Posts Tagged ‘Swastik’

31
May

Swastik in Jainism

   Posted by: Tejash Shah    in God

Swastika symbol has much more relevance and significance in the Jain religion as compared to the Hindu religion. In Jainism, Swastika represents the Seventh Jina, more popularly known as the Tirthankara Suparsva. It is one of the most prominent auspicious symbols of the present era. In the cultural traditions of Svetambar Jains, Swastika is one of the main symbols of the ashta-mangalas. Read further to know the exact meaning and importance of Swastik in the Jain religion.

All the holy books of Jains have Swastika imprinted on them. Swastik can be seen in all the Jain temples. Each of the ceremonies of Jains begins with the creation of Swastik symbol numerous times around the altar. Jains make Swastik marks with rice in front of the images of deities in the temple. Swastik drawing is commonly referred to as Swastik rangoli. On completion of Swastik rangoli, Jains usually make an offering; which primarily consists of a fruit, dried fruit, sweet and sometimes a currency note.

In Jainism, Swastika has lot of importance, as it is the emblem of their seventh Tirthankara (saint). In the year 2001, the Government of India issued a 100-rupee coin to celebrate the 2600th anniversary of the birth of Mahavir, the 24th and last Jainist Tirthankara. The coin had the Swastika design on it. In the Jain religion, it is said that the Swastika denotes the four possible places of rebirth, namely heaven, hell, earth and animal or plant world.

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31
May

Swastik in Buddhism

   Posted by: Tejash Shah    in God

Swastika is a symbol of good fortune in Buddhist religion. It represents the footprints and heart of Buddha. Thus, it is considered to be very holy and extensively brought to use by Buddhists. Infact, in all the images of Gautam Buddha, you’ll find Swastik cross imprinted on his chest, palms and feet. It is one of the initial 65 symbols of auspiciousness associated with the footprint of the Buddha. Read further to know the meaning and significance of Swastika in Buddhism.

Swastika marks the beginning of all the Buddhist texts. Buddhist Swastika is more often viewed as a sign of infinity, affluence, abundance and long life. Swastika holds great importance in the Buddhist religion and thus, this religious mark can be found on almost all the Buddhist sites including the temples. The mark of Swastika is quite popular in Korea. It is used to decorate the altar cloths and miniature paintings.

Swastika symbol can be found on all such places, where Buddhists have left their imprints. Swastik symbolizes a being who has attained Nirvana from the cycle of birth and rebirth. The image of Lord Buddha depicts Swastika on each of the toes of his feet. Buddhists have actually borrowed Swastika from the Hindus. Buddhists use the symbol quite often, as it is believed to bring good luck, wealth, fortune and general wellbeing of mankind.

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31
May

Swastik in Hinduism

   Posted by: Tejash Shah    in God

The symbol of Swastika is considered to be highly auspicious and thus it is quite often used in the art and architecture of Hindus. It finds a special place for itself in the wedding decorations. Swastika designs can be found in temples, doorways, clothing, cars etc. Most of the wedding cards have the Swastik symbol imprinted on them. To know the meaning and significance of Swastika in Hinduism, read on.

The four wings of the Swastik cross point towards the four directions, namely North, East, South and West, which connotes stability, firmness and strength. It is used as the symbol of Sun, thereby representing Lord Surya. Swastika is regarded very sacred and therefore this motif is used to adorn almost all the things associated with the Hindu religion. Due to its holiness, it is used in all the Hindu yantras in the form of a religious symbol.

Most of the religious scriptures contain the design of Swastik. Even, the Hindu God Ganesha is depicted as sitting on a lotus flower kept on the bed of Swastikas. Swastika is one amongst the 108 symbols of Lord Vishnu. It signifies the rays of sun, which are precious for the existence of life. The right side of Swastika represents the rotation of sun, which begins from the Northern hemisphere and then proceeds to east, then south and finally west. Left side of Swastika is known as Sauvastika. It symbolizes Goddess Kali, who is portrayed in a very terrifying manner. She is considered to be the Goddess of darkness.

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31
May

Swastik

   Posted by: Tejash Shah    in God, Hinduism

Swastika symbol has a lot of relevance for people in India. Though, Swastik sign is adopted by people of all religions, but it is especially popular amongst the Hindus. The term Swastika has been derived from the Sanskrit word “Svastika”, which means well being. Swastika is considered to be a mark of auspiciousness and good fortune. Red Swastika is the sign of Hindus, which depicts a cross with four arms of equal lengths. The end of each of the arms is bent at a right angle. At times, dots are also added between the arms. To know about the meaning and significance of Svastika cross, read on.

In this section, we will cover the following aspects related to Indian Swastika:

History of Swastika Symbol Indo Aryans, Greeks, Hittites and Celts made an extensive use of the Swastika cross in the historic times. Swastika has been a sacred symbol of Hindus since ages. There are millions of people who support as well as advocate the use of Swastik; thereby popularizing it in such a manner that it seems to have its relevance not just in the past but also in the present society.

Significance of Swastik in Hinduism
The symbol of Swastika is considered to be highly auspicious and thus it is quite often used in the art and architecture of Hindus. It finds a special place for itself in the wedding decorations. Swastika designs can be found in temples, doorways, clothing, cars etc. Most of the wedding cards have the Swastik symbol imprinted on them.

Significance of Swastik in Buddhism
Swastika is a symbol of good fortune in Buddhist religion. It represents the footprints and heart of Buddha. Thus, it is considered to be very holy and extensively brought to use by Buddhists. Infact, in all the images of Gautam Buddha, you’ll find Swastik cross imprinted on his chest, palms and feet.

Significance of Swastik in Jainism
Swastika symbol has much more relevance and significance in the Jain religion as compared to the Hindu religion. In Jainism, Swastika represents the Seventh Jina, more popularly known as the Tirthankara Suparsva. It is one of the most prominent auspicious symbols of the present era. In the cultural traditions of Svetambar Jains, Swastika is one of the main symbols of the ashta-mangalas.

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