In every religion of the world, religious symbols hold immense importance. On the other hand, these religious symbols are seen as auspicious, and every symbol is regarded as having a certain energy. These symbols help to connect human beings with the Supreme, making them more effective in creating harmony. Some of the well-known sacraments in Hindu religion include- Om, Shiva’s lingam, Tilaka, Vibhuthi, Swastika, Rudrakshas, Sri Chakra Yantra, The Lotus, etc. Of them all, one of the
The unique feature of the Hindu Swastik symbol is the only one. This symbol looks the same however you view it. That’s why it’s referred to as a solar symbol. It is also known as the hundred and eighth (108) symbol of Lord Vishnu.
From the Hindu point of view, the rising of the sun every morning until it sets in the evening, as well as the fact that Swastik does not lose its shape as it is a sign that has no end, symbolizes infinity. The Swastika is a symbol of perpetual progress and incapable of changing.
What is a Swastika?
The word Swastika came from the Sanskrit words Su and asti, for Su+asthi+stik. Therefore, Swastika simply means good fortune or well-being. Swastika is a popular symbol used to represent prosperity, happiness, and purity. The symbol of Swastik is used to decorate the threshold of the front entrance of the house by worshippers during festivals and other occasions. One can make a Swastika with different substances like flowers, rice, and dyed(kumkum) powder. More decorations may be added in the form of lighting clay lamps or diyas.
The Swastika is one of the oldest symbols that were used by the early Vedic Indian community. It is believed that the Swastika originates in Dwarka, the City of Lord Krishna. Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism are some religious connections with the Swastika.
- Swastik is drawn by the devotees of Hinduism for festivals such as Diwali, Pujas, and other practices.
- The Swastika is a sign on the footprints and hearts of the idols of Buddha in Buddhism.
- It represents the seven Tirthankaras in Jainism.
Swastik has several meanings and symbolisms. Some of these references regard Swastik to be an emblem of the Sun.
The importance of Swastik.
The Swastika is a mystical sign or seal. Swastik should be drawn on the doorposts of the houses and new purchases. Other people also put Swastika signs on their bodies. It can purify, consecrate a place, and attract good luck, peace, and wealth. This is a very close symbol of Lakshmi Devi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity and wealth. The word ‘Swastika’ is a Sanskrit word (swastik) meaning ‘it is,’ ‘good existence,’ ‘good luck,’ and ‘well-being.’ According to the Sanskrit translation, the word Swastika means pure and auspicious. As such, anybody who utilizes this symbol daily for puja rituals or prays with this symbol is said to call upon good fortunes, prosperity, and positivity. Swastika is a cross with a twist; it is bent at right angles, forming four arms.
The four-faced Lord Brahma is said to spread the holy knowledge in all four directions, the four stages of life such as Brahmacharya (life of a student), Grihastha (House-holder), Vanaprastha (retired), and Sannyasa (life of renunciation) Accordingly, the navel of Lord Vishnu is believed to form the center of the Swastika, through which Lord Brahma came into being. It is related to the wheel of life or Chakra. It was a notion of auspiciousness that took relevance becoming a symbol as a result of the rise of ritual practices, festivals, temple traditions, and domestic worshiping in India.
- In Lakshmi tantra, the seating posture is in Swastik. The drawing of a four-doored square diagram in the east direction, eight petals of the lotus is referred to here. You have to make it in red and white colorings. Four white Swastikas at the corner.
- The square with the thunder mark is the symbol that stands for the Earth principle. The half–moon shape with lotus marks is the sign that stands for the Water principle, while the triangular figure with the Swastik in red is for the Fire–principle.
- The Swastika signifies prosperity and luck on its right side. It is associated with Lord Vishnu and the Sun god.
- One of the mystical aspects associated with Tantras and Kali is the left-faced Swastik, which is more commonly known as Swastika.
- Swastika is a form of Lord Ganesh and he sits on a lotus flower on a bed of Swastik as per the Ganesha Purana. Then, you can draw the Swastika to overcome the life barriers.
- The swastika appears in Rig Veda Hymns as a symbol of God Surya or the Sun Deva.
- According to different studies, swastika stands for the Sudharshana Chakra of Lord Vishnu.
- The two symbols of Swastik signify the creator, God Brahman.
- Swastik facing rightward depicts the development or evolution of the Universe, otherwise known as Pravritti.
- The left-facing swastika represents the involution of the Universe or Nivritti.
Each of the Swastika lines signifies something else. They are.
- The lower arm of the Swastika stands for stability and growth-oriented.
- The vertical line stands for the sign of creation.
- The fourth line is at the end of the horizontal and vertical lines. These are the symbols of constant or endless motion.
- The four dots signify Vedas, Yugas, and Avasthas.
- The four Vedas meant here are – the Rig Veda, the Sama Veda, the Yagur Veda, and the Atharva Veda.
- The four Yugas are as follows. These include the Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dwapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga.
- Fourth, it is associated with the four aims of life. The four objectives are Dharma, the Artha, the Kama, and the Moksha.
Scientific Significance of Swastika.
The drawing of Swastika at several points like entrance doors and walls of the rooms in Vastu-Shastra helps balance the five elements of Panchabhootas making the house free from any unfavorable atmosphere as it is based on the balance of five elements. It also increases the flow of energy. According to Vastu Shastra, drawings of Sawatik in different directions will have a certain usefulness.
- North-Northeast– It is beneficial for our health and accelerates recovery.
- Mental peace increases, creativity takes shape in the northeast – It is calming.
- The first way, this helps us develop our social associations with the East.
- It eases anxiety and strains.
- The strength and confidence of our soul.
- They offer pedagogical advantages of West-Southwest.
- It reduces the chances of depression facing the west–northeast.
- This also helps us have a better relationship with others in a north-northwest direction.
Conclusion
The swastika is a symbol of a cross with 4 properly-angled fingers extending from it in either a clockwise or a counter-clockwise formation. The symbol could be very old: it probably originated within the Neolithic Period as early as 10,000 BCE. It took on spiritual symbolism within the Indus Valley Civilization around 2500 BCE and its call comes from Sanskrit. It at the start symbolized well-being, desirable good fortune, and peace in various religions. The swastik continues to be an important image in Hinduism, Buddhism, and a few other religions nowadays. In Hinduism, it probably in the beginning symbolizes the sun shifting throughout the sky.
