#Thread
38 Sacred Symbols of Hinduism
By Subhamoy Das.
1. Om or Aum
Om or Aum, is the root mantra & primal sound from which all creation issues forth. It is associated with Lord Ganesha. Its three syllables stand at the beginning and end of every sacred verse, every human act.
38 Sacred Symbols of Hinduism
By Subhamoy Das.
1. Om or Aum
Om or Aum, is the root mantra & primal sound from which all creation issues forth. It is associated with Lord Ganesha. Its three syllables stand at the beginning and end of every sacred verse, every human act.
2. Bhagwan Ganesha
Ganesha is the Lord of Obstacles and Ruler of Dharma. Seated upon His throne, He guides our karmas through creating and removing obstacles from our path. We seek His permission and blessings in every undertaking.
@Jayalko1 @InfoVedic @BharatTemples_
Ganesha is the Lord of Obstacles and Ruler of Dharma. Seated upon His throne, He guides our karmas through creating and removing obstacles from our path. We seek His permission and blessings in every undertaking.
@Jayalko1 @InfoVedic @BharatTemples_
3. Vata or Banyan Tree
Vata, the banyan tree, Ficus indicus, symbolizes Hinduism, which branches out in all directions, draws from many roots, spreads shade far and wide, yet stems from one great trunk. Siva as Silent Sage sits beneath it.
@khanna248 @diptisingh7812
Vata, the banyan tree, Ficus indicus, symbolizes Hinduism, which branches out in all directions, draws from many roots, spreads shade far and wide, yet stems from one great trunk. Siva as Silent Sage sits beneath it.
@khanna248 @diptisingh7812
4. Tripund or Three Stripe, and Bindi
Tripund is a Saivite's great mark, three stripes of white vibhuti on the brow. This holy ash signifies purity and the burning away of anava, karma and maya. The bindu, or dot, at the third eye quickens spiritual insight.
@mysql_sync
Tripund is a Saivite's great mark, three stripes of white vibhuti on the brow. This holy ash signifies purity and the burning away of anava, karma and maya. The bindu, or dot, at the third eye quickens spiritual insight.
@mysql_sync
5. Nataraja or Dancing Shiva
Nataraja is Siva as "King of Dance." Carved in stone or cast in bronze, His ananda tandava, the fierce ballet of bliss, dances the cosmos into and out of existence within the fiery arch of flames denoting consciousness. Aum.
@onlyonenetra
@desh_bhkt
Nataraja is Siva as "King of Dance." Carved in stone or cast in bronze, His ananda tandava, the fierce ballet of bliss, dances the cosmos into and out of existence within the fiery arch of flames denoting consciousness. Aum.
@onlyonenetra
@desh_bhkt
6. Mayil or Mayur (Peacock)
Mayil, "peacock," is Lord Murugan's mount, swift and beautiful like Karttikeya Himself. The proud display of the dancing peacock symbolizes religion in full, unfolded glory. His shrill cry warns of approaching harm.
@Itishree001 @AnkitaBnsl
Mayil, "peacock," is Lord Murugan's mount, swift and beautiful like Karttikeya Himself. The proud display of the dancing peacock symbolizes religion in full, unfolded glory. His shrill cry warns of approaching harm.
@Itishree001 @AnkitaBnsl
7. Nandi, Shiva's Vehicle
Nandi is Lord Siva's mount, or vahana. This huge white bull with a black tail, whose name means "joyful," disciplined animality kneeling at Siva's feet, is the ideal devotee, the pure joy and strength of Saiva Dharma.
@Nidhi7007 @vedvyazz
Nandi is Lord Siva's mount, or vahana. This huge white bull with a black tail, whose name means "joyful," disciplined animality kneeling at Siva's feet, is the ideal devotee, the pure joy and strength of Saiva Dharma.
@Nidhi7007 @vedvyazz
8. Bilva or Bael Tree
Bilva is the bael tree. Its fruit, flowers and leaves are all sacred to Siva, liberation's summit. Planting Aegle marmelos trees around home or temple is sanctifying, as is worshiping a Linga with bilva leaves and water.
