ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ
“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”

The Swastika is an ancient symbol that has been in use since the early Vedic period in India.

There is a belief that the Swastika originated in Dwaraka, the city of Lord Krisha.

The Swastika has religious connections with Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Odinism.

• In Hinduism, the devotees draw Swastika for festivals like Diwali, Pujas, and also for other rituals.

• In Buddhism, the Swastika is an icon on the footprints and hearts of the idols of Buddha.

• In Jainism, it is a symbol of the seven Tirthankaras.

The word Swastika originated from the Sanskrit words Su, which means good, and asti, which means existence.

So, Swastika refers to good fortune or well being.

People often draw Swastika to embrace prosperity, happiness, and purity.

During festivities and other occasions, worshippers adorn the threshold of the front entrance of their houses with the symbol of Swastika.

Different substances, including flowers, rice, dyed powder, can be used for making a Swastika.

You can decorate them further by lighting clay lamps or Diyas.

Meanings associated with Swastika: The Swastika has a plethora of meanings and symbolism.

There are references, which view Swastika as a representation of the Sun.

It has connections with the wheel or Chakra of life.

The lines of Swastika have a different symbolic meaning. They are-

• The horizontal line of the Swastika is a symbol of stability and expansion.

• The vertical line stands for the sign of creation.

• There are four lines at the end of the horizontal and vertical lines.

They are the symbols of continuous or eternal movement.

• The four dots are representations of the Vedas, the Yugas, and the Avasthas.

a) The four Vedas referred to here are the Rig Veda, the Sama Veda, the Yagur Veda, and the Atharva Veda.

b) There are four Yugas, as well.

They include Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Duapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga.

c) It is also related to the four main goals of our lives.

They are the Dharma or the right action, the Artha or the worldly prosperity, the Kama or the earthly enjoyment, and the Moksha or the spiritual liberation.

Significance of Swastika: The Swastika is a mystic symbol or mark. Devotees draw Swastika on the entrances of the houses and newly purchased products.

People also use Swastika as a mark on their bodies. It can cleanse, sanctify a place, attract good luck, peace, and prosperity.

The symbol is closely related to Lakshmi Devi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity and wealth.

There are many religious and scientific significances of drawing Swastika.

Religious Significance: The Swastika has a very sacred religious motif.

The Swastika was relevant as a concept of auspiciousness before it became a symbol due to the rise of ritual practices, festivals, temple traditions, and domestic worshipping in India.

• In Lakshmi Tantra, Swastika is a seating posture.

There is a reference to the drawing of a four-doored square diagram in the Eastern direction with eight-petalled lotus.

You have to make it in red or white color.

At the corners, you have to draw four Swastikas in white.

• In Lakshmi Tantra, the image of a square with a thunder mark represents the Earth principle, the half-moon shape with lotus marks stands for the water principle, and the triangular shape with the Swastika in red symbolizes the fire principle.

• The right-faced Swastika signifies prosperity and luck. It has connections with Lord Vishnu and the Sun god.

• The left-faced Swastika, which is commonly known as Sawastika, is a magical aspect associated with the Tantras and Kali.

• In Ganesha Purana, Swastika is a form of Lord Ganesh, and he sits on a lotus flower on a bed of Swastika. You can draw the Swastika to remove the obstacles of life.

• In Rig Veda hymns, Swastika is a symbol of the Surya Deva or the Sun God.

•Studies present Swastika as an indication of the Sudharshana Chakra used by Lord Vishnu.

• The two symbols of the Swastika represent the creator, God Brahman.

a) The right-facing Swastika is a representation of the evolution of the Universe or Pravritti.

b) The left-facing Swastika is a symbol of the involution of the Universe or Nivritti.

There are references to Swastika in Mandukya and Katha Upanishads as well.

The four directions pointed by the Swastika indicate grounding and stability.

Devotees use Swastikas predominantly to decorate different items in Hindu culture, Yantras, and religious designs.

Scientific Significance: In Vastu Shastra, based on balancing the five elements or Panchabhootas, the drawing of Swastika at different places of the house can remove the imbalances in these elements.

They can enhance the energy flow as well.

As per Vastu Shastra, the drawing of Sawatika in different directions can have various benefits.

• North-Northeast – It helps in improving our health and speeds up recovery.

• Northeast – It provides mental peace, enhances calmness and creativity.

• East – It aids in fostering our social associations.

• East-Southeast – It helps in easing anxiety and tension.

• South-Southeast – It improves our confidence and strength.

• West-Southwest – It provides educational benefits.

• West-Northeast – It reduces the chances of confronting depression.

• North-Northwest- It helps in improving our relationships.

These are some of the importance of drawing the Swastika.

They can ward off negativity or evil forces. They can invite positive energy into our lives.

How to draw Swastika and what to use for it?: While drawing a Swastika, often, people start with a plus sign and progress from it. It is the wrong method of doing it.

The intersection of the lines in the middle can bring negative energy.

You have to draw the Swastika without the lines cutting each other.

Usually, devotees use turmeric, vermillion, rice, dyed powder, and flowers for making a Swastika during festive days, pujas, and other religious rituals.

Swastika, thus, is an auspicious symbol in Hinduism.

It can improve positivity, good fortune, prosperity, and happiness in our lives.

The Swastika Symbol Origin & Meaning

The Swastika Symbol

Today, the symbol of the swastika is strongly associated with some of the greatest evils of the twentieth century. The swastika symbol was famously used by Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Party during the Second World War. However, the question of where the swastika originated is actually much more complicated. The swastika’s meaning has changed drastically over the centuries; in many cultures, it had or still has a generally positive meaning.

The swastika is a cross with right-angled arms extending from each line. In contemporary Japan, China, India, and other regions, the swastika is still used in its original context and it does not carry the negative symbolism that it has in other parts of the world. It has cultural and religious ties that have not been severed by its checkered history, though its use in many parts of the world sparks intense negative emotion.

Swastika Origin

What is a swastika and what does it mean? It is impossible to give just one swastika definition, because the truth is that this symbol was developed independently by many different cultures. There is evidence that the symbol has been in use since as early as 10,000 BCE according to archaeological finds. This puts the swastika’s origin as early as the Neolithic Period. It was also used in the Indus Valley Civilization starting around 2500 BCE and it remains in use in parts of India today. Although the symbol has had many different names, the term ”swastika” comes from Sanskrit. Its etymology means ”well-being” or ”good luck.”

The Swastika in the 20th Century

In the early decades of the twentieth century, the symbolism of the swastika began to change rapidly. What did the Nazi symbol mean when compared to the peaceful, positive origins of the swastika? As previously noted, the swastika was originally adopted in parts of Europe in part as a way to connect to ancient Greek and Roman cultures. That desire for cultural connection developed into dangerous ideas about racial purity and the creation of the concept of the ”Aryan race” that was crucial to Nazi ideology.

In 1920, the increasingly powerful German Nazi Party adopted the swastika its official symbol. Other far-right nationalist political groups also used it. The swastika became a symbol for nationalism, authoritarianism, and racial homogeneity. In the years that followed, the Nazi Party took control in Germany and started the Holocaust, a genocide that sought to destroy ”non-Aryan” populations, namely Jewish people. Because of the horrors of the Holocaust and the Second World War, the symbolism of the swastika changed forever.

Lesson Summary

The swastika is a symbol of a cross with four right-angled arms extending from it in either a clockwise or a counter-clockwise formation. The symbol is very old: it likely originated in the Neolithic Period as early as 10,000 BCE. It took on religious symbolism in the Indus Valley Civilization around 2500 BCE and its name comes from Sanskrit. It originally symbolized well-being, good luck, and peace in various religions. The swastika is still an important symbol in Hinduism, Buddhism, and some other religions today. In Hinduism, it likely originally symbolized the sun moving across the sky.

In the nineteenth century, archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann brought the symbol to Germany. It became a symbol of the power of the ancient Greeks and ancient Romans and was adopted by those who wanted to emulate that power. The German Nazi Party adopted the swastika as their official symbol in 1920. Because of the horrors of the Holocaust and the Second World War, the swastika has taken on an extremely negative connotation. It is still used by Neo-Nazi political parties as a symbol of their beliefs. In Germany and some other countries, displaying the swastika in any context is illegal.

Swastika Design Symbol History

History of the Swastika Design Symbol – 12,000 Years and Counting

What is the “Swastika”?

The term “swastika” refers to a symbol that has been used for thousands of years in various cultures and religious traditions. It is a geometric shape with arms bent at right angles, resembling a cross with its ends bent at 90-degree angles.

Historically, the swastika has been a sacred symbol in many cultures around the world, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Native American traditions. In these contexts, it represents positive concepts such as auspiciousness, good fortune, prosperity, and well-being.

