Hindu Symbols

Om - Hindu Symbols

Hindu symbols are an integral part of Hinduism. As Hinduism is the oldest religion on Earth, it has more numbers of symbols than other religions. Each Hindu symbol has a different meaning and is used on different occasions.

Hinduism symbols are also used as body tattoos in Western countries as well as in India. Hinduism signs and symbols are very popular in India and are also known as Indian symbols. We are providing here a comprehensive list of major Hindu symbols and their meanings.

The Sanskrit word for the symbol is Pratik, which is derived from the root Prati (going towards). It implies that symbols help us ‘go towards’ God.

1. Om or Aum:

Om

Aum also spelled as, Om, is one of the most important Hindu symbols. It comprises three Sanskrit letters, namely A, U, and M, and is written as No. 3 with a curved line like a tail going out from the center on the backside of three with a moon-shaped curve and a dot above 3. All the major Hindu mantras start with Aum.

Aum symbolizes Brahman, the Almighty. You would understand the importance of this symbol by this only. It is the sound heard at the time of the creation of the universe.

It is considered sacred and is worn in pendants and rings, and printed on T-shirts, cups, and temple walls.

2. Swastika:

Swastika - Hindu symbols

The swastika is the second most important of all Hindu symbols. Swastika looks like a Nazi symbol. The only difference is that the Nazi symbol is tilted as if standing on one point while the Hindu symbol seems to be standing on a horizontal branch. The word Swastika can be broken into Su+Asti+ka where Su means good and Asti means “it really is” and “ka” makes the word a noun. That means “Everything is good.”

The swastika is also considered to be sacred and represents luck and prosperity. A swastika is drawn on the Kalash at the time of Hindu rituals. It is also used in pendants and printed on the walls of Hindu temples.

3. Tilaka:

Tilaka - Hindu symbols

Tilaka is a vertical sign made by kumkum on the forehead exactly between the two eyebrows of a Hindu male. This is used mainly at the time of rituals or any religious ceremonies like weddings, birthdays, Munj, etc.

4. Lingam:

Shivling - Hindu symbols

Lingam is the representation of Lord Shiva through which Lord Shiva is worshipped mostly. The lingam is also called Shivlinga or linga. It is a vertical cylindrical pillar surrounded by a nearly completely round object with an opening on the right side that stretches out to some length.

The interpretation of this Hindu symbol is controversial as some people believe that it is a union of the Linga of Shiva and Yoni of Shakti while others believe that it represents the infinite nature of Shiva. Most Hindus worship Lord Shiva in the form of a lingam instead of an idol of Lord Shiva.

The Shiva lingam symbolizes a manifested form of Brahman in which the cylindrical part represents Lord Shiva, the rounded part Goddess Parvati, the middle part Lord Vishnu, and the base Lord Brahma.

5. Trishula:

Trishula is a weapon with three points residing on a long rod with the outer two points curved at the end and the middle point straight and sharply pointed. It is the main weapon of Lord Shiva which he always carries with himself and is highly revered in Hinduism.

A trident symbolizes the creation, preservation, and destruction of the universe. It also represents the past, present, and future.

6. Bindi:

Bindi

A bindi is a bright dot of some color applied in the center of the forehead, usually round. A married Hindu woman applies a red dot of Kumkum between the two eyebrows. Unmarried girls also use it, but they do not use Kumkum for it.

A bindi represents the third eye.

7. Kalasha:

Kalash - Hindu symbols

A Kalasha is a metal vessel that is flat at the bottom and rounded on top. Five green leaves are placed at the entrance of the vessel in such a way that they form a reverse cone and then coconut is placed on top.

Kalasha symbolizes abundance and prosperity.

8. Yantra:

Yantra - Hindu symbols

Yantra actually means a machine but when it is used as a Hindu symbol, it is a geometrical figure. These are simple as well as complex. Sometimes numbers are written on them. If placed in the desired place, they are believed to have good effects on the life of the possessor.

9. The saffron flag:

Saffron Flag

The saffron-colored flag is the official flag of Hinduism. It looks like two partial triangular waves connected in the middle and flat at the other end. The saffron color represents sacrifice and renunciation of materialism.

