No doubt Peacock is the most beautiful animal in the Universe.

It is said that Lord Krishna cleanses the holy feet of Radha with Peacock feathers, during their play-times in Vrindavan. It is a symbol of beauty and knowledge. The eye in the feather represents the divine wisdom or the third eye of Krishna.

Lord Krishna adorns peacock feather on his crown. Story behind it is that, in Govardhan hills, once when Krishna was playing his flute, the sweet melody that poured out made the peacocks dance in joy and excitement. At the end of a long dance they spread their feathers and the King Peacock offered with great humility its feathers as an offering. The lord accepted it and adorned himself with it.

Questions remain that why Peacock’s feather are so much revered? There are two parts to it. First is mythology and other is the fact. I believe that both are equally important.

Mythological Part:

• Folk lore is that the peacock is the only creature in nature that observes complete chastity in life. When he is happy, he dances with his wings and his eyes are filled with tears, Peahen drinks these tears and conceives. Peacock does not have, even a tinge of lust in his heart. That is why Krishna adorns Peacock’s feather in his crown. This is actually a myth. Peacocks do mate.

Fact:

• They are one of the largest flying birds. Their length (including tail) can reach 5 feet. They can weigh between 8-13 pounds.
• They are omnivores (eat both plants and seeds). They like to eat insects, arthropods, amphibians, flowers and seeds.
• Colours of their tail will look different every time you change the angle of looking because of reflection of light. The tail feathers have eye like spots, surrounded with red, green and gold feathers. The brightness of the feather is due to the presence of barbules that helps reflect light. Presence of barbules on both sides makes it highly divine. The barbules help the colours to shimmer and different hues appear at different angles.
• Peacocks are polygamous (mate with more than one female) and usually form a harem with 2-5 females. Left alone peacocks are very sad and heart broken.

Stories do develop around a bird of such an extra ordinary beauty and personality. Poets automatically start composing poems when they see Peacock spreading his wings and dances. It is just a matter of faith that how you behold use of peacock feather. It is belief only that converts a stone into God. I fully endorse that Facts and Beliefs have equal role in life.