Birds Around Me 0214 - Barn owl (Tyto alba) घुघु , लक्ष्मी उल्लु, सुनहरी उल्लु

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The Barn owl (Tyto alba) घुघु , लक्ष्मी उल्लु, सुनहरी उल्लु is a medium-sized owl with a distinctive heart-shaped face and piercing black eyes. It is one of the most common owls in the world, and it can be found in a variety of habitats, including open fields, grasslands, and woodlands.

Barn owl (Tyto alba) घुघु , लक्ष्मी उल्लु, सुनहरी उल्लु
Barn owl (Tyto alba) घुघु , लक्ष्मी उल्लु, सुनहरी उल्लु 

Barn owl (Tyto alba) घुघु , लक्ष्मी उल्लु, सुनहरी उल्लु is another bird revered in Hindu mythology. 

In some regions of India, the barn owl is considered to be a bad omen and others as good. 

Some believe that if a barn owl hoots near a house, it is a sign of impending death. Messenger of Yama, god of death. And other believe it is brings good luck, fortune and wealth as it is vehicle of Goddess Lakshmi - God of Wealth.

Believe it or not, a few years ago (2021) when my family friend's uncle passed away, a Barn Owl came from nowhere and sat next to her uncle's photograph during prayer on 3rd day for an hour or so. Everyone  celebrated it’s presence as a good it omen, he had come to take his soul to heaven with him.

Barn owl (Tyto alba) घुघु , लक्ष्मी उल्लु, सुनहरी उल्लु
Barn owl (Tyto alba) घुघु , लक्ष्मी उल्लु, सुनहरी उल्लु 

In the Rig Veda, the barn owl is associated with the night goddess, Nirriti. Nirriti is the goddess of inauspiciousness, misfortune, and death. She is often depicted as a hideous old woman with a black face and sharp teeth. The barn owl is her vahana, or vehicle. This association is likely due to the barn owl's nocturnal habits and its eerie cry.  

In the Atharva Veda, the barn owl is associated with the god of death, Yama. Yama is the ruler of the underworld and the judge of the dead. The barn owl is said to be his messenger.  However, the barn owl is also considered to be a symbol of good luck. It is believed that if a barn owl nests on your property, it is a sign of prosperity to come. 

In the Puranas, the barn owl is mentioned as being one of the many creatures that were created by Brahma, the creator god. 

Overall, the barn owl is a complex and symbolic creature in Hindu mythology. It is associated with the goddess of misfortune, the god of death and goddess of wealth. It is also seen as a bringer of both good and bad luck.

Hindi Name of Barn owl (Tyto alba) घुघु , लक्ष्मी उल्लु, सुनहरी उल्लु 

Ashutosh Jhureley @BirdsAroundMe

https://birds.rekabira.in/p/this-is-list-of-birds-i-clicked-since.html

Barn owl (Tyto alba) घुघु , लक्ष्मी उल्लु, सुनहरी उल्लु
Barn owl (Tyto alba) घुघु , लक्ष्मी उल्लु, सुनहरी उल्लु 

Barn owl (Tyto alba) घुघु , लक्ष्मी उल्लु, सुनहरी उल्लु
Barn owl (Tyto alba) घुघु , लक्ष्मी उल्लु, सुनहरी उल्लु 


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