Scientific name

Gyps bengalensis Gmelin

Common name

Asian White backed Vulture

Hindi

Gidh

Sanskrit 

Grudhaha

Distribution

Throughout India                                                  

Religious association                       

Demon Ravana fighting with Jatayu

According to the epic Ramayana, when Ravana was abducting Sita to his kingdom of Lanka, a fierce battle took place between him and the vulture king, Jatayu. The bird was fatally wounded in its attempt to rescue Sita from Ravana.

Lord Ketu

The vulture is also sometimes depicted as the vehicle of Ketu. Parsis (Zoroastrians) believe that the vultures help release the sprit / soul of the dead.