@Anshulspiritual @gary_agg
Bilva is the bael tree. Its fruit, flowers and leaves are all sacred to Siva, liberation's summit. Planting Aegle marmelos trees around home or temple is sanctifying, as is worshiping a Linga with bilva leaves and water.
@Anshulspiritual @gary_agg
9. Padma or Lotus
Padma is the lotus flower, Nelumbo nucifera, perfection of beauty, associated with Deities and the chakras, especially the 1,000-petaled 'sahasrara.' Rooted in the mud, its blossom is a promise of purity and unfoldment.
@VedicCulture__ @Vedicphilosophy
Padma is the lotus flower, Nelumbo nucifera, perfection of beauty, associated with Deities and the chakras, especially the 1,000-petaled 'sahasrara.' Rooted in the mud, its blossom is a promise of purity and unfoldment.
@VedicCulture__ @Vedicphilosophy
10. Swastika
Swastika is the symbol of auspiciousness and good fortune-literally, "It is well." The right-angled arms of this ancient sun-sign denote the indirect way that Divinity is apprehended: by intuition and not by intellect.
@wataboutery @Vaidyvoice
@The_WittyLawyer
Swastika is the symbol of auspiciousness and good fortune-literally, "It is well." The right-angled arms of this ancient sun-sign denote the indirect way that Divinity is apprehended: by intuition and not by intellect.
@wataboutery @Vaidyvoice
@The_WittyLawyer
11. Mahakala or 'Great Time'
Mahakala, "Great Time," presides above creation's golden arch. Devouring instants and eons, with a ferocious face, He is Time beyond time, reminder of this world's transitoriness, that sin and suffering will pass.
@rohini_express @vedicvishal
Mahakala, "Great Time," presides above creation's golden arch. Devouring instants and eons, with a ferocious face, He is Time beyond time, reminder of this world's transitoriness, that sin and suffering will pass.
@rohini_express @vedicvishal
12. Ankusa or Ganesha's Goad
Ankusha, the goad held in Lord Ganesha's right hand, is used to remove obstacles from dharma's path. It is the force by which all wrongful things are repelled from us, the sharp prod which spurs the dullards onward.
@dharmicverangna @telugu_veera
Ankusha, the goad held in Lord Ganesha's right hand, is used to remove obstacles from dharma's path. It is the force by which all wrongful things are repelled from us, the sharp prod which spurs the dullards onward.
@dharmicverangna @telugu_veera
13. The Anjali Gesture
Anjali, the gesture of two hands brought together near the heart, means to "honor or celebrate." It is our Hindu greeting, two joined as one, the bringing together of matter and spirit, the self meeting the Self in all.
@youngndharmic @VedicWisdom1
Anjali, the gesture of two hands brought together near the heart, means to "honor or celebrate." It is our Hindu greeting, two joined as one, the bringing together of matter and spirit, the self meeting the Self in all.
@youngndharmic @VedicWisdom1
14. Gau Mata or Cow
'Gau,' the cow, is a symbol of the earth, the nourisher, the ever-giving, undemanding provider. To the Hindu, all animals are sacred, and we acknowledge this reverence of life in our special affection for the gentle cow.
@sharma_Deepak45 @darpanban
'Gau,' the cow, is a symbol of the earth, the nourisher, the ever-giving, undemanding provider. To the Hindu, all animals are sacred, and we acknowledge this reverence of life in our special affection for the gentle cow.
@sharma_Deepak45 @darpanban
15. The Mankolam Design
Mankolam, the pleasing paisley design, is modeled after a mango and associated with Lord Ganesha. Mangos are the sweetest of fruits, symbolizing auspiciousness and the happy fulfillment of legitimate worldly desires.
@vishkanyaaaa @DoctorAjayita
Mankolam, the pleasing paisley design, is modeled after a mango and associated with Lord Ganesha. Mangos are the sweetest of fruits, symbolizing auspiciousness and the happy fulfillment of legitimate worldly desires.
