Meaning and Significance of Swastika Next to OM, Swastika is the second most sacred symbol of Hinduism symbolizing the eternal cycle of birth, suffering, death and birth. Swastika is regarded as the oldest religious symbol of the human race and is often find in various ancient civilizations like Egyptians, Babylon’s, Mayans etc Origin of Swastika: There is no fixed date regarding the origin of this .Origin of Hinduism is not traceable but the least thing known is that it was the religion of Aryans and hence, India was known as Aryavart, meaning Nation of Aryans (Aryan mean ‘Noble’). After Some years, its name was changed to bharatvarsh, named after a noble king Bharat who brought the entire continent from Iraq in the west to Malaysia in the south under one rule. Even today, India is known as ‘Bharat’. Surprisingly, Symbol swastika was sacred not only in Hinduism but also in all other ancient civilization. Ruins of ancient civilization like Indus valley, troy, Egyptians, Babylon’s, and Mayans have yielded artifacts and seals with symbol swastika. Also this discovery has made India the most ancient civilization which predates all ancient civilization including Egyptians, Babylon’s and Mayans. In fact, there are startling evidences to prove that all other civilizations have their root in Hinduism . Swastika is derived from the Sanskrit word Svastika, meaning auspicious or lucky object, and a mark to signify good luck. It is formed by combining three Sanskrit words: Su+asti+ka. Su stands for ‘good’, asti for ‘present, making abode’ and ka stands for ‘making it happen’. So, literally swastika means ‘that which represent good luck or well being’. Swastik symbol is represented by four equal arms, each bending at right angle This shape is obtained by interlacing the letters of auspicious words ‘su’ and ‘asti’ of ancient Brahmi language. Also, In Sanskrit, Vasa means to inhabit and Vastu means habitation. The amalgam of words ‘Vastu’ and ‘Su’ (Pronounced as Swastu) means ‘a good habitation’. Swastika is widely considered as a religious symbol aimed at bringing fortune, good luck, happiness and prosperity. In India, priest often uses the expression svasti svasti svasti to wish for their health good luck, well being, and prosperity! Swastika in vedas Rigveda- the first recorded text of human history has symbols of swastika. Though there is no mention of its meaning, this symbol definitely symbolized goodness peace and love. In Yajurveda, Swastika is appraised as “swasti na indro vruddhastravaha svastinah pusha vishvavedaha! Swasti nastakshya arishtanemihi svastino bruhaspatirdadhatu!!” meaning, “May all mighty god of infinite glory be auspicious to us, May the all knowing Lords of the universe be of auspiciousness to us. May the powerful protection of the universe bring auspiciousness to us May the Lord of Lords. The supreme being brings fortune to us.” What swastika represents Swastika is also used to represent supreme divine creation of god. In Hinduism, this divinity often means revolving sun, four poles with stars revolving round the poles, four quarters of the moon, a whirlwind movement, four yugas, the generation of the cycles, the wheel of life, four aims of life etc In short, symbol swastika which can be best summarized as 1. Stability & Firmness: if the Swastika is turned clockwise of anti-clockwise, it does not have any physical or geometrical changes. This represents the unchanging, all directional, all-encompassing and endless nature of god. So, it signifies stability and firmness and hence, id very important for weddings, home/business openings and other similar ceremonies 2. The Suns Rays: In this case, four lines extending from the central dot represent the rays of the sun, extending to four directions- East, West, North and South. Another meaning of Swastik” is ‘mark of the sun’, formed by combining two Sanskrit words - Swa meaning Sun, and tik. So, the swastika symbolizes Surya, the sun god, and is often shown with Ganesha sitting on top of lotus flower. In Hinduism, Ganesha is considered as remover of obstacles and difficulties and so, is often represented by the swastika. Out of all natural objects, special emphasis was given to sun because sun is the mightiest and most useful of all natural objects and since the earliest of man first did agriculture and farming, they worshipped sun thus making swastika a very common symbol to represent sun. Right side of Swastika signifies sun rotation, starting from the northern hemisphere, then proceeding to east, south and finally west. Swastika in sun 3. Lord Vishnus Symbol: As per vaishnavism, swastika is one of the 108 symbols of lord Vishnu, the sustainer of holy trinity Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. 4. Peace & Prosperity: It is one of the sacred symbols aimed at maintaining peace and prosperity in home, office and personal/family life. Hence, swastika is often drawn with vermillion powder under tulsi plant or as a decorative symbol on metal pots, kalash and similar vessels used in Hindu rituals. Hinduism actually uses swastikas in two ways, the left-facing and right-facing swastikas. These two forms of swastika represent the two forms of lord brahma, right-facing swastika symbolizing the evolution of the universe (Pravritti) and left-facing swastika symbolizing involution of the universe (Nivritti). Swastika In yoga will be discussed in other post.
Posted on: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 08:26:57 +0000
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