10. Rudraksha Bead:

Rudraksha - Hindu symbols

Rudraksha is a dark brown-colored seed with some linings on it. It is believed to have 1 to 108 faces. One-faced Rudraksha is scarcely available. It has spiritual as well as medicinal uses.

Different lined Rudrakshas symbolize different things. One-lined Rudraksha represents Lord Shiva.

11. Lotus:

Lotus

The flower of the lotus is of great importance in Hinduism. It represents culture, rebirth, purity, and enlightenment. You will see lotus in the hands of some important Hindu deities such as Lord Ganesha and some goddesses. Lord Brahma, who is one of the Hindu Trinity, is always shown sitting on the big lotus. The flower of the lotus is used in some Hindu rituals.

12. Shankha (Conch Shell):

Shankh - Hindu symbols

Shankha is used both as a symbol and as a trumpet in Hindu rituals. It is a seashell that is kept inside Hindu altars and worshiped. It is an emblem of the Hindu god, Lord Vishnu. Shankha is a symbol of longevity and prosperity for Hindus.

In ancient times, Shankha was used as a trumpet before the start of the war.

13. Dharmachakra:

Wheel of Life - Hindu symbols

Dharmachakara means the Wheel of Dharma, which represents Hindu Dharma or law. This wheel has eight spokes.

14. Lamp:

Lamp

You will always find a lamp near a Hindu altar and in Hindu temples. Hindus believe that a lamp should always be lit near Hindu deities. Many cultural and social functions in India are opened by lighting the lamps by chief guests. The lamp symbolizes the light and hence is sacred.

Why Do Hindus Light a Lamp?

15. Banyan Tree:

Banyan Tree - Hindu symbols

A banyan tree is a Hindu symbol of longevity. It is not only a Hindu symbol but also the national tree of India. Hindu married women worship this tree on Vat Pournima and tie a white thread around it asking for the longevity of their husbands.

16. Nandi:

Nandi - Hindu symbols

Nandi is a bull that is also the carrier of Lord Shiva. A Nandi is always found in front of a Shivlinga. It is a symbol of Lord Shiva. It represents strength and fertility.

17. Shri:

Shri or Sri

Shri or Sri is another important symbol of Hindus. It represents auspiciousness. It also is one of the names of Lord Ganesha. Shri is added before the names of Hindu males as Mr. is added in English. It is used as a short form of Shriman in this regard. It is also a symbol of Devi Laxmi.

18. Ganesha:

Ganesh - Hindu symbols

Lord Ganesha is an important Hindu god, but he is also one of the major Hindu symbols. This symbol represents auspiciousness as Ganesh is known as the remover of obstacles. Lord Ganesha is worshiped first of all demi-Gods. Hindus wear the Ganesha symbol as a pendant or print his pictures in the house. Some people use metal rings on which Ganesha is carved.

19. Kamandalu:

Kamandalu - Hindu symbols

Kamandalu is an oblong vessel mainly used by ascetics who live in forests and do meditation. It is a symbol of asceticism and is mainly used to store water. It looks like a Kalash, but it is different from it.

20. Cow:

Holy Cow

The cow is the most sacred animal for Hindus. It is considered a very poor-natured animal. The cow is a symbol of good nature, purity, motherhood, and prosperity.

21. Sudarshan Chakra:

Sudarshan Chakra - Hindu symbols

Sudarshan Chakra is a weapon as well as a symbol of Lord Vishnu. It is considered the most lethal weapon. It is circular like a flat disc and is toothed like a saw around the circumference.

22. Veena:

Goddess Saraswati Holding Veena

Veena is a musical stringed instrument of Goddess Saraswati, but it is also a Hindu symbol of art and education. It is also associated with Dev Rishi Narad. In the above picture, Goddess Saraswati is holding a veena in her hands.

23. Paduka:

Paduka

Paduka actually means footwear, the wooden slippers worn by saints and Hindu deities. Laxmi Paduka is the symbol of wealth. The footprints of Hindu deities and saints are also called Paduka and are worshiped as a symbol of that deity.

