Symbols of Hinduism

Take a journey through the rich tapestry of Symbols of Hinduism with this meta-description. From the sacred syllable “Om” to the iconic lotus flower, each symbol carries a deep spiritual meaning. Explore the complex meanings behind Lord Shiva’s third eye, the lotus feet of deities, and the auspicious swastika. This meta description invites you to explore the depth and variety of symbols that adorn Hindu practices, rituals, and art, reflecting the spiritual essence and cultural heritage of this ancient religion. Engage in a visual language that encapsulates deep beliefs and timeless wisdom within the vast symbolic repertoire of Hinduism.

Symbols of Hinduism

Historical Facts	Symbols of Hinduism
Om	A pot filled with water and topped with mango leaves and a coconut symbolizes abundance and auspiciousness
Swastika	An ancient symbol of well-being, prosperity, and good fortune
Lotus	Signifies purity, enlightenment, and the unfolding of spiritual awareness
Trishula (Trident)	Associated with Lord Shiva, representing the three aspects of existence—creation, preservation, and destruction
Shanka (Conch Shell)	Symbolizes the cosmic sound that originated during creation
Tilaka	Forehead mark worn by Hindus, indicating religious affiliation and devotion
Murti or Idol	Represents the deity and serves as a focal point for worship
Kalasha	A pot filled with water and topped with mango leaves and a coconut symbolizes abundance and auspiciousness
Peepal Tree	Considered sacred, associated with various deities, and believed to be the abode of Lord Vishnu

Introduction

Symbolism is an important aspect of Hinduism. Some believe that no other religion uses the art of symbolism as effectively as the Hindus. The most popular Hindu symbols have spiritual meanings derived from Hindu philosophies, teachings, gods and goddesses, or related cultural traditions. In general, Hindu symbols fall into two categories: mudras, or hand gestures and body positions; and murtis, or icons, sculptures, and drawings. Some of these symbols, such as the lotus and conch, are similar to symbols used in Buddhism and the trident in Sikhism. Murtis (icons) of various deities are also used in worship. The exact meaning attached to symbols and icons varies by region, period, and sect or tradition of followers. Some of the symbols, such as the swastika, have been associated with other religions or cultures. Others, such as aum/om, are considered unique to Hinduism.

Hindu Symbol

Some of the more popular Hindu symbols are aum/om (letters), swastika (an ancient religious symbol), Trishula (trident), Shiva Linga (an abstract representation of Shiva), and Nataraja (dancing Shiva). Most Hindu rituals are performed in the presence of many of these symbols. Hawan (fire offerings) is an integral part of all Hindu worship. During the service, devotees must be appropriately dressed, and the body is usually decorated with sacred religious symbols such as Chandan (red vermilion, sandal paste, or ash, applied to the forehead as a dot or any other symbolic shape). The following table lists and describes some of the more common and significant symbols.

Namaste Hand Pose

Hand poses, or mudras, are important to Hindu religious practice and symbolism. Hand poses are used in rituals, meditation, yoga, artwork, and everyday communication. Statues or images of gods and goddesses often depict them with specific hand positions. The left-hand position is called namaste (Namaskar/Namaskar). It is a common salutation or greeting in the Indian subcontinent. Usually, hands are held in this pose while saying the word namaste. It is the usual greeting when individuals meet and the greeting when they part. The literal meaning of the Sanskrit term (pronounced “na-ma-stay”) is ‘I bow to you.’ In Hinduism, it means “I bow to the divine within you”. It is used in prayer, with closed eyes and a slight bow.

Aum (or Om)

Is a symbol composed of three Sanskrit letters, A, U, and M. It is the most important symbol in Hinduism, as it represents Brahman or God, and is believed to be the sound heard at the time of the creation of the universe. All major mantras begin with aum or om.

Yantra

Yantra is a mystical diagram, mainly from the Hindu and Buddhist religions of the Indian subcontinent. A yantra is a geometric figure that can have a complex or simple design. They are used for many purposes, such as worshiping deities in temples or at home, as an aid in meditation, contemplation, and concentration. Spiritual and other benefits of temple floor decoration Some yantras are traditionally associated with specific deities. A Yantra has a spiritual meaning because there is a specific meaning that relates to higher levels of consciousness.

Dharmachakra, or wheel of dharma

Dharmachakra, or the wheel of dharma is a key concept with multiple meanings in several religions of Indian origin, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism. In Hinduism, dharma refers to behavior that is considered to be in harmony with RTA, the order that makes life and the universe possible. Therefore, it represents the Hindu dharma or law. A version of the dharma chakra, the Ashoka chakra, appears on the flag of India.

