The negative tendency of a man has been symbolized with the animal nature in mythology. Gods in Indian mythology have been symbolized as living a positive behavior. Every God has been given a vehicle or Vahan. And, both teach us how to live a positive life and control the animal tendencies.

Following are a few examples: 

• Lord Ganesha rides a Mouse. Mouse in mythology is symbolized with greed and Ganesha as the one who removes obstacles. The spiritual meaning behind both is – one should learn to control greed to tackle obstacles in life.
• Lord Shiva rides Nandi, the Bull. A bull symbolizes uncontrolled sexual desires. The duo signifies that for learning meditation, one needs to control sexual desires first.
• Saraswati is the goddesses of knowledge. She sits on a Swan. This symbolizes that to attain knowledge, one must learn to control the power of discrimination or Vivek. Swan can drink milk and leave water from a mixture of milk and water.
• Indra rides the elephant Airavat. This symbolizes that for the development of intellect (Indra), Masti and madness (elephant) need to be controlled.
• Durga or the perfect woman, rides a lion. This symbolizes that to become a perfect woman, one must learn to control her agitation or aggression (lion).
• Lakshmi (wealth) rides an owl, symbolizing that to earn righteously, one must learn to control Owl like properties.
• Lord Vishnu (the doer) rides eagle or Garuda. Eagles eat almost anything that they can find. This duo symbolizes controlling your desires to eat unbalanced meals.
• Krishna rides five horses. This symbolizes that one needs to control the five senses.
• Kartikeya rides a Peacock, symbolizing that one should learn to control one’s pride or ego.
• Goddess Kali rides a black goat. Agni rides Mesha – a ram. Kubera, the God of wealth, also rides a ram. Goat also signifies uncontrolled sexual desires.
• Yamraja rides a buffalo, known for its destruction. Yamraja is referred to as the God of death, lord of justice, Dharma Raja. One can do justice only if one has a control over anger and aggressive behavior.