The highly stylized motif representing a mythical bird often confused with peacock, is actually a form of divine swan believed to have descended from the heavens. Interestingly swans are migratory winter visitors to the Indian subcontinent and Indian mythology and poets talk of them spending summers in Manasarovar. The graceful creature symbolizes the free spirit of Brahman, the Vahana or vehicle for Saraswati, Goddess of Knowledge. In Rigvedic times, the wise bird could discriminate and separate 'Somaras' from water and in the later years chose to separate the healthier milk from water and enjoyed a high calcium diet of pearls. The underlying concept is about the knowledge and wisdom to choose truth over falsehood, virtue over sin, real over make believe. Symbol of purity, and sheer elegance is the gracious swan that has decked the Kanjivaram and handpainted Kalamkari saris for centuries to modern days.
The bird believed to be Goddess Saraswathi’s Vaahanam (vehicle), the mythical creature is also referred to as Annapakshi. The Annam finds its presence on Temple stupas, religious articles and literature texts. Often accompanied with the Thalaivi (The Lady), the Annam often appears in beautiful and dainty scenes throughout literature. The birds were portrayed in a lifelike manner or turned into mystical beings with celestial features. Particularly, the swan was chosen for stylising as the divine Annapakshi who can separate milk from water and has spiritual qualities of discerning between good and evil. The splendid-feathered Annapakshi often found pride of place on gorgeous pallus and borders of priceless Saris.