Swastika (or Manji)

It is a common historical symbol (estimated to be over 6,000 years old) that has appeared in many cultures and religions worldwide. It was used in ancient Greece and by the Phoenicians and appears in many places including the Christian catacombs in Rome. It also appears in various synagogues, including the wall of the Capernaum synagogue in Israel, one of the oldest synagogues in the world, as it was once a common motif. In North America, the swastika was once widely used by many indigenous peoples. It was popular among many southwestern tribes, including the Navajo, although it had a different meaning for each. For the Hopi, it represented the wandering Hopi clans. To the Navajo, it represented a whirling log (tail nooli’), a sacred image representing a legend that was used in Navajo healing rituals. In Sanskrit, swastika means “well-being”. The swastika has been used by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains for thousands of years and is commonly considered an Indian symbol. In Hinduism, the swastika is the second most important symbol and represents luck and prosperity. They are commonly drawn or found on many objects and even on the bodies of devotees. Swastikas are drawn on lighas (ceremonial metal vessels) during rituals, used in pendants, drawn on temple walls, and used in many other ways. At the beginning of the 20th century, in the West, inspired by the positive and ancient associations of the swastika, it became popular to use it as a symbol of good luck. It was used as an architectural motif in advertising and product design. Use of the swastika in the West has ranged from commercial enterprises such as Coca-Cola to cultural and community groups, Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, and US military units. In Canada, a small community named Swastika was founded in 1908 in northern Ontario. It derived its name from the mining company that operated a nearby mine and still exists today. This ended with the rise of the Nazis in Germany. In the 1800s, German scholars translating ancient Indian texts noticed similarities between German and Sanskrit. Some concluded that the Indians and Germans must have shared a common origin and imagined that the Indian subcontinent was inhabited by a race of white warrior-like gods they named the Aryans. Aryan or Arya is a Sanskrit term meaning noble. It was used by the Indo-Iranian people for identification. The word was used by the Indian people of the Vedic period in India as an ethnic designation for themselves and to denote the noble class as well as the geographical area known as Aryavarta where the Indo-Aryan culture was founded. The closely related Iranian people also used the term as an ethnic designation for themselves in the Avesta scriptures. In addition, this word is the source of the name of the modern country of Iran. The Nazi Party appropriated the symbol and associated it with the myth that an Aryan race once existed and ruled the Indian subcontinent. This Aryan race was supposed to be a fair-skinned people who had many wonderful and powerful qualities. The concept of an ideal Aryan race that was pure, strong, and white became part of Nazi ideology and identity. From the 1920s, the symbol was widely used on the party flag, badges, armbands, and more. The straight-armed black Hakenkreuz (swastika) on the distinctive white circle and red background of the Nazi flag eventually became the most infamous symbol of the 20th century.

Tilak

A tilak (Sanskrit tilaka, “mark”) is a mark made on a person, usually on the forehead, but sometimes on other parts of the body, such as the neck, hand, or chest. The tilaka may be worn on a daily basis or only for special occasions such as rites of passage or special religious occasions, depending on regional customs. It may also refer to the Hindu ritual of marking one’s forehead with an aromatic paste such as sandalwood or vermilion paste as a sign of welcome and expression of honor upon arrival. Tilak is also applied by a priest during a temple visit as a sign of the deity’s blessing, both for men and women. On a man, the tilak takes the form of a line or lines and usually indicates his sectarian affiliation. On women, the tilak usually takes the form of a bindi dot, which has its own symbolism. Tilak marks are applied by hand or with a metal stamp.

Bindi

Bindi is a small rounded mark, made with kumkum, between the eyebrows on the forehead of a Hindu woman. In Hindu tradition, unmarried girls will wear a black bindi and married women will wear a red/maroon bindi. The bindi is believed to maintain energy and enhance concentration. It is also believed to protect against demons or bad luck. It also represents the third eye.

Lingam

Lingam is a representation of Lord Shiva. It can also be called shilling or ling. The meaning of the symbol is disputed with some believing it to symbolize the union of Lord Shiva and the Yoni Shakti, and others believing it to represent the infinite nature of Shiva.

Trishula (Trident)

Trishula is a trident or spear with three prongs. It is the favorite weapon of Lord Shiva, who is usually depicted holding a Trisula. It is a highly revered symbol in Hinduism. Trishula represents the three aspects of god: creation, protection, and destruction (the three gunas). The three gunas are the three attributes that were and continue to be present in all things and beings in the world, from a Hindu perspective. The three gunas are sattva (goodness, constructiveness, harmony), rajas (passion, activity, confusion), and tamas (darkness, destruction, chaos). While these three gunas are present in everything and in everything, their proportions differ. Proportions and their interplay within an individual are what define the character of someone or something and determine the progress of life. Pictured on the left is a statue of Lord Shiva holding a Trisula (trident).

