Makara: The mythical protector of seas found in myths of different cultures 

Have you ever come across a hybrid creature with a crocodile or fish body and an elephant or deer head in books? Well, it is a popular mythical sea creature from the pages of Hindu mythology. It is known as Makara, a Sanskrit word that means ‘sea dragon’ or ‘water monster,’. However, it has no resemblance to a dragon. The only thing it does have in common with a dragon is that it is powerful and fierce! In Hindu mythology, Makara is frequently depicted as Lord Ganesha's mount. It is also shown as the vehicle of Goddess Ganga, Narmada, and the sea god Varuna. Makara is influential in many cultures and associated with the Capricorn zodiac sign. The sculpture of Makara, often accompanied by a lion, is usually found in Lord Shiva's temple. There's an intriguing backstory to this mythical character. Read on to know more.  

Makara, the protector of the sea 
In the Hindu mythology, Makara is the protector of water. People used to travel only by water in the past, and fishing was a popular activity. Villagers were terrified of sea creatures that would capsize the boats and drown the fishermen and passengers. Many gods and goddesses were depicted with Makaras as their water vehicle. This inspired people to pray to Makara to protect them from sea creatures. As a result, Makara gained popularity as a protector of the sea! Makara symbols were carved on boats and oars as talismans to avert evil. Hindu gods, including Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, can be seen wearing Makara-shaped earrings in mythology. You may also notice Makara symbols in some modern jewellery designs if you look closer. Makaras were also thought to be temple gatekeepers. That is why, their symbols are frequently carved on temple doors. The most common one is Makara and a lion outside the temples of Lord Shiva.  

Makara and the lion, the fearsome gatekeepers of Lord Shiva’s temple 
You may have noticed a carving of Makara with a lion on Lord Shiva's temple doors. There's an interesting tale behind why a lion stands next to a sea monster. When Lord Shiva was about to marry Parvati, the demon (Rahu) sent him a message saying he was not worthy of marrying Parvati. In rage, Lord Shiva created a lion-shaped monster to kill the messenger. The messenger begged forgiveness and was forgiven. However, the lion was still hungry and requested Lord Shiva to send another demon for him to eat instead. Lord Shiva amusingly asked the lion to eat itself because it was also a demon, and guess what? The lion began eating itself! The lion's obedience impressed Lord Shiva and he designated the lion as the gatekeeper along with MakaraThat is how the fearsome duo was formed. 

Makara in various cultures 
Did you know that Makaras are part of many mythologies, not just Hindu? Yes! Makaras are shapeshifters. They have transformed into various bodies and shapes and are attached to different religions and cultures. In Sri Lanka, Makara is shaped like a dragon representing prosperity and independence. The Makara symbol can also be found at the entrances of Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. They appear in Nepalese, Kashmiri, Indonesian, and Tibetan folklore. Interestingly, Makara crossed the Indian Ocean and ended up in Greek mythology? It could also be the other way around. Makara is thought to be an adaptation of Ketos, the Greek goddess of the sea and sea creatures. Whatever theories exist regarding the origin of Makara, one thing is sure: Makaras are an important part of many mythologies.