However, the swastika is most commonly associated with the Nazi Party and Adolf Hitler’s regime during World War II. The Nazis adopted a modified version of the swastika, tilted at an angle, as their emblem. This particular form of the swastika, known as the “Hakenkreuz” in German, became a symbol of hate, intolerance, and genocide due to the atrocities committed by the Nazis.

It is important to note that the original swastika symbol predates its association with the Nazis by thousands of years and holds different meanings in various cultural and religious contexts. Nevertheless, due to the heinous actions of the Nazis, the swastika is now widely recognized as a symbol of hate, and its public use is banned or heavily regulated in many countries to prevent its association with Nazism and the Holocaust.

Why The Swastika Became A “Nazi symbol”?

When dealing with antique rugs, or anything ancient really, we cant talk about designs and patterns without mentioning the controversial “Nazi symbol” of the swastika. In our modern day and age, the swastika has become a symbol that is closely associated with hate. This is because of its association with one of the most destructive, evil and aggressive political regimes that have ever walked our planet earth: The National Socialist German Workers’ Party / Nazis for short.

Since their rise to power during the late 1920’s and early 1930’s, the Nazis party, under the direction of their dictator Adolf Hitler, imposed their beliefs onto the swastika and forever tainted it with notions of white supremacy, anti-Antisemitism, hate, racism and bigotry as the swastika was the main “Nazi symbol”.

It should be noted, though, that Hitler did not choose an arbitrary symbol to represent his party. In fact, the swastika was a symbol used in many different contexts, extending back thousands of years before the Nazi party even existed. Like many white supremacists who were active during the 20th century, Hitler was well aware of the precedent already present in the symbolism, instead using that as a key factor in establishing a sense of solidarity to support his ideology.

This type of change and co-opting does not happen overnight, though. In order to understand how a symbol can be transformed into a hate sign over time, it is important to familiarize ourselves with its history.

Who fist suggested using the swastika as the symbol of the Nazi party?

The exact origin of the idea to use the swastika as the symbol of the Nazi Party is not definitively attributed to a single individual. However, it is known that Adolf Hitler and other prominent Nazi members, including Heinrich Himmler and Joseph Goebbels, were involved in the decision to adopt the swastika as the party’s emblem.

Adolf Hitler himself had an interest in symbolism and ancient history, and he likely played a significant role in the decision to use the swastika. Hitler and other Nazi leaders believed in the idea of an Aryan master race and sought to create a connection between their ideology and ancient Aryan symbols, including the swastika. Hitler’s personal involvement in the design and selection of the symbol is apparent from his writings and speeches.

Why did the Nazis choose the swastika as their symbol?

The Nazis chose the swastika as their symbol primarily due to its historical and cultural significance, but they repurposed it to align with their ideology. The swastika itself is an ancient symbol that has been used for thousands of years in various cultures around the world, including in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Native American traditions. It was often associated with concepts like luck, well-being, and prosperity.

The Nazi Party, led by Adolf Hitler, adopted the swastika as their emblem in the early 1920s. Hitler and other Nazi leaders believed that the symbol had Aryan origins and could be used to represent their vision of a racially pure and dominant Aryan race. They saw the swastika as a way to evoke a sense of nationalistic pride, historical continuity, and the supposed superiority of their ideology.

The Nazis heavily propagated their version of the swastika in various forms, such as banners, armbands, and other insignia. This symbol became deeply associated with their radical ideology and actions during their time in power, including the Holocaust and World War II.

The Nazis’ use of the swastika is a classic example of cultural appropriation and distortion of a symbol’s original meaning. The Nazi appropriation of the swastika design symbol has led to its being almost universally associated with hate, racism, and genocide. Sadly, as a result, the original positive meanings of the swastika have been largely overshadowed by the Nazi’s dark historical use.

So, what is the history of the swastika symbol?

The history of the swastika symbol begins with the word itself: “swastika”. The word “swastika” has its origins in Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-European language of India.

“Swastika” is a combination of two Sanskrit words:

“Su” (सु): This means “good” or “well” in Sanskrit.
“Asti” (अस्ति): This means “to be” or “is” in Sanskrit.

When these two words are combined, they form “Swasti” (स्वस्ति), which can be translated to “well-being” or “good fortune” in English. The swastika symbol itself is an ancient and widely used symbol of auspiciousness and good luck in Indian religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.

The swastika symbol itself has been a positive and revered symbol in many cultures for thousands of years. The “swastika” association with Nazi Germany during the 20th century has caused significant controversy and led to its prohibition in some countries as a symbol of hate and discrimination. As such, it is crucial to be aware of the context and historical significance when encountering this symbol.

The different names of the “swastika”

Despite the Sanskrit origin, though, there are many other cultures that have different names for the swastika symbol.

Here is how the swastika is referred to in different countries / languages:

Germany – “Hakenkreuz”
Japan – “Manji”
England – “Fylfot”
China – “Wan”
Greece – “Tetraskelion”

Though there are different names for the design pattern itself, the swastika is depicted in mostly the same manner no matter which culture it appears in.

P.R. Sarkar, the acclaimed Sanskrit scholar, noted, in 1979, that there is an underlying meaning to the word that is not commonly addressed. He summarized that the word swastika is meant to be an analogy for a deep sense of victory, often equated with long lasting or permanent connotations. This definition of the symbol does not mean that it inherently serves a specific agenda, though; the swastika design symbol has been used throughout history in many different ways.

For example, in Buddhism the swastika symbol represents another type of prosperity focusing on one’s abundance and eternal satisfaction. This interpretation can be directly ascribed to the belief system of the Buddha that the philosophy is based off of, often warranting it to be placed with the Buddha on statues and in paintings.

Despite this being the most commonly thought of usage of the symbol when thinking about examples to predate Nazi ideology, it is not the earliest usage of the swastika. In fact, the earliest swastika we currently know of is from about 12,000 years ago and was discovered in Mezine, Ukraine. Because of its city of origin, the swastika is referred to as the “Mezine Swastika” and is currently known as the earliest manifestation of the symbol.

The Mezine Swastika was reportedly used in cultures found in Southern Europe in ancient times, specifically within Neolithic cultures that were found in places we now know as the Baltic’s. The swastika being used in mythology also extends to Nordic traditions, specifically being referenced in tales regarding the god Odin (the father of Thor). In this iteration, the symbol is used to represent Odin while he is traveling through space, his body looking down on the mortals that inhabit the earth.

Around the same period of time, the swastika was being used in similar manners around the world. For example, the Greeks also used the symbol as a way to link heaven and earth, showing the multiple arms as connecting the symbol just as much to the mortal world as the mythological one.

Indigenous populations in Northern USA have also been known to have utilized the symbol in their ceremonies. In particular, this symbol appears in multiple facets of Native American Navajo culture.

No matter which instance you look at, though, the linking factor between these pre-Nazi uses of the swastika seems to be a sense of prosperity, prominence and good fortune. Basically a positive symbol that is also associated with strength, the sun and the gods. Because of these associations, it makes sense as to why Hitler would misuse the symbol to perpetuate his ideology of white supremacy. This is due to the fact that most white supremacy circles focus on preserving some notion of identity in order to ensure strong communities around their beliefs.

After reading about the many different uses for the symbol over the years, it is unfortunate to remember that the most prominent use of the swastika in contemporary society is its reputation as a hate symbol. Symbols can be incredibly powerful artifacts in both modern culture and religion, allowing us to indicate when to use windshield wipers or how to spread harmful ideology. Understanding the specific nuance of the different symbols around us can help us learn about the culture we live in. Often times, the inflections and representation of certain patterns and design symbols can reflect the culture from which they come.

Learning about the history of the symbol and being able to educate ourselves on how it got there can help us recognize when this happens to other ideas or symbols in our culture. The purpose of learning about the swastika’s history is not to separate it from the genocidal ideology associated with it, but instead understand how it got that way and why the Nazis decided to co-opt it for their own devious intentions.

The Swastika Designs Symbol And Antique Rugs

We do see rugs and carpets that feature the Swastika design symbol. But at Nazmiyal we deal mostly with antique carpets that predate the Nazi party. So naturally, the rug weavers did not have any reason not to incorporate this iconic and positive symbol (positive during their time at least).

That said, being Jewish, its not hard for us to empathize with those that still feel a strong aversion to decorating with rugs that feature bear the swastika symbol. Though some antique Oriental rugs will suffer as result of the modern association with the design pattern, its important to note that these beautiful pieces pay the price through no fault of their own. While some may not want to live with the a rug that has the swastika symbol, we do hope that all people, across all cultures, can recognize the important and positive roll this design played for thousands of years and throughout so many cultures around the globe well before anyone ever heard of Hitler or is despicable Nazi party.

