Hinduism is associated with a lot of symbols. Some are of the opinion that there is no other religion as symbolic as Hinduism.
Many of the hindu symbols in this religion represent the many gods, goddesses, teachings and philosophies of Hinduism. Others represent peace, protection, love and other religious meanings.
However, the symbols in Hinduism are classified into two broad divisions.
- The «mudras» refers to the positioning of the body and hand gestures
- The «murti» refers to drawings and icons in Hinduism.
Some of the hinduism symbols have similarities to Buddhism symbols. Examples of such symbols are the coach and the lotus. These are very common in tattoos.
In this write-up, we will open your eyes to some of the most popular signs and symbols related to Hinduism.
Hindu Symbols and Meanings
Om
This Hindu Symbol is also called Aum. It remains the most universal of all the symbols in Hinduism. Its sound is equally used by worshipers in meditation.
In Hinduism, the «Om» stands for the very first syllable in any Hinduism prayer. It is used to symbolize the ultimate reality and the universe.
This symbol represent the three aspects of God, according to some individuals. These three aspects are:
- The lord Shiva
- The Vishny
- The Brahma
The symbol can be worn as pendants or it can come in other forms of jewelry.
The swastika
In some countries, the swastika has a negative connotation due to its link with Nazi Germany. Be that as it may, it is a sign of fortune and luck in Hinduism.
It is more or less a variation of the cross and it has been part of ancient Hinduism since time immemorial. In ancient the symbol stands for stability, purity, truth, and honesty. The four points or angles of the symbol stand for Vedas or the four directions.
The Sri Yantra
This is yet another important symbol in Hinduism. Another name for this symbol is Shri Chakra and it is characterized by nine triangles with each of the interlockings.
The interlocking triangles stand for Shiva or the masculine aspect. On the other hand, the five inverted triangles stand for the Shakti (Divine Mother) or the feminine.
This symbol symbolizes the unity or bond of both the masculine and feminine divinity. Also, it can stand for the bond and unity of everything present in the universe.
The Tilaka
In most instances, this symbol is placed on the forehead of any Hinduism devotee. The symbol differs from the bindi that is worn by women in Hinduism.
It is available in different shapes based on the religious and custom affair. If it belongs to Vishnu devotion, it is indicated using a U-shaped tilkata. When it is beings to Shiva devotion, it is symbolized with horizontal lines.
Rudraksha
This symbol is a tree having its origin in Southeast Asia, Australia, New Guinea, the Himalayas, and Nepal. It has blue seeds, which are said to represent the tears of Shiva, who is also referred to as the Destroyer.
According to legend, Shiva shed tears when he saw the suffering of his people. The tears are said to have grown to become the Rudraksha tree.
The name of this tree originates from Rudra, which is another name for Shiva and Aksha, which translates to eyes. The beads from the seed of this tree are used in making rosaries and prayer beads.
The Shiva Lingam
Several deities stand for the natural forces in Hinduism, as highlighted below:
- Earth also called Prithvi
- Sun also called Surya
- Wind also could Vayu
- The fire also called Agni
These deities are signified using several icons. The Shiva Lingam represents Shiva and it looks like an elongated column resembling an erect penile shaft.
The Lotus
The lotus is a plant and it stands for creation. It is equally used in symbolizing Lakshmi, Brahma, and Vishnu.
The symbol comes in various forms and can be worn as a pendant. You can equally go for the lotus ring if you so desire and it will connect you perfectly to Hinduism.
The Veena
This symbol is a very popular stringed instrument from India. It stands for both learning and art. Also, it is used as a representative to the sage Narada and Saraswati, the goddess.
Bindi
It remains one of the most popular items used in Hinduism. It is in the form of a dot usually in red and it is placed on the forehead of women. This symbol is a form of tilak, which is a symbolic mark usually adorned by both men and women in Hinduism.
According to the Hindu tradition, the Bindi is placed on the forehead of married women and it stands for the energy of the female. Its purpose is to protect the married hindu women, as well as, their husbands from bad occurrences.
Bindi is a very simple mark made using a paste of colored turmeric, sindoor or sandalwood. In most instances, it comes in the red color from Vermillion.
Brahman
In Hinduism, this symbol is considered as the essential building material of reality. It is the substance out of which everything is said to proceed.
The Brahman is seen as a very specific conception of the absolute according to the acharyas of the Vedanta school and Hinduism scripture.
No other religion had ever replicated this very unique idea on earth. It is, therefore, exclusive to Hinduism.
Fire Altar
This symbol is the distinction to ancient Vedic rites the fire denotes divine consciousness and they offer to hindu gods through the fire element. In Hinduism, sacraments are also solemnized before the fire.
Dhvaja
It is also called «flag». It is the red or orange banner that flies above Hindu temples, at processions and festivals. The flag symbolizes victory; it tells Hindu worshipers that ‘Sanatana Dharma shall prevail. The color of the flag indicates the life-giving glow of the sun.
Vata
It is the banyan tree and simply symbolizes the Hindu religion. Also, it has spread in many directions, spread its shades far and wide and developed from many roots despite having just one trunk. It is beloved in Hinduism that the Silent Sage, Siva, sits under the Vata.
Ganesha
Lord Ganesha is the Ruler of Dharma and Lord of Obstacles in Hinduism. He is in Hinduism to guide karmas while sitting on its throne by removing and creating obstacles on the path of Hindu faithful.
Hindu worshipers see its blessings and permissions in all their undertakings.
Frequently asked questions about hindu religious symbols
What is the Hindu Symbol for peace
The Hinduism symbol for peace is the swastika.