The Auspicious Indian Wedding Sign: What's Its Meaning?

The swastika is a symbol with a long history across many cultures. In the West, it is synonymous with fascism and the Nazi Party, but in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, it is a sacred symbol of divinity, spirituality, good fortune and well-being. In India, the swastika is placed on thresholds, vehicles, shop doors, and at festivals, and it is also drawn at weddings and other Hindu ceremonies. The symbol is also used by Native Americans, who call it the whirling log of life, and it is found on blankets, pottery, beadwork, basketry and artwork.

The swastika is a sacred symbol in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism

Hinduism

In Hinduism, the swastika is a symbol of the sun, prosperity and good luck. The right-facing symbol (clockwise) is called a swastika and the left-facing symbol (counter-clockwise) is called a sauvastika. The former is a solar symbol, representing the movement of the sun, while the latter symbolises the night and the goddess Kali. The swastika is commonly used in Hindu marriage ceremonies and Diwali celebrations.

Buddhism

In Buddhism, the swastika symbolises the footprints of the Buddha. The left-facing sauvastika is often imprinted on the chest, feet or palms of Buddha images. It is a symbol of eternal cycling, found in the samsara doctrine of Buddhism. The swastika is also a sacred symbol in the Bon religion, native to Tibet.

Jainism

In Jainism, the swastika is a symbol of the seventh Tirthankara, Suparshvanatha. It is also one of the eight auspicious symbols in the Svetambara tradition. The swastika is found in all Jain temples and holy books, and ceremonies typically begin and end with the creation of a swastika mark made with rice around the altar. The four arms of the swastika represent the four places a soul can be reborn in samsara: svarga (heaven), naraka (hell), manushya (humanity) and tiryancha (flora or fauna).

The swastika is derived from the Sanskrit word 'svastika'

The swastika is a symbol used in various Eurasian religions and cultures, and it is also seen in some African and American cultures. In the Western world, it is widely recognised as a symbol of the German Nazi Party, who appropriated it for their party insignia in the early 20th century. The swastika is derived from the Sanskrit word "svastika", which means "conducive to well-being".

The swastika has been used as a symbol of divinity and spirituality in Indian religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, for millennia. In Hinduism, the right-facing symbol (clockwise) is called "swastika", symbolising the sun, prosperity, and good luck, while the left-facing symbol (counter-clockwise) is called "sauvastika", symbolising night or tantric aspects of Kali. In Jainism, it represents Suparshvanatha, the seventh of 24 Tirthankaras (spiritual teachers and saviours). In Buddhism, it represents the auspicious footprints of the Buddha.

The swastika is also found in the archaeological remains of the Indus Valley Civilisation and Samarra, as well as in early Byzantine and Christian artwork. It has been a symbol of good fortune in almost every culture in the world for thousands of years. In the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit, "swastika" means "well-being".

The swastika is commonly used in Hindu marriage ceremonies and Dipavali celebrations. It is often placed on doorways, mandalas, and financial statements, and is drawn with coloured sand or formed with lanterns during Diwali. The swastika is also prevalent in Buddhist monasteries and communities, commonly found in temples, religious artefacts, and schools founded by Buddhist religious groups.

The swastika is a sacred symbol in the Bön religion, native to Tibet, and is also used in Jainism and Hinduism for rituals such as weddings or welcoming a newborn. It is an important symbol in both ancient and modern religions, indicating good luck, the infinity of creation, and the unconquered, revolving sun.

The swastika is a symbol of auspiciousness, good luck, prosperity and happiness

The swastika is derived from the Sanskrit words 'su', meaning 'good', and 'asti', meaning 'to be' or 'happen'. Thus, the swastika symbolises 'good fortune' or 'well-being'. It is a sacred symbol for Hindus, second only to 'Om'. It is associated with Lord Ganesha or 'Vighanharta', known as the 'Removal of Obstacles'. That is why, before commencing any religious or important task, the swastika sign is made so that the task can be completed without any hindrance. It is said that no negative energy prevails where the swastika is drawn.

The swastika is also an important symbol in Buddhism and Jainism. In Buddhism, the swastika is considered to symbolise the auspicious footprints of the Buddha, and is used to mark the location of Buddhist temples. In Jainism, it is a symbol of the seventh tīrthaṅkara, Suparśvanātha, and one of the eight auspicious symbols.

The swastika has a history of 4000-5000 years and is seen in many ancient civilisations, including the Vikings and Greeks. It has been found in China, India, Greece, Israel and beyond. In the West, the swastika was widely used as a symbol of good luck and auspiciousness until the 1930s, when the Nazi Party in Germany adopted it as an emblem of the Aryan race. As a result of World War II and the Holocaust, in the West, it continues to be strongly associated with Nazism, antisemitism, white supremacy, or simply evil.

The swastika is associated with Lord Ganesha, also known as 'Vighanharta' or 'Removal of Obstacles'

The swastika is a symbol with a long history, used in various religions and cultures around the world. In the Western world, it is widely recognised as a symbol of Nazism, antisemitism, and white supremacy. However, in Indian religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, the swastika is a sacred symbol of divinity and spirituality.

The swastika is derived from the Sanskrit word "svastika", meaning "conducive to well-being. In Hinduism, the right-facing swastika symbolises the sun, prosperity, and good luck, while the left-facing symbol represents the goddess Kali and tantric aspects. The swastika is also associated with Lord Ganesha, also known as Vighanharta or the Remover of Obstacles. It is believed that the swastika symbol brings good fortune, removes obstacles, and ensures a blessed and long life.

The swastika is commonly used in Hindu marriage ceremonies and Diwali celebrations. It adorns the entrances of Hindu homes, especially during Diwali, and is considered necessary for a life full of happiness and peace. The symbol is often drawn during rituals and pujas to bring positivity and remove obstacles. Additionally, the swastika is associated with the four holy texts, the Vedas, and the four purposes of life, or purusharthas: Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha.

The swastika is also found in the Buddhist and Jain religions. In Buddhism, the swastika symbolises the footprints of the Buddha, while in Jainism, it represents Suparshvanatha, the seventh of 24 Tirthankaras or spiritual teachers.

While the swastika has ancient origins and holds sacred meanings in many cultures, its use has been controversial due to its appropriation by the Nazi Party in the early 20th century. As a result, the swastika has become strongly associated with Nazism and is prohibited by law in some countries.

The swastika is a symbol of divinity and spirituality

In Hinduism, the right-facing symbol (卐) is called swastika, symbolising the sun, prosperity and good luck. The left-facing symbol (卍) is called sauvastika, symbolising night or tantric aspects of Kali. In Jainism, the swastika represents Suparshvanatha, the seventh of 24 Tirthankaras (spiritual teachers and saviours). In Buddhism, the swastika represents the footprints of the Buddha.

The swastika is a sacred symbol in Hinduism and is used for all rituals by 1.2 billion people worldwide. It is commonly used in Hindu marriage ceremonies and Diwali celebrations. The symbol is also used to mark the starting page of financial statements and mandalas constructed for rituals such as weddings or welcoming a newborn.

The swastika is a symbol of good fortune and auspiciousness in almost every culture in the world, including in Europe, Africa and America. However, in the Western world, it is widely recognised as a symbol of the German Nazi Party, who appropriated it for their insignia in the early 20th century.

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