Here are some “innocent” and beautiful antique rugs that feature the swastika pattern:

17th Century Antique Chinese Ninghsia Rug 49999

The history of the swastika: From a sign of luck and fortune to a symbol of evil

The Meaning and Significance of Swastik

Origin

The word Swastik has a definite etymological origin in Sanskrit. It is derived from the roots su – meaning “well or auspicious” and as meaning “being”.

Su asti yena tat swastikam

Swastik is that symbol through which everything auspicious occurs.

Scholars believe the word’s origin in the Vedas, known as the Swasti mantra;

Aum swasti na indro vruddhasharvaha swasti nah pusha vishvavedaha

Swastinastarkshyo arishtanemihi swastino bruhaspatirdadhatu.

O famed Indra, redeem us. O Pusha, the beholder of all knowledge, redeem us. Redeem us O Garudji, of limitless speed and O Bruhaspati, redeem us.

This can be represented as a figure in the manner discussed below.

Swastik’s cosmic origin

The swastika represents the living creation in the whole cosmos. Hindu astronomers divide the ecliptic circle of the Cosmos in 27 divisions known as Nakshatras (asterisms). They are named after a prominent start or asterism in the respective parts of the Zodiac.

Opposite Chitra nakshatra lies Revati, the last and 27th asterism. Its presiding deity is Pusha.

Midway between Chitra and Revati, lies the 22nd, Shravan nakshatra. Its presiding deity is Vishnu, represented by his vehicle Garud (cited in the mantra above as arishtanemi)

Midway from Revati, towards Chitra lies Pushya, the 8th nakshatra, whose presiding deity is Bruhaspati.

In this manner, across forms in four directions in the celestial sky. At the center of this cross is Dhruva (Polestar).

In a line from Dhruva, the starts known as Saptarishi can be observed. Saptarishi means seven rishis (sapta – rishis). In the present yuga of Vaivasvat Manu, the seven rishis are

Gautam
Bhardhvaj
Vishvamitra
Kashyap
Jamadagni
Vasishtha
Atri
A smaller start lies next to Vasishtha, which is Arundhati, his wife. These Saptarishis revolve (perform pradakshina) around Dhruva.

By drawing a line connecting the cross and the Saptarishis, the swastika is formed. In this way, the whole cosmos is incorporated in the swastika. When the swastika is imprinted during a puja ritual, the underlying sentiment is of veneration to all the living creation in the whole Cosmos, represented by the seven rishis.

Swastik in Rituals

Being an auspicious symbol with such inherently profound sentiments, the swastika is therefore used during puja rites and rituals by Hindus. They imprint this using dry or wet kumkum on new articles, appliances, vehicles, the entrance of new business premises or home, etc. The underlying sentiment is that “let the article (being offered pujan) be redemptive (kalyankari) in life, not only for a mundane purpose but also to aid one on the spiritual path, towards moksha. Ultimately, for an aspirant any article, whether a PC or a car, should enable him/her to progress towards moksha. This is in consonance with Sanatan Dharma’s idea of attaining the four endeavours (purusharthas) of life; dharma, artha, kama and moksha.
The swastika symbolizes mangalya – auspiciousness, peace, harmony and success in all ventures embarked upon in life.
Swastik is a symbolic form of Aum-kar.
It is a symbol of sacredness that wards off evil elements and heralds good fortune.
Swastik is imprinted on doorways of houses and ingrained in the flooring of mandirs as a symbolic form of auspiciousness.
It depicts; Surya, the “wheel of life” and four directions. In India, the swastika has eternally embodied the following sentiments;
Kalyan (ultimate liberation) – swasti – auspicious, kalyan, ka – doer – one that bestows kalyan
Man’s quest to attain spiritual knowledge
Prayer on behalf of all jivas for moksha
Encompasses the whole cosmos.
A symbol of Lakshmi – devi of wealth.
A symbol of Vishnu. Its four bars represent Vishnu’s four hands and Vishnu is the protector of the four directions (Vishnu Purana)
Protection from the four directions.
The symbol representing Sanatan Dharma and its sentiment of peace and moksha for all mankind.

Swastik in other cultures

Swastik was known and often commonly used as a symbol of fortune and prosperity in many other ancient cultures and lands as found on various artefacts discovered worldwide in different countries like Egypt, Greece, Italy, Japan, England, and the USA.

In 1889, Flinders Petrie discovered Greek pottery fragments with a Swastik in Naucratis, Egypt of the 12th dynasty, circa 3000 BCE. The oldest painted swastika appears in a Paleolithic case dating back 10.000 years. It was also found on early Christian tombs and on 2000 years-old Jewish temples in Palestine. Though the Swastik may have been used as a religious symbol in these religions, it did not have the same meaning of being redemptive (kalyankari), as it does in Hinduism. Neither did these religions have an exact etymological (relating to the origin and historical development of words and their meanings) origin for the word “Swastik”.

Such ubiquitous occurrence of only one symbol, the Swastika, throughout the ancient world from Europe, North, Central and South America to China and Japan, presents a compelling proposition; that of migration of people out of India. In his well-researched book, The Swastika, Thomas Wilson, in 1896 posited precisely this theory:

“If the Swastika was a symbol of religion in Indian and migrated as such in times of antiquity to America, it was necessarily by human aid…. Is it not equally strong evidence of contact to find the same sign used in both the counties as a charm, with the same significance in both counties?”

Furthermore, considering the probability of independent invention, Wilson opined, “….the chances of a duplicate invention by different persons in distant countries, without contact or communication between them, are almost as one to infinity”.

The Swastik then can well be presented as a tangible and contributory piece of evidence along with other findings which have recently emerged, for the case of people migrating out of Bharat and not invading it. In their recent book, Hidden Horizons – Uncovering 10,000 years of Indian Culture, (2006), N.S. Rajaram and David Frawley present irrefutable and impressive scientific evidence supporting this event, from diverse sources such as the human genome project, natural history, satellite images of the great Vedic Saraswati river’s paleo channels, flora, fauna, and climate in the Vedic literature and astronomical events in the Vedas.

The Swastik is one of the 16 sacred signs found on the lotus-feet of the Supreme Reality – Parabrahman Purushottam Narayan, the Supreme God, present in many different forms. In the Padma Purana, Brahma describes these to Naradji. Swastik is one of the eight signs on the right sole. In his Vaishnavatoshini commentary on the Shrimad Bhagvatam, Jiva Goswami cites that of these 16 signs, the more the number found on the soles of an avatar, whether two, four, five, the greater the avatar.

MEANING OF THE SWASTIKA IN BUDDHISM AND HINDUISM

The word “swastika” is derived from the Sanskrit svastika – “su” (“good” or “auspicious”) united with “asti” (“it is”), along with the diminutive suffix “ka.” The swastika literally means, “It is good” or”all is well”. The swastika is a cross with four arms of equal length, with the ends of each arm bent at a right angle. It is found worldwide in the art of the Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, Celts, Native Americans, and Persians. It is also related to Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and is used in the flag of the Nazi Party. People use swastika as a charm to bring good fortune.

Meaning of swastika in Hinduism

It is believed that the word appeared for the first time Harivamsha Puranaand is noted to be absent in the Vedic Sanskrit. The word is found to be used, both in Ramayana and Mahabharata, but with a different meaning. Hindus consider the swastika as a symbol of auspiciousness, prosperity, and good fortune and use it to mark the opening pages of account books, pooja, doors, offerings, and thresholds. It is believed to have the power to ward off misfortune and negative forces from its surroundings.

The swastika is considered as Lord Ganesha, by some sects of Hindu people, and is worshiped to bring in good luck or fortune. Some people believe that the swastika’s cross represents God and creation. They consider the four bent arms stand for the four human aims (purushartha) – righteousness (dharma), wealth (artha), love (kama), and liberation, (moksha). It is a persuasive emblem of Sanatana Dharma (the eternal truth). Swastika also represents the world wheel, where the eternal life keeps on changing from one point to another, around the fixed center, God.

In Hinduism, the right-hand (clockwise) swastika is one of the 108 symbols of the sun and the god Vishnu, while the left-hand (counterclockwise) swastika represents the night, Goddess Kali, and magic. It is also regarded as a symbol of the muladhara chakra, the center of consciousness at the base of the spine.

Meaning of swastika in Buddhism

Just like the Hindus, the Buddhists also used the swastika to mark the beginning of Buddhist texts as they consider it a symbol of universal harmony, prosperity, plurality, good luck, abundance, dharma, fertility, long life, and eternity. In different parts of the world, the swastika is given a different meaning by the Buddhist. For instance, In Tibet, the swastika was a graphical representation of eternity. There are 65 auspicious symbols on the footprint of the Buddha and the swastika is considered as the first one. You can also find the swastika symbol imprinted on the body, palms, chest, or feet of Buddha. It is used to mark the beginning of sacred texts or as a clothing decoration. The Buddhists in India, consider swastika as “The Seal on Buddha’s Heart.”