Kalashas (vase)

Hindus believe that in the beginning, the universe was only water. The earth emerged from this primordial water. Brahma, the creator-god, carries this primordial water in his Kalasha (vase). As a result, ceremonial kalashas or water vases are an important aspect of many Hindu rituals.

Nataraja (Dance of Shiva)

Nataraja is a beautiful Hindu symbol. It combines in a single image Shiva’s multiple roles as creator, protector, and destroyer of the universe, conveying the Indian concept of the never-ending cycle of time. Shiva’s dance is set in a blazing halo. The god holds in his upper right hand a damara (the hand drum that produced the first sounds of creation). His left-hand holds agni (the fire that destroys the universe). He makes abhaya mudra (gesture of fearlessness) with his lower right hand. The small human figure trampled with the right foot represents the Apasmara purusha (the illusion that leads mankind astray). Shiva’s front left hand, pointing to his raised left leg, signifies refuge for the afflicted soul. The energy of his dance makes his hair fly to the sides. The symbols indicate that by believing in Shiva, his devotees can attain salvation.

Lotus Flower

The lotus flower, Padma, is an important symbol in Hinduism. It symbolizes water and creation. Lotuses often appear in the hands of Hindu deities such as Lord Ganesha and many goddesses. Padma also appears as a pedestal on which gods and goddesses sit or stand. In such cases, it is a symbol of divinity. The lotus also symbolizes detachment, a quality that is needed on the path to moksha. Growing in muddy waters, the lotus rises above the water, blooming and sharing its fragrance while allowing droplets to flow from its leaves and petals.

Shankha (conch shell)

Shankha (conch shell) is a special symbol of Vishnu. The sound of the Shankha symbolizes the sacred sound of om. Vishnu holding a conch represents him as the god of sound. It is still used today as a trumpet in Hindu rituals and was also used as a war trumpet in the past. Shankha can be used as a symbol or as a musical instrument in some Hindu rituals. Shells from the Shankha Sea are kept inside Hindu altars. They also represent longevity and prosperity.

Fire (Agni)

Fire (Agni) is used as a weapon for war and for sacrifice. Shiva is often depicted holding a lamp or fire in one hand. Lamps are commonly found near a Hindu altar or in temples. Lamps should always be lit near Hindu deities. Many cultural and social events in India begin with the lighting of a lamp. The lamp symbolizes light and is therefore sacred. Aarti is where a small lamp is lit in honor of a particular god.

Peacock

Peacocks and their feathers are important elements and symbols in Hinduism. Peacock feathers are believed to bring good luck and prosperity. It is also the national bird of India. Hindus believe that the mayura (peacock) was created from one of the feathers of Garuda (the mythical bird and mount or carrier of Lord Vishnu). Peacocks and their feathers are associated with other gods and goddesses. Lord Krishna wears a peacock feather in his crown. A flute with a peacock feather can also be used as a symbol of Lord Krishna. Lord Vishnu and Karthikeya riding a peacock. The peacock is also associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.

Cow

The cow is the most sacred animal for most Hindus. It symbolizes good nature, purity, motherhood, and prosperity. The cow is a symbol of the divine bounty of the Earth. Lord Krishna is often depicted playing the flute among cows and dancing Gopis (milkmaids). He grew up as a cowherd. Krishna also has the names Govinda and Gopala, which literally mean “friend and protector of cows”. For many Hindus, feeding a cow before breakfast is a sign of respect and piety. The cow on the left has been colored by Holi celebrants.

Shri or Sri

Shri or Sri is another important symbol. It is one of the names of Ganesha, the Hindu god of prosperity. Shri is also used as a title for some Hindu deities such as Rama, Krishna, Saraswati, Radha, and sometimes Durga. It may be added before Hindu male names as a polite form of address.

Banyan Tree

The Banyan (vat or barged) tree is one of the most revered trees in India and is also the national tree of India. It is able to survive and grow for centuries. It is a Hindu symbol of longevity and is often compared to the shelter provided by God to his devotees. In Hindu mythology, it is called Kalpavriksha, the tree that fulfills. wishes and other material gains.

