Lion

In Hindu mythology, a lion or a tiger is
the animal vehicle of the Mother
Goddess, as in her manifestation as the
goddess Durga. Modern iconography
shows the Goddess riding either of these
animals, with no seeming difference
between them, perhaps reflecting the
fact that the Hindi word “sher” can refer
to either the lion or the tiger. The fact
that the Goddess rides such a dangerous
animal is clearly a symbol of her power
and capacity. In her mythology these
animals are often described as her allies,
engaging in battle at her command.