From ancient times, Swastika is considered noble, which is prominent in most cultures throughout history. It is also the most liked symbol of Aryans.

6 Things You Need to Know About the Symbolism of the Swastika

1) The Four Limbs Represent the Four Vedas: The left represents the Rig Veda, the top the Yajur Veda, the right the Sama Veda, and the bottom, the Atharva. Together these form the foundational teachings of Hinduism, representing several millennia of spiritual exploration and insight.

2) They Represent the Four Stages of Life: Clockwise from top: Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha, Sannyasa. These are the four ashrama, or stages of life. When you are young you are in the brahmacharya stage, a student. After that comes the householder stage, grihastha. Then later in life comes vanaprastha, where you become a retired elder. Finally, a renunciation of material comforts and desires takes over during the final stage of sannyasa. Some people, after going through the brahmacharya stage, devote their entire lives to spiritual pursuits and enter sannyasa then.

3) And the Four Goals of Life: Accompanying the four stages of life are the four goals of life, the purusharta, (clockwise from left): Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha. Very briefly, these are the four aims of life, and really encompass all the human experience. Dharma is the pursuit of living with a mode of conduct most conducive to spiritual advancement; artha is the pursuit of prosperity; kama is seeking pleasure in life; moksha is spiritual liberation—the ultimate goal.

4) They Also Can Be Taken to Represent the Four Yugas: In Hinduism, time is conceived of both cyclically and over vast epochs. These can be mapped onto the arms of the swastika (clockwise from left) as Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dvapara Yuga, and finally Kali Yuga. The latter is both the shortest of the ages, and the one which we are now in.

5) The Four Seasons: Though not everyplace on Earth experiences the seasons in the same way and some places translate the procession of the year’s natural phenomena in different terms, the four limbs of the swastika can also be taken to represent winter, spring, summer, fall. The procession of the seasons mirroring the procession of the stages of life.

6) And the Four Directions: One final, and very basic way to interpret the four limbs of the swastika is that the represent the four directions. North, south, east, west. All of the planet is represented in the auspiciousness of the swastika. Be well.

What is Swastika ?

In Sanskrit it is Swasti. ‘Su’ means well; ‘asti’ means being. Thus it represents well- being or good fortune.

What is Swastika ?

Later, both in Hindu and Buddhist tradition, it became symbol of law. It also implies movement, time and life and symbolizes the progress of the sun through the heavens and also sun worship. It is very old pre Vedic, indigenous to India and has mystic meaning and is an abstract representation of metaphysical forces of power. The right hand or clockwise Swastika represents evolution and the left hand or anticlockwise represents the winter sun. it is an attribute of Brahma, Vishnu, Ganesh and Shakti.

The Ancient and Auspicious Swastika

Earlier this year, I went on a search to a small Indian market in Berkeley for some platters for truffles. From a previous trip there, I remembered there were beautiful copper plates and pots. To my surprise on my trip back to the market, I found a copper plate decorated with a Swastika. Seeing the Swastika used for it’s original purpose put a smile on my face. Then, I had a sudden realization that using these platters at the chocolate shop would require a lot of explaining.

The Swastika symbol has been used for thousands of years (in almost all human civilizations) as a sign for good luck, protection, as a materialization of life, and the changing seasons of the year. Especially common in India, the word itself stems from the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit. The term Swastika, or Svastika, as it’s written in Sanskrit, means “all is well,” or alternatively, “being happy.” The root word, svasti (sv = well; asti = is), is another term implying good fortune, luck, and well-being.

Needless to say, the various symbolic meanings listed above are heavily inconsistent with how the Western world perceives the Swastika. The symbol was adopted by the Nazi Party during World War II, as they held the belief that the symbol was Aryan, and signified racial purity and superiority. The appearance of the symbol was altered by Adolf Hitler, in order to suit the needs of the Nazi movement. This resulted in two basic variations of the Swastika image, to which far different values are attached.

The traditional Swastika is a cross with four arms of equal length, with the end of each arm bent at a right angle (clockwise or counterclockwise). It sometimes features four dots, in the spaces between the arms. But the main feature separating the traditional and Nazi variations is that the traditional Swastika rests flat on one side, never on a single point.

The Nazi Swastika also has four arms bent at right angles, but rests on a single point, like a diamond. So, instead of somewhat resembling a cross, the Nazi variation instead forms a central “X” shape. Nazi representations also seem to feature thicker lines, on the whole.

Hitler’s alterations to the Swastika were made painstakingly, or perhaps even obsessively. Many different drafts of the Nazi Flag are chronicled in his manifesto, Mein Kampf.

Despite it’s complicated history within the past century, the Swastika still is considered sacred in a number of traditions. As stated above, Hindu usage of the Swastika is still prevalent and wide-ranging. In addition to being a traditional emblem of good luck and wellness, it can also represent Brahma, the god of creation. Furthermore, the Swastika can represent rebirth, seasonal change, and the cyclical nature of the universe. The very shape of the Swastika elicits thoughts of circular movement and constancy, representing the turning of the earth on its axis, to the planets’ rotation around the sun, and everything in between.

In a Buddhist context , the swastika means resignation, or acceptance. For that reason, the symbol is often present in images of Buddha, on his hands, feet, or chest.

Within the context of Jainism, the swastika’s four arms represent the four possible outcomes of rebirth: to be a demigod, a human, a non-human animal or plant, or, least desirable, a hell-dweller of any variety. Each of the four arms leads to a different outcome, but all outcomes include some form of reincarnation.

The Thai word for ‘Hello’ is S̄wạs̄dī (sa-wat-dee). Click here and then click on the ‘listen icon’ to hear the Thai word for hello, which sounds quite similar to ‘Swastika’ when pronounced aloud. Breaking down the meaning of hello in Thai, ‘sa-wat’ means blessings or good fortune and ‘dee’ means [is] good.

Furthermore, you can see the symbol in art and architecture the world over, and from many different eras. Here are a few examples below:

The swastika is often featured on exteriors of homes and temples in countries like India and Indonesia.

In ancient Greece, a single Swastika was commonly used on pottery.

At the end of my chocolate platter search, I opted not to purchase the swastika platter. Instead I bought an om platter. It’s a safer bet not to offend anyone and an auspicious symbol just the same. Even though the platter I found is one of good luck and well-being, the thought of offending a customer or eliciting negative emotions in what should be a happy experience of buying and eating chocolate, cannot be ignored. A chocolate shop is not a place for a swastika conversation piece, at least not yet. But perhaps this post can foster a bit of healing and education.

The Meaning And Significance Of Swastika In Hinduism

The symbol of swastika (alt. svastika) is a great example of what happened to Hinduism in Europe and outside India. The Europeans saw in the symbol a variation of the cross. They also felt it was a symbol of the sun. In today’s world, some people consider it a symbol of galaxy. These are nothing but constructs. Just as some European scholars invented the theory that Hinduism and Sanskrit were the inventions of the Aryans from Europe who invaded India, or yoga was a secular practice that had nothing to do with Hinduism, we have now many ideas and constructions which suggest that Swastika was a variation of the cross, symbol of sun, bird, hexagram, crescent moon, movement of time, comet or a galaxy.

References to Swasitak in Hindu scriptures

The truth is Swastika is a Hindu ritual word and an ancient symbol of Hinduism. It is an auspicious symbol which has been in use since the early Vedic period (about 2500 BCE or so). Since it has been popular and widely used across many cultures in the Indian subcontinent since millenniums,, it has both secular and religious meanings. Further, it was never used in the country of its origin, even vaguely or remotely, in a racial or discriminatory sense to denote the authority, superiority or supremacy of any particular group or religion. It has always been used to cleanse and sanctify a place or attract good luck, peace and prosperity. It has always been and still is a ritual word used for purification and sanctification.

References to swasti or swastika can be found in many scriptures of Hinduism. The following ones are a few examples.

After sitting in a posture of either cakra, padma or swastika as he pleases… Lakshmi Tantra 28:40-44.

Drawing as mentioned before a four-doored square diagram in the eastern direction, (the adept) should draw an eight petalled lotus in white and red. He should then draw four svastikas in white at the four corners (of the square). Lakshmi Tantra 6:2-3.

The superb image of the earth is square and possesses a thunder mark on it. (The image) of water is considered to be half moon shape, white and possesses a lotus mark. (That) of fire is said to be triangular, marked with the swastika and red in color. Lakshmi Tantra 54:17-18.

“namaste’stu brahman svasti me’stu (Salutations Brahmana, may good happen to me by this).” Yama to Nachiketa in the Katha Upanishad (1.9).