Sun

The Sun is considered a deity by Hindus and is also a symbol of light and truth. Hindus often offer solar water in the morning. The image on the left is a fresco in the Juna Mahal in Dungarpur, India. The Mewar dynasty of Rajasthan believe they are descendants of the Hindu sun god Surya.

Snakes

The snake is a symbol of rebirth as it sheds its skin after time. Lord Shiva wears a cobra around his neck (picture left) and Lord Vishnu rests on a snake called Sheshnaga.

Murti

Murtis are sacred works of art, primarily in the form of sculptures and paintings, which serve as representations of divinity, for use during religious devotion. Murtis are a huge part of contemporary traditional Hindu culture and often hold significant sentimental value in many Hindu homes. Many believe that murtis are vessels that capture the essence of the gods, helping devotees focus and concentrate during prayers. Although there are many Hindu gods, the most common murtis are depictions of Ganesha, Hanuman, Shiva, and Lakshmi. Each deity addresses certain aspects of human life, for example, Lakshmi is the goddess of fortune and the embodiment of love, while Hanuman is worshiped for strength and faithfulness.

Vibhuti

Vibhuti is the holy ash obtained from sacred puja rituals involving fire. Ash is considered a sign of purity due to its powdery white color. Used on the forehead, usually as three horizontal lines representing Shiva. Some Hindus combine the three horizontal lines of the Vibhuti of Shiva and the Urdhva pundra in the shape of the letter U of Vishnu in an amalgam mark indicating Hari-Hara (Vishnu-Shiva). In addition, sacred ash signifies that the origin of the body is from dust and ashes, acting as an indicator of impermanence and reminiscent of the illusory nature (maya) of existence.

Rudraksha

Rudraksha are the seeds of the rudraksha tree which represent the tears of Shiva (also known as Rudra). They are often strung on a necklace and used as a rosary for prayer and meditation.

Sri Chakra Yantra

The Tripura Sundari Sri Chakra Yantra (commonly referred to as the Sri Yantra) is a mandala made up of nine interlocking triangles. Four of these triangles are oriented upright and represent Shiva or the male principle. Five of these triangles are inverted triangles representing Shakti, the feminine principle. Together, the nine triangles form a web symbolizing the entire universe, the womb of symbolic creation, and together express Advaita Vedanta, or non-duality. All other yantras are said to be derived from this supreme yantra.

Veena

The musical instrument Veena is associated with the Hindu Goddess Saraswati and Sage Narada. Its origin lies in South India as it was used in Carnatic classical music. In addition, it is a symbol of art and learning.

Chakra

The chakra or disk-shaped weapon of Vishnu is often found mounted atop Vaishnava temples or incorporated into architectural designs. Paintings depicting Vishnu’s four-armed Narayana form almost always include a chakra in one of his hands. It is a general symbol of protection. Chakra is also known to symbolize the need to follow dharma and condemn dharma.

Multiple Heads and Arms

A number of Hindu, Buddhist, and some Jain deities are often depicted with multiple heads, arms, and other body parts, creating what one author refers to as the “convention of multiplicity” in religious iconography. Such multiple body parts represent divine omnipresence and immanence (the ability to be in many places at once and simultaneously exist in all places at once), and thus the ability to influence many things at once. The specific meanings attributed to multiple parts of the image’s body are symbolic, not literal in context. In such displays, the visual effect of a series of multiple arms is to create a kinetic energy that demonstrates this ability. Several Hindu deities are depicted in their Panchamukha (five-faced) aspect and also in their Chaturbhuja (four-armed) aspect.

Vahana

A Vahana or vehicle, sometimes called a mountain, is an animal or mythical entity closely associated with a particular deity in Hindu theology. Sometimes the deity is iconographically represented on horseback and/or mounted on a chariot; at other times the Vahana is depicted at the side of the deity or symbolically represented as a divine attribute.

Gopura

It is a tower that was built on the entrance wall. It had many storied buildings ranging from one story to sixteen stories. It contains many colonnades like kudaivarai, prasthara, karnakuta, sala, panchara, kudu. It can be seen mainly in South Indian temples with Dravidian architecture.

Conclusion

Hinduism is rich in symbolism. Many acts of worship, such as puja, are symbolic, a form of visualization in which worshipers simulate activities normally performed on higher levels of existence. Thus, the range of symbolism is wide and includes physical acts such as offering pranams (bows) with clasped hands. Such physical gestures tend to induce an appropriate mood and consciousness in the practitioner. Many symbols are considered auspicious and embody the idea of ​​inner purity. Sacred emblems are displayed in a home or temple to invoke good fortune. The most popular symbols are listed on the right.

(FAQ) Questions and Answers about Symbols of Hinduism