Chapter 4.14 - The Lion in the Epics

While describing the lake forest, along with other animals, the lion is also mentioned.^[1] On the path between Ayodhya and the King’s palace, we can also see the lion along with other animals.^[2] Apart from this, in Ayodhyakanda, Kishkindhakanda, Lankakanda and Uttarakanda also the lion is described a number of times.^[3]

Lion Attack:—Krishna married Satyabhama. Her father was Satrajit. He had a beautiful diamond which he gave to his brother Prasenajit. When he went for hunting he was killed by a lion. The diamond was then taken by the tribal people. (Even today Dvaraka is the only place where lions live in their natural environment.)

Lions are the most valorous of all wild animals. They reside in forests and on hills and mountains in caves and thickets. They become sexually mature at the age of 6 or 7 years. The sexually aroused male approaches the female with a bright face and in a confident manner. He wags his tail. Once he is close to the female he coaxes her to mate with him in a graceful way. He then leads her to a cave or thicket for mating. The female jumps all over him and clasps him with her legs and tail. She licks the male's tongue and mouth or makes a loud happy sound in a soft and low tone. The sex act between the male and female can last up to 3 hours. The pregnant female loses her appetite day by day and feels more and more exhausted, lazy and sleepy. The usual pregnancy period is 9 to 10 months.

In some cases it can go up to 12 months. She gives birth usually in the summer. It is generally 2 cubs that she gives birth to. Sometimes the cubs could be 3. There are rare cases where lionesses have delivered 5 to 6 cubs. If the lioness delivers in winter, the cubs will be weak and slow in speed. Sucking the mother's milk the cubs grow and enjoying running round their mother. Slowly they start running fast and eating flesh. The growing cubs enjoy chasing deer and such other smaller game. They are fond of drinking water frequently. After 2 or three years, their sex-urge develops. They slowly learn to attack the prey. They start running like an arrow when they are hungry and chasing their prey. They prefer to stay in the interior of dense forests. They are dreaded by all other animals and they are the kings of animals. Lions are without fear. After the age of ten, lions and lionesses do not hunt. They kill only those animals that come near them. In their old age they lose their appetite. The life span of lions is 20 years. There are 6 groups of lions^[4].

One variety is called Simha (The Killer). They have small bodies. They have thick manes. They are yellow in colour and walk with uplifted heads. They run with great speed. Their claws are not long. They have long tails. Their hunger is characterised by severe irritability and speedy gait. They are often found sleeping in dens. They frequently drink water and keep their bodies clean. They often wave their tails.

The 2nd variety is called Mrigendra (The Majestic). They are tall and strong. They have great manes. They are fond of capturing deer and such other animals. They like chasing elephants and when they do that they roar loudly. They have formidable molars. They wander in bushes and also sandy areas. They are brave. They are sexually active in the rainy season. They have shining yellow eyes. Some have long hair on the chin and spots on the skin.

The 3rd variety is known as Pancasya (With Wide Paw). They are whitish in colour and can grow up to 54 inches in height. They have thickly growing bristles, short mane, dreadful face with formidable incisors and long bodies. They are brave, walk in leaps and have a slightly bent neck. Their roar is terrifying. They move their eyes frequently. They have long hair on the chin. Their faces are small.

The 4th variety is called Haryaksha (With Reddish Eyes). They are very powerful and extremely cruel. They have long incisors and claws. They run with great swiftness. Their faces are covered with thick manes. They roar frequently. They are white and yellow in colour and often have smoky tails. Saliva drips from their mouth constantly. Their tails are always lifted up.

The 5th variety is Kesarin (With Prominent Mane). These are constantly confined to their dens. They have dark-red tongues, especially when they are young. They have firm bodies and powerful paws. They love killing elephants. The trumpeting of the elephant makes them angry. Hunting is dear to these lions. They have very formidable teeth. They have reddish colour, great speed, and smalllines on their faces, foamed tongues and strong front leg. They are well known for their bravery.

The 6th variety is called Hari (Yellow Coloured). Their bodies are small. Their manes are not very dense. Their bodies are yellowish white. They are scared of roaming during the day time and eagerly wait for moonlight. They like to drink a lot of water and they enjoy lying in shades. They roar frequently.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Valmiki Ramayana 1.24.15.

[2]:

Ibid 2.68.203.

[3]:

Ibid., 2.95.18, 2.96.8-9, 2.103.42,, 4. 28.43, 4.42.34, 4.50.2, 4. 67.41, 6.4.84, 6.36.16, 7.31.20

[4]:

Mrigapakshishastra [mriga-pakshi-shastra] .I.1.35,63,68,74,78,82b,86b,91,96