“aumity evam dhyayatha atmanam svasti vah paraya tamasah parastat.” (Meditate upon Aum with your mind fixed in your Self. May you fare well in crossing over to the other shore beyond darkness). Mundaka Upanishad (2.2.6).

“svasti na indro vrddha-sravah, svasti nah písha visva-vedah, svasti nas tarkshayo arishtanemih, svasti no brhaspatir dadhatu. aum santih santih santih.” An invocation to gods, the Mandukya Upanishad.

Early Evidence

In the stone ages and proto history, ancient tribes and pastoral people might have used several symbols as their totem symbols or to practice magic and rituals. Therefore, it is possible that some symbols that closely resemble the Swastika might have been used in different regions of the world by some ancient tribes. However, the Swastika that we know today did not originate from them. India has been the only country where the word and the symbol have been used uninterruptedly at least for 4000-5000 years The German connection

Unfortunately, due to its association with the Nazi party in Germany, since the second world war Swastika has acquired a very negative reputation in the West. From the perspective of Hinduism, considering Swastika an evil or negative symbol is similar to calling the day as night. It is what happens when the bad people takeover something that is good and auspicious. It happened to Swastika. As Sri Aurobindo said, it also happened to wealth. Wealth is considered an evil in many parts of the world, because it is largely under the control of asuric forces. When good people fall into the company of the bad, the association itself creates doubts and confusion in the minds of people. If today a person wears a symbol of Swastika on his shirt and goes to a restaurant owned by Jews, he may be asked to leave because it invokes such strong emotions. It will be worse if that person happens to be a Caucasian because he may be mistaken for a Klan member. We must be thankful that Hitler spared the symbol of Aum and the practice of Yoga. Otherwise, we would have had trouble practicing yoga or uttering Aum.

It may be true that Swastika might have been used by several cultures in the ancient world. However, since the earliest times it has carried a great significance in Hinduism only. As we understand today, the Swastika was essentially a Vedic invention and a very sacred religious motif. For the ancient Indians it was not just a symbol, but an important concept. The symbol became prominent later, especially with the rise of ritual practices, festivals, temple traditions, and domestic, ritual worship in ancient India. Before that, Swastika was used in Vedic rituals both as a sacred world and a sacred symbol. Its importance seems to have grown further with the emergence of Tantra and the rise in the popularity of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, good fortune and prosperity, as it was used in the construction of various Yantras and Chakras.

Swasti

In the Vedic tradition, the word Swastika originated from the root word Swasti, which has several secular and religious meanings. The following are some of the common meanings attributed to the word Swasti in standard Sanskrit dictionaries.

1. A parting word used in the sense of may you be well, farewell to you, or goodbye.

2. A word used as an adjective at the beginning of another word or phrase to denote wellness. For example, swasti bhavate, swasti nama, swasti vacanam, svasyastu, swasti bhava (Shivam, or auspicious state), or swastimukha (a person, a bard, or a singer who utters auspicious mantras or prayers). In Hindi, the word swasth means health or good health.

3. A word used in conjunction with certain ritual practices that are meant to bring peace and prosperity. Example: Swasti-ayanam (making auspicious offerings during or after the ritual), or Swasti vacanam (uttering auspicious mantras before the commencement of a ritual).

4. A word as a noun or verb to denote speaking good, saying auspicious words, uttering a benediction or a blessing by a Brahmana after receiving his fees (dakshinas) from the host for performing the sacrifice, or uttering mantras for peace and prosperity.

5. Saying congratulations, or making an auspicious or congratulatory gift of flowers, etc., with good intentions, best wishes, and blessings. For example: swastivacyam.

6. The word is also used to denote the end or conclusion of a ritual, a meeting or an activity, during which the participants would say, “Swasti,” and retire. The proper ending of any ritual with the utterance of concluding mantras is also called saying swasti. Thus, structurally a Vedic ritual begins with swasti and ends with swasti.

7. Svasti was also used in names. For example Aupasvasti was a Upanishadic teacher mentioned in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad.

Swastika

From the above it is evident that originally swasti, was used as a ritual word that acquired in due course certain social, salutary, mental, physical, and material connotations. Swastika was one of its derivative expressions. It became equally popular among the people of India because of its religious significance and auspicious nature. However, in Hinduism swastika is not just auspicious symbol, or a good luck charm. It has several meanings, which are listed below.

1. An auspicious and mystic symbol or mark either on the body of a person, or a place, or on a thing to denote good luck and fortune, currently associated with goddess Lakshmi and other deities.

2. Any lucky object that is supposed to bring good fortune, peace and happiness.

3. The meeting point of four roads. (This may be because the place where four roads meet, is the meeting place of the four guardians of directions (dikpalas), whereby the sanctity of the place is quadrupled. Also where four roads meet, there are better chances of meeting more people, doing more business, and more wealth coming to the traders from all directions). The cross roads is a frequently appearing symbol in the seals of the Indus Valley Civilization (5000 BC-2000 BC) as show below

.There is no evidence that Swastika has been used on such a massive scale and for so long by common people anywhere else except in India. Because of its widespread popularity and positive image, it found its way into Buddhism and Jainism also. These religions did not invent Swastika as some want to argue. They adapted it.

The German connection

Swasti

1. A parting word used in the sense of may you be well, farewell to you, or goodbye.

5. Saying congratulations, or making an auspicious or congratulatory gift of flowers, etc., with good intentions, best wishes, and blessings. For example: swastivacyam.

7. Svasti was also used in names. For example Aupasvasti was a Upanishadic teacher mentioned in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad.

Swastika

1. An auspicious and mystic symbol or mark either on the body of a person, or a place, or on a thing to denote good luck and fortune, currently associated with goddess Lakshmi and other deities.

2. Any lucky object that is supposed to bring good fortune, peace and happiness.

4. One of the sitting postures in the practice of Lakshmi Tantra.

5. The crossing of the arms across the chest like a cross. This seems to be a reference to the upper body, the auspicious place where the heart is located.

6. A palace, temple, or building built according to certain specifications with a terrace in the front.

7. A triangular symbol made with rice for use in certain rituals.

8. A kind of a cake, which was probably used to improve health and wellbeing.

9. A free spirited happy woman or maiden. (Who would not feel good to see a happy, cheerful, and free spirited woman?)

10. A particular mode of sitting by a yogini in the Tantra.

11. Garlic, which is considered a purifier and source of good health.

From the above it is clear that the symbol of Swastika, and the prayers and practices associated with Swastika were meant to purify ritual places, protect oneself from evil spirits, sickness and misfortune, and invite peace, prosperity and auspiciousness into one’s home, mind and body. The word is essentially associated with good health, which in itself is a great wealth, and source of purity, happiness, and common good. It is an irony of history that such a positive and auspicious word acquired such a negative meaning in the last century due to the developments in Europe. It is time we take back our swastika and revive its ancient glory. Will it happen? It is doubtful. Imagine, if a political party in India decides to use Swastika as a party symbol! All hell will break loose.

SWASTIK AND IT’S SIGNIFICANCE & HOW TO DRAW IT

Before we tell you the uses, tricks and some benefits of swastika, you first know this preliminary information.

Who invented the swastika: Swastika is also known as ‘Saathiya’ or ‘Satiya’. The Vedic sages composed some special symbols based on their spiritual experiences. Swastika is one of these signs, which signify Mars and express happiness in life. He elaborated the mystery of the swastika and also explained the importance of its religious, astrology and vastu. Today the swastika is used differently in every religion and culture.

In the excavation of Indus Valley Civilization, such marks and relics have been found by which it is proved that several thousand years ago, the human civilization used this emerald sign in their buildings. The swastika symbol has been inscribed in the currency and utensils received from the Indus Valley. Swastik signs have also been found in Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves. The significance of the swastika is full of historical evidence. It is mentioned many times in Mohan Jodaro, Harappan culture, Ashoka inscriptions, Ramayana, Harivansh Purana, and Mahabharata etc.

Swastika in America and German: During World War II, Adolf Hitler included the inverted swastika symbol as a symbol of his army. This reverse swastika was inscribed on the uniforms and caps of all the soldiers. The Swastika, in turn, caused his ruin. A yellow swastika was the mark of a 45th Military Infantry Division of the Native American of the United States official army. They rotate the symbol of Swastik and use that symbol as a symbol of Gradud.

Swastik in other countries: Swastika is recognized in various forms not only in India but also in many other countries of the world such as Germany, Japan, America, China, etc. In Nepal, they are worshiped under the name of ‘Herumb’. In Burma it is known as ‘Prienne’. Swastika is worshiped in Egypt under the name of ‘Acton’.

