In Dravidian times
the Deities were easily able to work through and contact monastics by using animals and plants as a vehicle. Lord Ganesha used fruits and vegetables that grew above the ground to transmit his darshan, providing wisdom and perfect timing, removing obstacles on the path. Lord Skanda worked through herbs and the milk of the goat to send His actinic rays of healing, psychic power and knowledge of interplanetary travel. Lord Siva used the cow to pour out the essence of Saivism and help clear conditions of the past. For these reasons, plants and animals were given the best of care, treated as the Deity Himself. This knowledge was carefully taught to newcomers. At milking time, mathavasis could be seen gathered around, brushing the cow, feeding her and chanting sacred mantras. Aum.§