The Swan of Saraswati: Annapakshi in Myth and Tradition

Divinity, purity, prosperity and beauty are all words that are used to describe the Indian mythological bird – Annapakshi or Annams as we call them. Said to symbolize purity, the white coloured Annapakshi, could have well resembled the elegant modern day swan.

The annam traditionally occupies a prominent space in brass lamps (usually at the head of the lamp) owing to its aspects of purity. Hence, it is considered auspicious and pure to light such a lamp at any important event or happening.

Also refered to as “Hamsa” in varied contexts, the Annapakshi is  mentioned in several references across mythology. It is said to eat pearls and separate milk from water from a mixture of both. In many texts it is extolled as the king of birds. In one of the Upanishads, a hamsa is also said to possess the sacred knowledge of the Brahman. The hamsa is also the ‘vehicle’ of the goddess Saraswati.