Swastika has been popular in Egypt and America. People used to believe that pyramids are connected to rebirth. Osiris was considered the god of rebirth in ancient Egypt and always referred to it as a 4-handed star, as well as depicting the Pyramid in the cross. In this way we see that the practice of swastika has been prevalent in the civilizations of every country since ancient times.

In the countries of Central Asia, the swastika mark is considered auspicious and a sign of good fortune. In ancient Iraq (Mesopotamia), the swastika symbol was used to conquer weapons.

Swastika in Bulgaria: Some 7,000-year-old clay artifacts are placed in an ongoing exhibition in the museum of the city of Vratsa, northwest Bulgaria, on which the swastika has its mark. These artifacts were found during the excavation of a religious yagna kund of a village called Altimir near Vrasta city.

Swastika is the symbol of the pyramid: Swastika was invented by the Aryans and spread throughout the world. But do you know that the swastika itself is a pyramid? Make a paper swastika and then bend the four arms down and hold it in the middle. When done, it will look like a pyramid.

Swastika prevalence in other religions: 24 Tirthankaras of Jainism and Swastika are included in their symbol. Tirthankara is the auspicious sign of Suparswanath.

According to Buddhist belief, Swastika is the reason for the origin of plant wealth. In Buddhism, the swastika has also been considered a symbol of good fortune. It shows the footprints of Lord Buddha. Not only this, the swastika is also inscribed in the heart, palm and legs of Lord Buddha.

The Swastika also has significance in Judaism and Christianity. In Christianity the swastika is marked as the cross. On the one hand, where Jesus is shown with a crucifix, on the other hand, it is placed on Christian tombs. Swastika is considered by some in Christianity to be a symbol of rebirth.

Meaning of Swastika: The word Swastika is considered to be a mixture of ‘su’ and ‘asti’. ‘Su’ means auspicious and ‘Asti’ means – to be ‘auspicious’, ‘be welfare’. Swastika means efficient and welfare.

What is Swastika and how to Draw it: Swastika consists of 2 straight lines cutting each other, which later turn. Even after this, these lines turn slightly forward at their ends. Swastik can be drawn in two ways. The first way to draw swastika is “Clockwise Swastik” in which the lines turn to our right, pointing forward. The second way to draw Swastik is “Counter Clockwise Swastik” in which the line turns to our left pointing backwards.

The initial shape of the swastika is added as a vertical line from east to west and above it as a second horizontal line from south to north, and one line from the east at the ends of its four arms. After this, a point is placed in the middle of the four lines.

There is a law to make the swastika in the proof of 7 fingers, 9 fingers or 9 inches. There is a tradition of making swastika at the place of worship and door frame on the occasion of Mangal works.

Swastik is a Symbol of

Manglik Symbol: In Hinduism, the swastika is considered a symbol of power, good fortune, prosperity and Mars. It is believed that swastika can fix the vastu of the house. Swastik has the powers to throw out the negative energies from the life of a person.

Symbol of Ganesha: Swastika has the powers of Lord Ganesha and Narada. Swastik is considered to be the seat of Lord Vishnu and Surya. The left side of the swastika is the Ganesh Beej Mantra, the place of the power of Ganesha. The 4 dots in it are Gauri, Prithvi, Kachhap and abode of eternal gods.

The vertical line of the swastika symbolizes the origin of creation and the horizontal line symbolizes the expansion of creation. The midpoint of the swastika is the navel lotus of Vishnu and the 4 points of the four directions. In the Rigveda, the swastika is considered a symbol of the sun.

Symbol of the four Vedas, Purushartha and Marg: Important 4 principles of Hinduism are also considered to be the symbol of Dharma, Artha Kama and Moksha. The symbol of the four Vedas – Rig, Yaju, Sama and Atharva. The four paths also symbolize knowledge, karma, yoga and devotion.

Symbol of life cycle and ashramas: It is also a symbol of human life cycle and time. The life cycle includes birth, youth, old age and death, as well as childhood, adolescence, youth and old age. This is also the order of the 4 ashrams – Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha and Sannyas.

Symbol of age, time and speed: The 4 arms of the swastika represent the 4 motions – hell, trian, man and god, while the time cycle includes seasons and time. This is also the symbol of the 4 Yugas – Satyuga, Tretayuga, Dwaparyuga and Kali Yuga.

Yoga, the symbol of addition: Its initial shape is similar to the plus sign of mathematics, so it is also considered a symbol of addition or union. The swastika is formed by adding a line on the sign of money.

How to Type Swastika (卐) – a Symbol of Divinity and Spirituality

Swastika (卐) is a symbol of divinity and spirituality in Hinduism. It is a Sanskrit word that literally means “conducive to well being”. It is one of the sacred symbol in Hinduism and used for all rituals by 1.2 billion people (1 in every 6 people) around the world.

What Is The Power Of Swastika?

You might have seen your mother drawing a “Swastika” symbol on the entrance of a door or wall on auspicious and religious occasions and during festivals like Diwali, Holi, Raksha Bandhan etc. Not just that, whenever people purchase something new which is high in value, like electronic goods, vehicles, houses or any property, they welcome it by drawing haldi (turmeric) or kumkum Swastika on it. But have you ever wondered the reason behind this ritual and what its significance is?

Swastika Meaning and Origin

The Swastika is an ancient Hindu symbol that emerged around 3000 BCE during the Indus Valley Civilization. Since then, it has not lost its essence and importance even today. As the name suggests- “Swastika”, in Sanskrit, ‘Su’ means good and ‘Asta’ means existence/power, which gives the combined meaning: “The Existence of good” or “good fortune”.

In other Asian countries like China, Japan, Nepal and European countries like Greece, Rome, and Russia, it has different meanings and is used for various purposes. The Swastika is originally a Hindu symbol, but other religions like Buddhism and Jainism also use it in their religious practices and temples. In Buddhism, it symbolises good fortune, eternity, and prosperity. It can be seen in the centre of Buddha’s heart or soles of his feet. Jainism represents their seventh saint, called Tirthankara Suparvanatha. That is why it is engraved on all their religious books and temples.

In Hinduism, its four sides symbolise four Vedas- Rigveda, Yajurveda, Arthveda, Samveda; four directions- East, west, north, south; four seasons- summer, winter, monsoon, and autumn; and most importantly, four goals of life- Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha (right action, worldly prosperity, worldly enjoyment, and spiritual liberation).

Power of Swastika

Knowing its popularity and reach, one cannot deny the enormous power it holds. Using Swastika daily, you can attain the good fortune, mental peace, and other benefits. But before that, you should know the proper way of drawing the swastika sign.

Start with drawing a vertical line from top to bottom, and then draw a horizontal line of the same length that cuts the vertical line in half. It is not necessary, but a 9-inch swastika is said to be luckier. Just make sure both lines are of the same length. Then, draw right-angle lines starting clockwise. Lastly, complete it by drawing four dots in between the spaces left.

The various powers of Swastika are:

· Protection from evil

Swastika protects from negative energies, black magic and evil spirits. Drawing a black swastika symbol protects you from evil eyes and absorbs the absurd energy surrounding you. You can quickly draw with charcoal.

· Mental and spiritual peace

The red colour swastika, made up of kumkum, roli, or saffron, can bring mental peace as the red colour affects the core of a person’s psychological and physical well-being. It is also the colour of the planet Mars, symbolising strength, power, adventure and love. Therefore, drawing a red-coloured swastika on your head as a monk helps achieve mental peace. In addition, there is an asana called “swastikasana”, in which you must sit, cross your legs and meditate. Practising this asana can result in various benefits like increased concentration, calming of the mind, and increased blood flow to the abdomen leading to smooth functions of organs.

·
Protects pregnant women and children

People in north India draw swastika symbols on walls on either side of the door of the room where pregnant women reside. To ensure the safety of her and the baby in her womb and no negative energy touches them, a swastika symbol in yellow colour is drawn, mixing turmeric and water. A function called “Godh Bharai” is where family members from both sides come to bless the baby and mother. They performed a ritual that began with drawing Swastika on Kalash in red four times. So that Children will also have good health and luck in future, it also symbolises the new beginning in the life of the pregnant lady and the people that influence her.

· Saves from Vastu dosh

According to Vastu, Shastra Swastika is the symbol of Vastu. So, to get rid of Vastu dosh, one should draw a swastika symbol. The four sides of it represent the four directions. You must draw a Swastika at the house’s main door or shop. It purifies all four orders and prevents evil energies from entering any direction in the near future. Since the Swastika is the symbol of Lord Ganesh, you can perform Ganesh puja and then draw a swastika. It not only cures Vastu dosh but also brings wealth into your house.

