are always in the company of their partners.

The second variety is called Cakranga. Their bodies are white except their daces, wings, back portions and end of tails which are red. Their legs are short but their necks are long. There are blood-red stripes in their eyes. They usually live in groups.

The third variety is called Manasavasi. They generally live in the Manasa Lake on the Himalayas and never venture out. They are very patient and calm. Their bodies are white like pearls. But their beaks are red and they have bushy tails. We can see them often diving into the water and surfacing. Their eyes resemble white lotus. Their bodies are round.

The 4^th variety is known as Rajahamsa. These are very beautiful to look at. They are purely white like the full moon, except their beaks and feet which are red in colour. The noise they make is pleasant. Their walk is very attractive. They usually live in lotus ponds and shady places. They are tall and fly very high in the sky. When the male is with his female partner, he walks in different styles to impress her. Their eyes are open and they are cheerful. It is said that they can be trained to say a few words. There is a belief that if someone is going to war and a Rajahamsa is seen in front, he is going to win the war.

The 5^th variety is Mallikaksha. They are generally blackish-white in colour. They are comparatively short in size. They have differently coloured dots on their bodies. They have long and curved tails. They have less speed. They like living with human beings. It is said that they are fonder of ladies, who touch them and protect them.

The 6^th variety is known as Kadamba. They are a little bluishwhite. They are moderate in size. They have broad and spread wings. They like to live in very cool and calm places. They are quite cowardly, compared with other types of swans. They are easily trainable.

The 7^thvariety is called Kalahamsa. They are generally white in colour. Their wings are slightly bluish, their tails a little black and their beaks red. They are tall, stout and have curved necks. They are fond of swimming and like living on trees. Their feathers are very soft. They can be easily trained. They live to a maximum of 7 years.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Valmiki Ramayana 1.35.8, 2.10.12, 2.50.19, 2.55.31, 3.11.6, 39. 3.15.13, 3.35.18, 3. 75.12, 4.1.63, 4.13.8, 4.27-21, 4.28.16, 4.30.31, 48, 63, 4. 40.46, 4.43,34, 4.50,9, 15,16, 5.3.11, 5.14,24, 7.31.21, 7.42.12, 7.77.5, 7.18, 30-33

[2]:

capalasyatukrityeshuprasamikshyadhikhambalam |
chhidramanyepratadyante krauncasyakhamivadvijah ||
   (Valmiki Ramayana VI. 12.330)

[3]:

Idem

[4]:

Idem

[5]:

Mahabharata .6.114.91 a

[6]:

Ibid 12.43. 7a

[7]:

Ibid.8.28.11-55

[8]:

Valmiki Ramayana . I.43.22C

[9]:

Ibid.II.49.13 a

[10]:

Ibid.II.82.10 a

[11]:

Ibid.IV.30.48 a

[12]:

Ibid IV.30.49 a

[13]:

Ibid.IV.43.33 c

[14]:

Ibid.V.9.48a

[15]:

Mrigapakshishastra [mriga-pakshi-shastra] .II.22.1, 27b,32b, 37, 42,48, 52b, 57