24. Peacock Feather:

Peacock Feather - Hindu symbols

The peacock feather is the symbol of Lord Krishna as he used to wear a feather in his crown. Sometimes, a flute with a peacock feather is depicted as the symbol of Lord Krishna.

25. Symbols of a married Hindu woman:

Hindu women wear some ornaments as a symbol of marriage, including but not limited to Mangalsutra (the sacred thread), bangles, Jodawe (a silver ring worn on the toe), earrings, nose-rings, etc. These symbols vary according to the region. Different things are used as a symbol of marriage in different parts and societies in India. Besides those, Hindu married women apply Kumkum between the two eyebrows and on the center of the head.

26. Sun:

Sun

The Sun is considered a god by Hindus and is a symbol of light and truthfulness. Sun worship is still prevalent in Hinduism. People offer water to the sun in the morning.

27. Snake:

Snake Cobra - Hindu symbols

The snake symbolizes rebirth as it casts its skin after some time. Lord Shiva always wears a cobra around his neck and Lord Vishnu rests on a snake named Sheshnaga.

28. Elephant:

Elephant

An elephant is a symbol of wisdom, strength, prosperity, and good luck. The head of Lord Ganesha is that of an elephant, so it is considered a sacred animal by Hindus.

29. Eagle:

Eagle

An eagle is a symbol of power and freedom. It is also the carrier of Lord Vishnu. In Sanskrit, an eagle is called Garuda and is worshipped by Hindus.

30. Damaru:

Damaru - Hindu symbols

Damaru (hourglass drum) is a musical instrument, which is depicted as attached to the trident of Shiva. It symbolizes the sound of creation, Om.

31. Moon:

Moon - Hindu symbols

The Moon symbolizes the cycle of life and death. It also represents romance, reincarnation, and feminine energy. There is a crescent moon with a star in the Om symbol. Lord Shiva also wears it on his forehead.

32. Tulsi:

Tulsi plant - Hindu symbols

Tulsi aka basil is a sacred plant in Hinduism. It is very dear to Lord Vishnu. Apart from its religious value, it also had many medicinal properties. Tulsi is a symbol of purity and good luck.

33. Janeu – the sacred thread:

Janeu

It consists of three threads and is worn across the shoulder by Brahmins. It symbolizes spirituality and sacrifice. Nowadays only Brahmins wear it, so it has become a symbol of Brahminism.

34. Mouse:

Mouse - Hindu symbols

The Hindu symbol mouse is mainly related to Lord Ganesha and symbolizes the cognitive mind. Our mind constantly chatters as a mouse gnaws incessantly. Lord Ganesha is the god of intelligence and has full control over the mouse, his carrier. It symbolizes that if you control your mind chatter and perfect your concentration, you can become intelligent and enlightened like Lord Ganesha.

Hindu symbols are also very popular in the tattoo world. Some Hindus tattoo them for religious purposes also. 

If you know more Hindu symbols, please use our comment section to let us know.

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Comments (12)
  • I am Aparna Hande , co-convener of HINDU UNITY MOVEMENT CONFERENCE , at Sanatan Temple , Norwalk , expecting 200 to 250 people to attend . we like your website and collection of Hindu facts , we will to display that with exibition poster. we need your permission whether we can print the some matrerial to display . we will disclose that we have this facts from your web site.
    please response immediately. if you donot give permission , we have to use other resources . our program will be April 29, 2023 .

  • Good Morning! I have a question concerning the symbol of an opened palm of a Hand. I thought it had origins from India but I can’t seem to find out pictures and information on it. Can you please if it’s not to much trouble enlighten me about it.Thank you

  • Hi, loving your blog. Though, I think it could have better theme. I suggest you to change it to something more fitting to hinduism. It may increase your returning audience 🙂

    I know Bindi from movies and other media, but never knew what it means. Seems it means “married woman”. I will show your blog to my partner next time she comes here because she loves hindu movies. Keep expanding the blog! cheers

  • I was taught by my father on a trip to India that the Swastika also has four dots and can only be found on the entrances of Hindu Temples. It means as he explained “Good Luck”.

  • That really helped me, thank you so very much… (but in my head im thinking YEA YEA HAA that really helped with my homework)

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