@vishkanyaaaa @DoctorAjayita
16. 'Shatkona' or Six-pointed Star
Shatkona, "six-pointed star," is two interlocking triangles; the upper stands for Siva, 'purusha' (male energy) and fire, the lower for Shakti, 'prakriti' (female power)& water. Their union gives birth to Sanatkumara, whose sacred number is 6.
Shatkona, "six-pointed star," is two interlocking triangles; the upper stands for Siva, 'purusha' (male energy) and fire, the lower for Shakti, 'prakriti' (female power)& water. Their union gives birth to Sanatkumara, whose sacred number is 6.
17. Mushak or Mouse
Mushak is Lord Ganesha's mount, the mouse, traditionally associated with abundance in family life. Under cover of darkness, seldom visible yet always at work, Mushak is like God's unseen grace in our lives.
@Mahesh10816 @VikasInExile @vivekvardhan05
Mushak is Lord Ganesha's mount, the mouse, traditionally associated with abundance in family life. Under cover of darkness, seldom visible yet always at work, Mushak is like God's unseen grace in our lives.
@Mahesh10816 @VikasInExile @vivekvardhan05
18. 'Konrai' Blossoms
Konrai, Golden Shower, blossoms are the flowering symbol of Siva's honeyed grace in our life. Associated with His shrines and temples throughout India, the [i]Cassia fistula[/i] is lauded in numberless Tirumurai hymns.
@kapilverma73 @kapil73vats
Konrai, Golden Shower, blossoms are the flowering symbol of Siva's honeyed grace in our life. Associated with His shrines and temples throughout India, the [i]Cassia fistula[/i] is lauded in numberless Tirumurai hymns.
@kapilverma73 @kapil73vats
19. The 'Homakunda' or Fire Altar
Homakunda, the fire altar, is the symbol of ancient Vedic rites. It is through the fire element, denoting divine consciousness, that we make offerings to the Gods. Hindu sacraments are solemnized before the homa fire.
@LevinaNeythiri
Homakunda, the fire altar, is the symbol of ancient Vedic rites. It is through the fire element, denoting divine consciousness, that we make offerings to the Gods. Hindu sacraments are solemnized before the homa fire.
@LevinaNeythiri
20. The 'Ghanti' or Bell
Ghanti is the bell used in ritual puja, which engages all senses, including hearing. Its ringing summons the Gods, stimulates the inner ear and reminds us that, like sound, the world may be perceived but not possessed.
@Elf_of_Shiva_ @IndiaTales7
Ghanti is the bell used in ritual puja, which engages all senses, including hearing. Its ringing summons the Gods, stimulates the inner ear and reminds us that, like sound, the world may be perceived but not possessed.
@Elf_of_Shiva_ @IndiaTales7
21. The 'Gopura' or 'Gopuram' (Temple Gateways)
'Gopuras' are the towering stone gateways through which pilgrims enter the South Indian temple. Richly ornamented with myriad sculptures of the divine pantheon, their tiers symbolize the several planes of existence.
@LostTemple7
'Gopuras' are the towering stone gateways through which pilgrims enter the South Indian temple. Richly ornamented with myriad sculptures of the divine pantheon, their tiers symbolize the several planes of existence.
@LostTemple7
22. The 'Kalasha' or Scared Pot
Kalasha, a husked coconut circled by five mango leaves on a pot, is used in puja to represent any God, especially Lord Ganesha. Breaking a coconut before His shrine is the ego's shattering to reveal the sweet fruit inside.
@vonbrauckmann
Kalasha, a husked coconut circled by five mango leaves on a pot, is used in puja to represent any God, especially Lord Ganesha. Breaking a coconut before His shrine is the ego's shattering to reveal the sweet fruit inside.
@vonbrauckmann
23. The 'Kuttuvilaku' or Standing Oil Lamp
'Kuttuvilaku,' the standing oil lamp, symbolizes the dispelling of ignorance and awakening of the divine light within us. Its soft glow illumines the temple or shrine room, keeping the atmosphere pure and serene.
