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Hindu Symbols

Hinduism is replete with symbolism—some even say that no other religion employs the art of symbolism as effectively as the Hindus. Most of these symbols are representative of the philosophies, teachings and even the gods and goddesses themselves of the Hindus. There are two general categories or branches of Hindui symbols. Hand gestures and the positioning of the body are called “mudras” while icons and drawings are called “murti.” Some Hindu symbols, like the lotus and the conch, are similar to the symbols used in Buddhism.

Om (or Aum)

This is the most universal of Hindu symbols and its sound is used in meditation. In Hinduism, the word “Om” is the first syllable in any prayer. More specifically, Om is used to symbolize the universe and the ultimate reality. Some people say that this symbol represents the three aspects of God: the Brahma (A), the Vishny (U) and the Shiva (M).

Om Pendant

The swastika

Although this symbol has a negative connotation in some parts of the world because of Nazi Germany, the swastika is actually a sign of luck and fortune. This variation of the cross has been present in ancient Hinduism and is used to represent honesty, truth, purity and stability. Its four angles or points also symbolize the four directions, or Vedas.

The Sri Yantra

Also called the Shri Chakra, this symbol is characterized by nine interlocking triangles that radiate from a central point. Of the nine, the four upright triangles represent the masculine side or Shiva; while the five inverted triangles represent the feminine, or the Shakti (Divine Mother). As a whole, the Sri Yantra is used to symbolize the bond or unity of both the masculine and the feminine divinity. It can also mean the unity and bond of everything in the cosmos.

Sri Yantra pendant

The tilaka

This symbol is often placed on the forehead of a devotee of Hinduism. This is different from the bindi worn by Hindu women, though. The tilaka comes in many different shapes, depending on the custom or religious affair. A devotion to Vishnu is indicated by a U-shaped tilaka, while horizontal lines symbolize a devotion to Shiva.

Rudraksha

The Rudraksha is a tree that is found in Southeast Asia, Nepal, the Himalayas and even New Guinea and Australia. Its blue seeds are said to symbolize the tears of Shiva, the Destroyer. Legend has it that when Shiva saw how his people suffered, he shed one tear from his eye, which grew into the Rudraksha tree. The name Rudrashka actually comes from “Rudra” (another name for Shiva) and “aksha,” which means eyes. The seeds from this tree are also used to make prayer beads or rosaries.

The Shiva Lingam

In Hinduism, several deities represent the natural forces fire (Agni), wind (Vayu), sun (Surya) and earth (Prithvi). There are several icons used to symbolize these deities. The Shiva Lingam, which is used to represent Shiva, is an elongated column that looks much like an erect penis.

The lotus

This plant is representative of creation and is used to symbolize Vishnu, Brahma and Lakshmi.

Lotus Ring

More information click Lotus Flower

The Veena

This is an Indian stringed instrument that represents art and learning. It is also used for the goddess Saraswati and the sage Narada.