Swastik: Meaning, Importance and Significance of Swastik
Let’s talk about the importance and significance of Swastik. Swastik is an ancient religious icon and Sanatan Dharma symbol that symbolize auspiciousness. The word, Swastik comes from Sanskrit and is a combination of ‘su’ (means ‘good’) and ‘asti’ (means ‘to exist’). In Hinduism, the right-facing symbol is called Swastik which symbolizes Surya. This right-faced Swastik brings prosperity and good luck. There is another symbol of Swastik, (left-facing) which is called Sauwastika. The swastika is a symbol of good fortune and purity. It portrays the creation of supreme in the whole cosmos.
Importance and significance of Swastik
Some other beliefs are also attached to the sacred symbol. Many consider the lines of Swastik to be the symbols of the sacred four Vedas of Hindus i.e. Rig Veda, Yajurveda, Atharva Veda, and Samaveda. The four lines also believe to show the four ends of the creator of the universe, Lord Brahma. Some people also consider the four lines of Swastik to depict four ashrams of life, and the four main deities of Hindus, that is, Ganesha, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva (the Mahesh), and Lord Brahma.
Swastik in Rituals
The Swastik is significant during religious practices and puja by Hindus. In Hinduism, people imprint Swastik sign on new articles, appliances, new vehicles, business premises, and many such places and things. The symbol of Swastika represents success, peace, good luck, auspiciousness, and harmony. Swastika depicts Surya, “the wheel of life” in all four directions (East, West, North, South). This symbol is imprinted on the doors of the house and ingrained in the floor of temples as a symbolic form of positivity and purity.
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Importance and significance of Swastik
Significance of Swastik in India
- It is a symbol of Goddess Lakshmi, the emblem of wealth.
- It is also a symbol of Sanatan Dharma that represents peace and moksha.
- Swastik is the ultimate liberation that protects us from all four directions.
- Swastik attains spiritual knowledge and is a prayer for all living beings to attain moksha.
- It is also a symbol of Vishnu. The four bars of Swastik symbolizes the four hands of Lord Vishnu, the protector of the four directions.
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Importance and significance of Swastik
Significance of Swastik in other cultures
The Swastik holds special importance in Buddism also where it is considered a symbol of good fortune. It is believed to show the footprints of Buddha and hence is also inscribed in the heart, palm, and feet of Buddha.
Swastik is considered as the symbol of Suparshvanath, the seventh living in Jainism. Jain Swastik is considered as the main symbol of Ashta Mangal by Svetambara.
The Swastik has its significance in various other countries like Egypt, Greece, Italy, Japan, England, and the USA. The oldest painting of Swastik appears in a Paleolithic case which is 10000 years old. Though the swastika may have been a religious symbol in different religions, it does not have the same meaning of being redemptive. The swastika is one of the sixteen auspicious symbols that you can find on the lotus feet of Supreme Parabrahma Purshottam Narayan.
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