Scientific name

Suncus murinus Linn

Common name

House Shrew / Asian Musk Shrew

Hindi

Chachundar

Sanskrit 

Mushakaha

Distribution

Throughout India

Religious association

The shrew is the vahana or vehicle of Lord Ganesha. (although some consider Ganesha's vahanas to be a mouse or even, a rat). In Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha is accompanied by the shrew wherever he travels. An offering to Lord Ganesha and His small companion forms an important part of Hindu worship.