Unicorns of Asia

Japanese
Ikkaku Sennin: one horn Sage, japanese name for  Rsyasrnga.



“O lord, there was a single horn of a Rsya on the head of the great being. For this reason,
he became known as Rsyasrnga.”
-Mahabharata


Indus Unicorn

Hundreds of unicorn artifacts were discovered in the Indus region. They are the most prevalent creature depicted on their business and religious artifacts. Often depicted with enchanted censors, bathing bins or something else in front of their head, these unicorns are unique. They are physiologically possible, but fit no known creature alive. They were pictured again and again in precise detail. They also have unique horn shapes and body builds.

Some texts indicate the unicorn horns might have been used as handles for the eathenware vessels they are pictured with. These Saffau, or tongs were invaluable. According to Pali literature, the unicorns have to be hunted in pairs, since you can only get one horn from each one. They say the horns are best because they are long and they wind perfectly. The texts indicate that these horns are not hollow (like the horns of bulls) and are therefore much sturdier and heat resistant..

Indus Unicorn
Indus Unicorn Seal Essays
Indus Unicorn Worshippers and Bathers
Unicorn Seals
Krishna and Unicorns
Unicorns in the Indus Civilization
Unicorn as Comet and Diety in Indus Culture