Proceeds Wealth and Good fortune

At the very start of religious ceremonies, puja, Havana, drawing swastika sign on Kalash (a brass or clay pot) with turmeric or vermillion (kumkum) mixed with water in semi-liquid form symbolises new beginnings and brings good fortune. The four lines at right angles make a chakra (rotation) symbol representing the new beginning. As Swastika itself means good existence, it brings positive energy to your house and family members.

·
Long life to goods

Whether it is an electronic item, your new house, shop, car, or any other type of goods you have purchased, you can assure its long life by drawing the Swastika sign on it on the first day of its arrival. Welcoming the goods this way brings positive vibes and symbolises your happiness in possessing the good. Moreover, it prevents damage to the good and any harm to the user. For example: if you bought a new bike, a swastika sign could avoid accidents that might happen in the future.

Miracles happen when you believe. If you think you will see the change gradually. From the Neolithic period to till now, people from different cultures, societies and countries have had faith in this sacred symbol. For good quality of life and peace, growth and prosperity, Swastika will help you at every step of your life.

Frequently asked questions:

Q1. Why do Hindus draw Swastika on their house walls?

Hindus draw Swastika on their walls because it provides protection from evil energy, saves from Vastu Dosh, and balances the energy in the house.

Q2. Why do Hindus draw Swastika on their new vehicles?

Hindus draw Swastika on their new vehicles to ensure their long life on the first day of their arrival. Welcoming the goods this way brings positive vibes and symbolises your happiness in possessing the good.

Q3. How does Swastika save from Vastu Dosh?

Swastika saves from Vastu Dosh as its four sides represent the four directions. It purifies all four orders and prevents evil energies from entering any direction in the near future.

Q4. What are the benefits of drawing a Swastika on the main gate of a house?

The benefits of drawing a Swastika on the main gate of a house bring fortune, mental and spiritual peace, protects from negative energy and black magic.

Q5. Why is Swastika so important for Hindus?

The swastika is significant for Hindus as it is an ancient Hindu symbol that emerged around 3000 BCE during the Indus Valley Civilization. Since then, it has not lost its essence and importance even today. It means the existence of God, which is very important for Hindus.

Q6. What are the benefits of wearing a Swastika pendant?

Wearing a gold Swastika pendant has health benefits as it increases blood circulation in the body. Additionally, it brings good luck, and the person only attracts positive energy.

Outright banning of Swastika will be hurtful: Hindus for Human Rights

Hindus for Human Rights has advised the Victorian Government caution when banning the public display of Nazi symbols.

In a statement released today, Hindus for Human Rights Australia and New Zealand has applauded the Victorian Government’s decision to make the public display of Nazi symbols illegal, but advised caution about inadvertently targeting Hindus.

The advocacy organisation that seeks to provide a platform for progressive Hindus to speak out in support of democratic freedoms and pluralism said in their statement, “Recent anti-Semitic incidents have used Nazi imagery to target Jewish Australians, and a ban on hateful imagery would help diverse Victorians feel safe in their communities. However, HfHR is concerned that without specific language exempting the Hindu Swastika from scrutiny, Hindus could inadvertently become a target of these new laws.”

Clarifying that the Hindu ‘Swastika’ was different from the Nazi symbol ‘Hakenkreuz’ the HfHR statement said, “The word “swastika” means “conducive to well-being” in Sanskrit. While the Swastika was used by the Nazis as a symbol of hate, it was originally used by Hindus as a symbol of prosperity and good luck, and Hindus continue to use the symbol to represent the faith today. Buddhists also consider the symbol to be sacred, representing the footprints of Buddha. Swastikas are often present on the doorsteps of homes, and people often wear the swastika on jewellery for good luck. The Hindu swastika and Nazi Hakenkreuz also look completely different.”

Cautioning that, “Most Hindu Australians are aware of the history of the Holocaust and the implications of the Swastika in Western society and do not generally display the symbol in public. However, for Hindus, the outright banning of this symbol is hurtful, saying a beautiful symbol of faith, stolen in the name of genocide, is inherently evil. Under these new laws, Hindus may also risk facing significant fines and jail time. For people who have recently immigrated and are unfamiliar with the Nazi swastika, this law could cause particularly dangerous consequences.”, HfHR said, “HfHR recommends that any statutes, policies, or other legal documents created to ban Nazi imagery create an exemption for the Hindu Swastika. Guidance to enforcement agencies must also explain the difference between the Nazi and Hindu swastikas to avoid inadvertent targeting of the Hindu community.

Importance Of Swastika Symbol in Hinduism – Two Types Of Swastika – Meaning

In Hindu religion, Swastika symbolizes life and good fortune and is of great importance. Swastika is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘svastika’ – su (good), asti (to be) and ka (a noun ending) – and means ‘it is good.’ There are two different types of Swastika.

There are two types of Swastikas – facing right and facing left. Both the forms indicate the two forms of Lord Brahma – evolution and involution.

In the Swastika Facing Right the arms bend clockwise. It is considered auspicious and represents Lord Ganesh, Surya (Sun) and Nagas (Snakes). In Hinduism, the symbol is widely used during marriages, festivities and other auspicious occasions. It is also drawn on the floor of many Hindu houses. The front page of account books and other records relating to finance often contain the Swastika symbol.

In the Swastika Facing Left the arms bend in anti-clockwise direction. It is considered inauspicious and represents involution.

The Swastika has numerous other symbolisms attached to it. It represents the four directions – north, south, east and west – thus making it a representation of stability. It is also believed to have derived the ‘Chakra’ thus making it ‘the wheel of life.’

Some Facts On Swastika Worship In Hinduism

It is worshipped from Indus Valley Civilization and thus has history of more than 8000 years.
Symbol of hope, regeneration, goodness, happiness, fertility and both material and intellectual wealth.
Hindus use the swastika to decorate homes during important festivals and auspicious occasions.
It is drawn during marriage, mundan, annaprashan, Lakshmi puja, Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri etc.
It is worshipped as symbol of God Ganesha.
It is marked as part of Navagraha worship.
Swastika represents the celestial change of sun to the tropic of Capricorn – Makar Sankranti.
Vayu Purana states that the lord of nagas Ananta has hundred hoods marked with swastika.
As per Matsya Purana and Shiva Purana, Swastika is one of the eight types of yogic seats. This is also mentioned in the Vayavya Samhita.
In Hindu scriptures, the right-handed Swastika is associated with the Sun. It is associated with Vedic age and also Vishnu.
Right-handed Swastika is the symbol of world wheel indicating cosmic possession and evolution, thereof, around a fixed centre.
The left-handed Swastika moves anti-clockwise, represents the sun during the autumn and winter and is regarded as a female. This form is considered inauspicious.
As per some scholars the right-handed swastika symbolizes Ganesha – creation and left-handed swastika symbolizes Goddess Kali – annihilation – preparing the universe for next cycle of creation.

The misunderstood Swastika

Swastika is such an auspicious symbol in India that it is drawn (with hand) at every important occasion, wedding, prayer, festival. Every religious book or calendar has it. In any drawing of a deity, the swastika is a must. Shopkeepers have it on either sides of the shop entrance!

But thanks to one event some 60 years back in Europe, this symbol that was revered and held dear all over the world has become the most tabooed word. To dispel this misunderstanding, here are two pictures from an American greeting card that speaks fondly of this symbol. I had found these almost a decade back, but now the internet is providing many more images of its abundant and peaceful use in Western world as well.

Four Ls make a swastika. But that is NOT the real meaning 🙂

The word Swastika, स्वस्तिक, is made from Sanskrit words su + asti = well + being (सु + अस्ति = स्वस्ति) or all be well. the -ka suffix makes it a symbol, i.e. swastika is one that symbolizes well being, brings well being, good fortune.

Next to OM ॐ, swastika is the most ubiquitous and revered symbol in one of the oldest living tradition of India.

Below, on the boon and fearlessness-bestowing right hand of “lord ganesha” (गणेश) is the swastika. On his trunk is the symbol OM. Lord Ganesh is the most revered and first-prayed-to god (Adi-pUjyam आदि-पूज्यम्) among the various manifestations of the divine force.

Lord Ganesh – first-prayed-to bestows well-being through swastika

The symbol is so ingrained in the art and culture of India, that it is even mingled with the next most ‘artified’ symbol, that of Lord Ganesh himself. Lord Ganesh is made from so many variety of things and in so many ways that it amazes the mind of any artist. A simple lump of clay, or a beetle-nut can signify Ganesh. So can a coconut. Ganesh have been made of banana leaves, or artfully in simple black and white with Swastika as below.

Lord Ganesh and Swastika combined artfully.

