Chamunda Swami Ji
4 min readApr 5, 2023

The Spiritual Significance of Lizards: Understanding the Symbolism and Beliefs

Vellore is located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu in India. In the historical Vellore fort lies Jalakandeshwar temple. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its intricate carvings and is considered one of the most significant religious sites in Vellore.

Apart from its architectural and historical importance, this temple has a unique tradition. Those youngsters who want to get married come here, and seek blessings from Lord Shiva. Once their marriage is set, they return and donate a small silver lizard to the temple. For thousands of years, lizards have had their own space in spirituality, and in this blog, we are going to explore the spiritual significance of lizards within spirituality.

Mystical World of Lizard Symbolism Across Cultures

In Sanatana culture, lizards are believed to bring good luck and prosperity. They are also associated with various deities. Lizards are believed to represent good luck and prosperity in Hinduism. Seeing a lizard in a house is often considered a sign of good fortune and is believed to bring wealth and happiness to the household.

In some African cultures, lizards are believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. They are also seen as symbols of agility and adaptability.

In some Native American cultures, lizards are associated with healing and transformation. The Hopi tribe believes that lizards are messengers of the spirit world and help bring balance and harmony to the earth.

In Australian Aboriginal culture, lizards are believed to have healing powers and are often used in traditional medicine. They are also associated with dream-time, a spiritual realm that is said to exist beyond time and space.

Lizards are considered a symbol of good fortune and prosperity in Chinese culture. They are often depicted in art and jewelry as a symbol of wealth and are believed to bring good luck to those who keep them as pets. The lizard sheds its skin and is reborn, making it a powerful symbol of change and renewal. Lizards are known for their agility and adaptability, often used as a symbol of these qualities in Chinese culture.

In Celtic cultures, people have different beliefs about lizards. According to one story, a Night Goddess named Evaki took away the lizard’s ability to sleep and gave it to other animals. Because of this, the lizard is considered a creature that never sleeps and represents feelings of restlessness and tiredness in Celtic cultures.

Encountering a Lizard

In many cultures, encountering a lizard is considered to have spiritual significance. Here are some possible interpretations of what it could mean:

Transformation and Change: Lizards are often associated with transformation and change as they shed their skin and are reborn. If you encounter a lizard, it could be a sign that you are going through a period of transformation or need to make changes in your life.

Adaptability and Resilience: Lizards are also known for adapting to their environment and overcoming obstacles. If you encounter a lizard, it could be a message that you need to be more adaptable and resilient in your life.

Good luck and Prosperity: In some cultures, lizards are considered to be a symbol of good luck and prosperity. If you encounter a lizard, it could be a sign that good things are coming your way.

Spiritual Guidance: Some people believe encountering a lizard is a message from the spirit world or a sign of spiritual guidance. If you encounter a lizard, it could be a message that you need to pay attention to your intuition and inner guidance.

If you have a lizard as a spirit animal, that means you are a great adapter, fighter, and someone who sticks to his principles. You can handle yourself in difficult situations, and the term giving up does not exist in your dictionary. If you have a lizard as a totem animal, and you encounter one in real life, that points towards an upcoming adventure in your life.

In the ‘Puranas,’ lizards are thought to be good luck. It’s believed that harming lizards, even killing them or destroying their eggs, can bring danger to future generations and even curse you. In Hindu astrology, encountering a lizard is believed to indicate good luck and prosperity. Lizards are also associated with the planet Mars, which is believed to be a powerful celestial force that can help individuals overcome obstacles and achieve success.

The practice of Gowli Shastra, which involves predicting the near future by observing the movements and sounds of lizards, is widely prevalent in Kerala. In this, people make predictions based on the shape and position of the lizard they see each day. Different types of lizards have different meanings, and when they fall on a particular part of the body, it’s believed that a certain event may happen. However, there are also some general effects that are associated closely with Gowli Shastra.

In conclusion, lizards hold great spiritual significance and symbolism in many cultures and belief systems. From being seen as a messenger of the gods to being associated with good luck and fortune, lizards have been a part of human mythology and beliefs for centuries. So the next time you come across a lizard, take a moment to appreciate the symbolism and significance it holds in your spiritual life.

Even though plenty of literature is available on spiritual practices, it is highly recommended that one learn these methods under the supervision of a Guru. Everyone has unique spirituality, personality, and experiences. One solution cannot fit all. Therefore, seeking guidance from spiritual experts is imperative to get that unique mantra, meditation, and spiritual method crafted exclusively for you for the spiritual awakening you seek. And hence, we recommend you practice these interpretations and practices mentioned above under the guidance of an expert.

Chamunda Swami Ji

Official account of Shri Chamunda Swamiji, Indian Guru and Spiritual Healer.