@ethicalstep
'Kuttuvilaku,' the standing oil lamp, symbolizes the dispelling of ignorance and awakening of the divine light within us. Its soft glow illumines the temple or shrine room, keeping the atmosphere pure and serene.
@ethicalstep
24. The 'Kamandal' or Water Vessel
'Kamandal' the water vessel, is carried by the Hindu monastic. It symbolizes his simple, self-contained life, his freedom from worldly needs, his constant 'sadhana' and 'tapas' (devotion and austerity) and his oath to seek God everywhere.
'Kamandal' the water vessel, is carried by the Hindu monastic. It symbolizes his simple, self-contained life, his freedom from worldly needs, his constant 'sadhana' and 'tapas' (devotion and austerity) and his oath to seek God everywhere.
25. The 'Tiruvadi' or Sacred Sandals
Tiruvadi, the sacred sandals worn by saints, sages and satgurus, symbolize the preceptor's holy feet, which are the source of his grace. Prostrating before him, we humbly touch his feet for release frm worldliness.
@jsaideepak @nehasaini0204
Tiruvadi, the sacred sandals worn by saints, sages and satgurus, symbolize the preceptor's holy feet, which are the source of his grace. Prostrating before him, we humbly touch his feet for release frm worldliness.
@jsaideepak @nehasaini0204
26. The 'Trikona' or Triangle
'Trikona,' the triangle, is a symbol of God Siva which, like the Sivalinga, denotes His Absolute Being. It represents the element fire and portrays the process of spiritual ascent and liberation spoken of in scripture.
@ShefVaidya @MeenaDasNarayan
'Trikona,' the triangle, is a symbol of God Siva which, like the Sivalinga, denotes His Absolute Being. It represents the element fire and portrays the process of spiritual ascent and liberation spoken of in scripture.
@ShefVaidya @MeenaDasNarayan
27. The 'Seval' or Red Rooster
Seval is the noble red rooster who heralds each dawn, calling all to awake and arise. He is a symbol of the imminence of spiritual unfoldment and wisdom. As a fighting cock, he crows from Lord Skanda's battle flag.
@wetwokrishna @We_The_Saffron
Seval is the noble red rooster who heralds each dawn, calling all to awake and arise. He is a symbol of the imminence of spiritual unfoldment and wisdom. As a fighting cock, he crows from Lord Skanda's battle flag.
@wetwokrishna @We_The_Saffron
28. The Rudraksha Seed
Rudraksha seeds, Eleocarpus ganitrus, are prized as the compassionate tears Lord Siva shed for mankind's suffering. Saivites wear 'malas' (necklaces) of them always as a symbol of God's love, chanting on each bead, "Om Namah Sivaya."
@Priyank02084668
Rudraksha seeds, Eleocarpus ganitrus, are prized as the compassionate tears Lord Siva shed for mankind's suffering. Saivites wear 'malas' (necklaces) of them always as a symbol of God's love, chanting on each bead, "Om Namah Sivaya."
@Priyank02084668
29. 'Chandra-Surya' - The Moon & Sun
Image Gallery of Hindu Symbols Chandra is the moon, ruler of the watery realms and of emotion, testing place of migrating souls. Surya is the sun, ruler of intellect, source of truth. @twittydoodle
Image Gallery of Hindu Symbols Chandra is the moon, ruler of the watery realms and of emotion, testing place of migrating souls. Surya is the sun, ruler of intellect, source of truth. @twittydoodle
One is 'pingala' (yellow) and lights the day; the other is 'ida' (white) and lights the night.
30. The 'Vel' or Holy Lance
Vel, the holy lance, is Lord Murugan's protective power, our safeguard in adversity. Its tip is wide, long and sharp, signifying incisive discrimination and spiritual knowledge, which must be broad, deep and penetrating.
@RajiIndustani
Vel, the holy lance, is Lord Murugan's protective power, our safeguard in adversity. Its tip is wide, long and sharp, signifying incisive discrimination and spiritual knowledge, which must be broad, deep and penetrating.