The word ‘swasti’ appears even the Vedas and Upanishads. It is found in many shAnti-pATha-s (शान्ति-पाठ), including e.g. in the Mudaka Upanishad (muNDaka-upaniShad मुण्डक-उपनिषद्) –

Which roughly translates –
May we hear good with the ears, and see good with the eyes. May our body be strong and healthy, may we sing praises. Indra, who is well-praised, is good for/to us. Pusha (pooShaa, pUShA, पूषा), the all knowing, is good for/to us. Tarkshya (tArkShya, तार्क्ष्य), the all saving is good for/to us. Brihaspati (bRihaspati, बृहस्पति) is good for/to us. Let there be three fold peace.

Here the word ‘swasti’ is used four times, in lines 3 and 4, as the first word of each half – स्वस्ति

It is good that the Pretend City Children’s Museum has woken up to the possibility of dire ignorance, and chosen to honor a tradition that predates script, not just scriptures. For the Vedas were not written, but composed and remembered and preserved and transmitted orally.

Rejoice the symbol of good wishes, well being and favorite of all cultures till about half a century back. Let not our blinding ignorance due to one man take out the anger on this millennia old symbol. After all, the inquisition and witch-hunt of European Dark Ages has not led to any hatred or ban for the cross.

If you do step in India, swastika will of course be in your face all over – from the front of an auto rickshaw to the back of a truck, and even at your office on a festival occasion. Smile,, when you see it, for the well wishes of the universe, from all eight (four arms, and four diagonal corners) directions is being bestowed on you.

Some more references to the symbol. These images have been collected from various sites on the internet. Many thanks to the owners –

coronado naval base, san diego

What is Swastika?

The Swastika is an ancient symbol that has been in use since the early Vedic period in India. There

is a belief that the Swastika originated in Dwaraka, the city of Lord Krisha. The Swastika has

religious connections with Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Odinism.

• In Hinduism, the devotees draw Swastika for festivals like Diwali, Pujas, and also for other rituals.

• In Buddhism, the Swastika is an icon on the footprints and hearts of the idols of Buddha.

• In Jainism, it is a symbol of the seven Tirthankaras.

The word Swastika originated from the Sanskrit words Su, which means good, and asti, which

means existence. So, Swastika refers to good fortune or well being. People often draw Swastika to

embrace prosperity, happiness, and purity. During festivities and other occasions, worshippers adorn

the threshold of the front entrance of their houses with the symbol of Swastika. Different

substances, including flowers, rice, dyed powder, can be used for making a Swastika. You can

decorate them further by lighting clay lamps or Diyas.

Meanings associated with Swastika: The Swastika has a plethora of meanings and symbolism.

There are references, which view Swastika as a representation of the Sun.

It has connections with the wheel or Chakra of life. The lines of Swastika have a different symbolic

meaning. They are-

• The horizontal line of the Swastika is a symbol of stability and expansion.

• The vertical line stands for the sign of creation.

• There are four lines at the end of the horizontal and vertical lines. They are the symbols of continuous or eternal movement.

• The four dots are representations of the Vedas, the Yugas, and the Avasthas.

a) The four Vedas referred to here are the Rig Veda, the Sama Veda, the Yagur Veda, and the Atharva Veda.

b) There are four Yugas, as well. They include Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Duapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga.

c) It is also related to the four main goals of our lives. They are the Dharma or the right action, the Artha or the worldly prosperity, the Kama or the earthly enjoyment, and the Moksha or the spiritual liberation.

Significance of Swastika: The Swastika is a mystic symbol or mark. Devotees draw Swastika on the entrances of the houses and newly

purchased products. People also use Swastika as a mark on their bodies. It can cleanse, sanctify a place, attract good luck, peace, and

prosperity. The symbol is closely related to Lakshmi Devi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity and wealth. There are many religious and scientific significances of drawing Swastika.

Religious Significance: The Swastika has a very sacred religious motif. The Swastika was relevant as a concept of auspiciousness before it became a symbol due to the rise of ritual practices, festivals, temple traditions, and domestic worshipping in India.

• In Lakshmi Tantra, Swastika is a seating posture. There is a reference to the drawing of a four-doored square diagram in the Eastern

direction with eight-petalled lotus. You have to make it in red or white color. At the corners, you have to draw four Swastikas in white.

• In Lakshmi Tantra, the image of a square with a thunder mark represents the Earth principle, the half-moon shape with lotus marks

stands for the water principle, and the triangular shape with the Swastika in red symbolizes the fire principle.

•The right-faced Swastika signifies prosperity and luck. It has connections with Lord Vishnu and the Sun god.

• The left-faced Swastika, which is commonly known as Sawastika, is a magical aspect associated with the Tantras and Kali.

• In Ganesha Purana, Swastika is a form of Lord Ganesh, and he sits on a lotus flower on a bed of Swastika. You can draw the Swastika to

remove the obstacles of life.

• In Rig Veda hymns, Swastika is a symbol of the Surya Deva or the Sun God.

• Studies present Swastika as an indication of the Sudharshana Chakra used by Lord Vishnu.

• The two symbols of the Swastika represent the creator, God Brahman.

a) The right-facing Swastika is a representation of the evolution of the Universe or Pravritti.

b) The left-facing Swastika is a symbol of the involution of the Universe or Nivritti.

There are references to Swastika in Mandukya and Katha Upanishads as well. The four directions pointed by the Swastika indicate grounding and stability. Devotees use Swastikas predominantly to decorate different items in Hindu culture, Yantras, and religious designs.

Scientific Significance: In Vastu Shastra, based on balancing the five elements or Panchabhootas, the drawing of Swastika at different places of the house can remove the imbalances in these elements. They can enhance the energy flow as well. As per Vastu Shastra, the drawing of Sawatika in different directions can have various benefits.

• North-Northeast – It helps in improving our health and speeds up recovery.

• Northeast – It provides mental peace, enhances calmness and creativity.

• East – It aids in fostering our social associations.

• East-Southeast – It helps in easing anxiety and tension.

• South-Southeast – It improves our confidence and strength.

• West-Southwest – It provides educational benefits.

• West-Northeast – It reduces the chances of confronting depression.

• North-Northwest-It helps in improving our relationships.

These are some of the importance of drawing the Swastika. They can ward off negativity or evil forces. They can invite positive energy into our lives.

How to draw Swastika and what to use for it?: While drawing a Swastika, often, people start with a plus sign and progress from it. It is the wrong method of doing it. The intersection of the lines in the middle can bring negative energy. You have to draw the Swastika without the lines cutting each other. Usually, devotees use turmeric, vermillion, rice, dyed powder, and flowers for making a Swastika during festive

days, pujas, and other religious rituals.

Swastika, thus, is an auspicious symbol in Hinduism. It can improve positivity, good fortune, prosperity, and happiness in our lives.

The Swastika Symbol Origin & Meaning

The Swastika Symbol

Swastika Origin

The Swastika in the 20th Century

Lesson Summary

Swastika Design Symbol History

History of the Swastika Design Symbol – 12,000 Years and Counting

What is the “Swastika”?

Why The Swastika Became A “Nazi symbol”?

Who fist suggested using the swastika as the symbol of the Nazi party?

Why did the Nazis choose the swastika as their symbol?

So, what is the history of the swastika symbol?

“Swastika” is a combination of two Sanskrit words:

The different names of the “swastika”

Here is how the swastika is referred to in different countries / languages:

The Swastika Designs Symbol And Antique Rugs

Here are some “innocent” and beautiful antique rugs that feature the swastika pattern:

MEANING OF THE SWASTIKA IN BUDDHISM AND HINDUISM

6 Things You Need to Know About the Symbolism of the Swastika

What is Swastika ?

What is Swastika ?

The Ancient and Auspicious Swastika

The Meaning And Significance Of Swastika In Hinduism

References to Swasitak in Hindu scriptures

Swasti

Swastika

The German connection

Swasti

Swastika

SWASTIK AND IT’S SIGNIFICANCE & HOW TO DRAW IT

How to Type Swastika (卐) – a Symbol of Divinity and Spirituality

What Is The Power Of Swastika?

Swastika Meaning and Origin

Power of Swastika

· Protection from evil

· Mental and spiritual peace

· Protects pregnant women and children

· Saves from Vastu dosh

· Long life to goods

Frequently asked questions:

Q1. Why do Hindus draw Swastika on their house walls?

Q2. Why do Hindus draw Swastika on their new vehicles?

Q3. How does Swastika save from Vastu Dosh?

Q4. What are the benefits of drawing a Swastika on the main gate of a house?

Q5. Why is Swastika so important for Hindus?

Q6. What are the benefits of wearing a Swastika pendant?

Outright banning of Swastika will be hurtful: Hindus for Human Rights

Importance Of Swastika Symbol in Hinduism – Two Types Of Swastika – Meaning

Some Facts On Swastika Worship In Hinduism

The misunderstood Swastika

ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ

“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”

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Protects pregnant women and children

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Long life to goods