In the Mahabharata, a dog accompanies the Pandavas and Draupadi as they embark on their arduous final journey to the Himalayas in pursuit of heaven. As they ascend the lofty peaks, Indra, the king of the gods, appears and offers Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, entry into heaven—but only on the condition that he abandons the dog. Yudhishthira, however, refuses to forsake his loyal companion, who has steadfastly walked beside him throughout the journey.
His unwavering loyalty is eventually rewarded when the dog reveals its true identity as Dharma, the god of righteousness, in disguise. This moment highlights the profound symbolism of the dog as a representation of steadfast devotion, compassion, and adherence to dharma—the moral and ethical code of conduct.
Dogs, known as shvanas in Sanskrit, hold a revered place in Hindu dharmic tradition, where they are seen as symbols of loyalty, vigilance, and guardianship. In ancient texts and temple iconography, dogs are often depicted as protectors of sacred spaces, embodying a divine sentience that guards against evil and negativity.
One of the most prominent deities associated with dogs is Bhairava, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. Bhairava is almost always portrayed with a dog as his vahana (vehicle), reinforcing the dog’s role as a divine guardian and companion of spiritual power. The presence of dogs in Bhairava temples, especially during specific rituals and festivals like Kala Bhairava Ashtami, signifies their revered status as sacred beings. Devotees often feed dogs as an offering to Bhairava, believing it to bring spiritual merit.
Similarly, Yama, the god of death and the ruler of the afterlife, is accompanied by two four-eyed dogs named Shyama and Sharvara, who guard the gates of Naraka (the netherworld). Their presence ensures the righteous passage of souls and upholds cosmic order.
Further, in the Rig Veda, dogs are mentioned in connection with Sarama, the celestial female dog of the gods, who is a messenger of Indra and a seeker of truth. Sarama’s role in retrieving stolen cows—a symbol of wealth and sustenance—emphasises the dog’s association with dharma and duty.
Despite such rich spiritual symbolism and reverence, the reality for dogs in India today is starkly different. According to data from the State of Pet Homelessness Index developed by American pet-care company Mars, approximately 85% of companion animals in India are homeless. A staggering 62 million dogs live on the streets, with an additional 8.8 million confined to shelters, often under inhumane conditions. These animals face severe challenges—starvation, disease, abuse, and social ostracisation.
The growing conflict between community dogs and humans is exacerbated by concerns over public health risks, including dog bites and the spread of rabies. This has led to an increasingly hostile discourse, with some advocating for the complete eradication of stray dogs through mass culling. However, such a simplistic and inhumane approach is neither ethical nor sustainable. It defies both our moral responsibility as stewards of all life forms and the spiritual ethos of Hinduism, which promotes ahimsa (non-violence) and karuna (compassion) towards all beings.
Effective and compassionate solutions must be prioritised. One of the most practical and humane measures is the implementation of large-scale sterilisation (Animal Birth Control – ABC) programs, which involve trapping, sterilising, and releasing community dogs. These efforts not only curb uncontrolled population growth but also reduce aggressive behaviour.
Equally crucial is public education. Awareness campaigns can dispel myths about stray dogs and promote responsible pet ownership, including adoption instead of purchase. Teaching children about dog behaviour and empathy fosters long-term societal change, encouraging coexistence over conflict. Furthermore, unregulated breeding and abandonment of pet dogs significantly contribute to the stray dog population. Pet owners often allow their pedigree dogs to roam unsupervised, leading to interbreeding with street dogs. Implementing mandatory registration, microchipping, and sterilisation of pet dogs can prevent this issue and reduce abandonment rates.
All these actions align seamlessly with the spiritual fabric of India. In Sanatana Dharma, dogs are seen as companions in the journey towards self-realisation, symbolising devotion, humility, and loyalty—qualities central to the seeker’s path. It is hypocritical to invoke religious traditions to offer them roti for grah shanti (household peace rituals) while beating them away when they seek food out of hunger. Such behaviour undermines the authentic expression of Hindu spirituality, which teaches compassionate living (daya bhava) and universal kinship (vasudhaiva kutumbakam)—the belief that all beings are part of one family.
In a land where dogs have been revered since Vedic times, it is not only ethical but also dharmic to treat them with compassion and dignity. Let us honour the spirit of our scriptures and traditions, and work towards solutions that prioritise the well-being of all sentient beings, both human and animal. Through humane management, public engagement, and a reaffirmation of our spiritual values, we can create a society where community dogs and humans coexist in harmony, reflecting the true essence of Hindu dharma.
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