@RajiIndustani
31. 'Trishula' or Trident
'Trishula,' Siva's trident carried by Himalayan yogis, is the royal scepter of the Saiva Dharma (Shaivite religion). Its triple prongs betoken desire, action and wisdom; 'ida, pingala and sushumna'; and the 'gunas'--'sattva, rajas and tamas.'
'Trishula,' Siva's trident carried by Himalayan yogis, is the royal scepter of the Saiva Dharma (Shaivite religion). Its triple prongs betoken desire, action and wisdom; 'ida, pingala and sushumna'; and the 'gunas'--'sattva, rajas and tamas.'
32. The 'Naga' or Cobra
Naga, the cobra, is a symbol of 'kundalini' power, cosmic energy coiled and slumbering within man. It inspires seekers to overcome misdeeds and suffering by lifting the serpent power up the spine into God Realization.
@RadharamnDas @RadhikaSA3
Naga, the cobra, is a symbol of 'kundalini' power, cosmic energy coiled and slumbering within man. It inspires seekers to overcome misdeeds and suffering by lifting the serpent power up the spine into God Realization.
@RadharamnDas @RadhikaSA3
33. 'Dhwaja' or Flag
Dhvaja, 'flag,' is the saffron/ orange or red banner flown above temples, at festivals and in processions. It is a symbol of victory, signal to all that "Sanatana Dharma shall prevail." The saffron color betokens the sun's life-giving glow.
@almightykarthik
Dhvaja, 'flag,' is the saffron/ orange or red banner flown above temples, at festivals and in processions. It is a symbol of victory, signal to all that "Sanatana Dharma shall prevail." The saffron color betokens the sun's life-giving glow.
@almightykarthik
34. 'Kalachakra' or Wheel of Time
Kalachakra, 'wheel, or circle, of time,' is the symbol of perfect creation, of the cycles of existence. Time and space are interwoven, and eight spokes mark the directions, each ruled by a Deity and having a unique quality.
@sadhavi
Kalachakra, 'wheel, or circle, of time,' is the symbol of perfect creation, of the cycles of existence. Time and space are interwoven, and eight spokes mark the directions, each ruled by a Deity and having a unique quality.
@sadhavi
35. The Sivalinga
Sivalinga is the ancient mark or symbol of God. This elliptical stone is a formless form betokening Parashiva, That which can never be described or portrayed. The 'pitha,' pedestal, represents Siva's manifest 'Parashakti' (power).
@Bittu_Tufani @HarSakhii
Sivalinga is the ancient mark or symbol of God. This elliptical stone is a formless form betokening Parashiva, That which can never be described or portrayed. The 'pitha,' pedestal, represents Siva's manifest 'Parashakti' (power).
@Bittu_Tufani @HarSakhii
36. The 'Modak' Sweet.
'Modak,' a round, lemon-sized sweet made of rice, coconut, sugar and spices, is a favorite treat of Ganesha. Esoterically, it corresponds to siddhi (attainment or fulfillment), the gladdening contentment of pure joy.
@Real_SaurabhRSS @SuvarnBharat
'Modak,' a round, lemon-sized sweet made of rice, coconut, sugar and spices, is a favorite treat of Ganesha. Esoterically, it corresponds to siddhi (attainment or fulfillment), the gladdening contentment of pure joy.
@Real_SaurabhRSS @SuvarnBharat
37. The 'Pasha' or Noose
Pasha, tether or noose, represents the soul's three-fold bondage of 'anava, karma and maya.' Pasha is the all-important force or fetter by which God (Pati, envisioned as a cowherd) brings souls (pashu, or cows) along the path to Truth.
@tripathisam2020
Pasha, tether or noose, represents the soul's three-fold bondage of 'anava, karma and maya.' Pasha is the all-important force or fetter by which God (Pati, envisioned as a cowherd) brings souls (pashu, or cows) along the path to Truth.
@tripathisam2020