me_rathee
March 1st, 2006, 04:20 PM
Swastika
Unfortunately, the swastika symbol is best known to most westerners as a Nazi symbol. However, it has been an auspicious symbol in India for many centuries, and is still in very common use. The swastika is considered extremely holy and auspicious by all Hindus, and is regularly used to decorate all sorts of items to do with Hindu culture. It can be seen on the sides of temples and on religious scripture to gift items and letterhead. The swastika is a symbol of the sun god Surya, a representation of the four directions (and thus symbolizing groundedness), and a symbol of Brahma, the creator god. The popular god Ganesh is also closely associated with the symbol of the swastika.
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Lotus
The lotus flower has its roots in the mud but blooms above the water without becoming wet or tainted by the mire below. It is thus a natural symbol for the person seeking release (moksa), who should live in the world without attachment. The lotus also represents the chakras, or centers of consciousness of the body. In Hindu mythology, the lotus represents creation since the Creator (Brahma) came forth from a lotus. The lotus is also an important symbol in Buddhism.
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Bindi
One of the most recognizable symbols in Hinduism is the bindi, a colored dot on the forehead. It is usually a red dot made with vermilion. Traditionally, it is worn on the forehead of married Hindu women - it symbolizes female energy and is believed to protect women and their husbands. More recently, however, it has become primarily a decorative accessory and is worn by unmarried girls and non-Hindu women. It is also no longer restricted in color or shape, and self-adhesive bindis made from felt in various designs and colours are common.
Unfortunately, the swastika symbol is best known to most westerners as a Nazi symbol. However, it has been an auspicious symbol in India for many centuries, and is still in very common use. The swastika is considered extremely holy and auspicious by all Hindus, and is regularly used to decorate all sorts of items to do with Hindu culture. It can be seen on the sides of temples and on religious scripture to gift items and letterhead. The swastika is a symbol of the sun god Surya, a representation of the four directions (and thus symbolizing groundedness), and a symbol of Brahma, the creator god. The popular god Ganesh is also closely associated with the symbol of the swastika.
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Lotus
The lotus flower has its roots in the mud but blooms above the water without becoming wet or tainted by the mire below. It is thus a natural symbol for the person seeking release (moksa), who should live in the world without attachment. The lotus also represents the chakras, or centers of consciousness of the body. In Hindu mythology, the lotus represents creation since the Creator (Brahma) came forth from a lotus. The lotus is also an important symbol in Buddhism.
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Bindi
One of the most recognizable symbols in Hinduism is the bindi, a colored dot on the forehead. It is usually a red dot made with vermilion. Traditionally, it is worn on the forehead of married Hindu women - it symbolizes female energy and is believed to protect women and their husbands. More recently, however, it has become primarily a decorative accessory and is worn by unmarried girls and non-Hindu women. It is also no longer restricted in color or shape, and self-adhesive bindis made from felt in various designs and colours are common.