Symbols are ancient religious art in Hinduism and Buddhism. They represent extreme signs, philosophy, myths, and God and Goddess. Here are some major Hindu religious symbols:
- Om or AUM: Om is the primary and universal sound and creator of all sounds. This sacred symbol signifies the ultimate reality and self-consciousness.
- Swastika: It is the symbol of divinity and spirituality in Hinduism. This geometrical shape is auspicious and a token of good luck.
- Banyan tree or Vata: The banyan tree lives for ages, grow lots of roots and branches, and formed like a big trunk. The symbol of immortality. According to Hinduism, Lord Shiva contemplates sitting beneath the banyan tree. This tree is the symbol of the creator Lord Bramha.
- Lotus or Padma: The symbol of purity- Lotus, has vast significance in Hinduism and Buddhism. It is the representative of Lord Bramha, Vishnu, and Goddess Laxmi.
- Rudraksha: Rudraksha (Lord Shiva’s tear drops) represents Lord Shiva. Shiva is also known as Rudra.
- Bael Leaf or Bel Patra: In Hindu mythology, bael leaf is the symbol of Lord Bramha, Vishnu, and Maheswar (Shiva). It also symbolizes the third eye of Lord Shiva. The leaves, fruits, and flowers, everything of the bael tree are sacred, and bael leaves are mandatory to worship Shivaling.
- Tripundra or Three Stripe, Bindi, and Tilak: Tripurandra-the three horizon lines represent Mahadev’s threefold powers- Will (Iccha shakti), Knowledge (Jana shakti), and Action (kriya shakti). These forms of tilaks are worn by saints and monks and devotees of Vishnu and Shiva in the body.
- The Shri Yantra: This symbolizes the divinity of masculine (Shiva) and feminine (Shakti/Parvati). It represents the bond and unity in the whole cosmos.
- Shivaling: The iconic Shivaling represents trinity Lord Shiva and being worshiped by devotees in the infinite form of Shiva.
- Ganesha: The obstacle remover in our Dharma. He guides our karma by removing obstacles from our paths.
- Dharma Dhvaja or Religious Flag: Dhvaja or flag is the symbol of victory. In Hindu temples, red or orange or saffron-colored flag flows. The color saffron signifies the sun’s life-giving glow.
- The Kalash or sacred pot: We often see a copper Kalash or pot, decorated with five mango leaves and a coconut on top and Swastik sign designed on the top with kumkum. It offers to all Gods and Goddess in puja.
- Nataraja or Dancing Shiva: Lord Shiva is known as Nataraja- Lord of the dance. It represents Shiva’s fierce Ananda Tandava, which is a very famous dance form in South-India. It signifies creation, destruction, and all thing in between.
- Mayur or Peacock: Peacock is the celestial phoenix on the earth and the symbol of integrity, beauty, and joy in Hinduism.
- Mahakala or Great Time: Mahakala is the time beyond time. The fiery face of Mahakala represents the absolute reality and reminder of sins and sufferings.
Feature Image Credit: Pinterest.
