Swastik Symbols

History of Swastik:

Swastika symbol is popular worldwide, but it has far greater significance in India. The term is derived from the sanskrit word "Swastika", a term prosperity, happiness, comfort, safety and good luck. It is considered to be a charm to bring luck and prosperity. Swastik Cross consists of four equal arms with each arm bent at the correct angle. Well, people in India are really aware of the Swastika symbol and its meaning, but very few know its origin and history.

Indo Aryans, Greeks, Hittites and Celts made an extensive use of the swastika across in historic times. Swastika has been a sacred symbol for Hindus since ages. There are millions of people who support and advocacy for the use of Swastik and thereby popularizing it in such a way that it seems to have its relevance, not only in the past, but also in the current society. The recent discoveries suggest Swastika symbol is done they felt themselves in the Indus Valley Civilization.

Swastika is sometimes used in the form of a geometrical motif and sometimes as a religious symbol. Almost all cultures have adopted Swastika as Asian, African, European or Native American. Why the Swastika can vary from one culture to another, but the fact is that the Swastika has been in the forefront. The results of the archaeological excavations suggest that the origin of the Swastika can be traced back to the Neolithic age. The Swastik signs were prevalent in many ruins of Khuzestan province in Iran. It is also found in the "Vinca script" of 5 millennium BC in Neolithic Europe.

In the early Bronze Age, found Swastik cross road in ceramic design. Its tracks are also found in the Iron Age. In ancient civilizations, not Swastika not really have a religious significance, but it was used as a popular motif, often used in designing more articles by frequent use. In Zoroastrian Persia, Swastika symbol representing the rotating sun, fire, eternity and leisure. No mention is made of Swastika in the Vedas. Its religious significance felt in India in the Mauryan and Gupta Empire. Thus, the Swastika has been in use since a very long period.

Swastika symbol is currently used in most Dharmic religions. It is also found in several Devanagari fonts. It is also used in the modern Unicode. Most of the Hindu religious texts, the Swastika symbol printed on them. It is increasingly finding its way into the design of wedding cards and decorations. In year 1920 it became popular as a Nazi symbol, and thus became a very controversial topic. In Western countries, know people Swastik more as a symbol of the Nazis, rather than a religious symbol for Hindus.

Swastik in Buddhism:

Swastika is a symbol of luck in the Buddhist religion. It represents the footprint and the heart of the Buddha. It is thus considered very sacred, and largely made use of the Buddhists. Infact, in all the images of Gautama Buddha, you will find Swastik cross printed on the chest, palms and feet. It is one of the original 65 symbols of auspiciousness associated with the footprint of Buddha.

Swastika marks the beginning of all the Buddhist texts. Buddhist Swastika is most often seen as a sign of infinite wealth, abundance and longevity. Swastika has great significance in the Buddhist religion, and thus the religious label can be found on almost all the Buddhist sites, including temples. Tagged on Swastika is very popular in Korea. It is used to decorate the altar cloths and miniature paintings.

Swastika symbol can be found at all these places where Buddhists have left their imprint. Swastik symbolizes a creature who has achieved Nirvana from the cycle of birth and rebirth. The image of Lord Buddha show Swastika on each of the toes on his feet. Buddhists have in fact borrowed from the Hindu Swastika. Buddhists use the symbol quite often because it is believed to bring luck, wealth, happiness and general welfare of mankind.

Swastik in Hinduism:

The symbol of Swastika is considered to be very promising and it is quite often used in art and architecture of the Hindus. It finds a special place for themselves in the wedding decorations. Swastika design can be found in temples, doorways, clothes, cars, etc. Most of the wedding cards have the Swastik symbol printed on them.

The four wings Swastik cross indicating the four directions: north, east, south and west, the word stability, firmness and strength. It is used as a symbol of the sun, which represents Lord Surya. Swastika is considered very holy, and therefore this motif is used to adorn almost all the things associated with the Hindu religion. Because of its holiness, it is used in all Hindu yantras in the form of a religious symbol.

Although the Hindu God Ganesha is depicted seated on a lotus flower, which is held on the bed of swastikas. Swastika is one among the 108 symbols of Lord Vishnu. That means the sun's rays, which are valuable for the existence of life. Right side of the Swastika represents the rotation of the sun, starting from the northern hemisphere, and then go east and then south and then west. Left side of the Swastika is known as Sauvastika. It symbolizes the goddess Kali, who is portrayed in a very intimidating way. She is considered to be the goddess of darkness.