Makara
Origin: Indian
The Makara basically takes the form of an Indian chimera. It is a sea creature, but is often depicted with various body parts of beasts such as elephants, lions, monkeys, pigs, crocodiles, deer, fish, seal and even sometimes peacock portions. Of course, the inclusive animal parts depend on the artist and designs of the story teller. Makara, translated, roughly means "Sea Dragon" or "Sea Monster". In religious mentions, the Makara is not so much a beast, but it is subserviant to Ganga (who is the goddess of the river Ganges), and the creature acts as a sort of boat for the goddess to travel upon.










