Scientific name

Corvus splendens (Viellot) 

Common name

House Crow

Hindi

Kowwa

Sanskrit 

Kakah

Distribution

Throughout India

Religious association

Lord Saturn

The house crow occupies a special place in Hindu religious rituals. It is usually identified with departed souls or ancestors. The crow is the vehicle of Shani (Saturn), one of the navagrahas or nine planets of Hindu astrology.

Crows are mentioned often in Buddhism, especially Tibetan disciplines. The Dharmapala (protector of dharma) Mahakala is represented by a crow in one of his earthly forms. Avalokiteshvara, who is believed to be reincarnated on earth as the Dalai Lama, is often closely associated with the crow.