Scientific name

Pteropus giganteus Brunnich

Common name

Common house gecko

Hindi

Chhipkali

Sanskrit 

Griha godha

Distribution

Human habitation structures in the tropics and sub- tropics.

Religious association

Gold lizard on the ceiling of a small chamber in Sri Varadaraja Perumal temple, Kanchipuram

The golden gecko or common house lizard is revered in the east and south as an animal whose mere touch assures a person of moksha (liberation) of the soul. Several temples keep a golden replica to be touched for good luck.