Hinduism, or Sanatan dharma, is the religion that tells us about every aspect of life. Many symbols have been developed over centuries and represent different beliefs, stories, and concepts in Hinduism. These Hindu symbols allow us to appreciate Hindu culture’s interesting practices and ideas. These Hindu symbols and their meanings arise from the puranas, epics, vedas and scriptures. All the symbols in Hinduism have their spiritual meanings. Here, we’ll discuss some of the most important ancient and well-known symbology in Hinduism, as well as animals and symbols associated with Indian weddings.
Quick Navigation
Ancient Hindu Symbols and Their Meanings
Ancient Hindus developed many symbols over thousands of years. Some of the most important ancient Hindu symbols and their meanings are:
Om or Aum
Om is considered a sacred sound that represents the whole universe. Chanting of Om is believed to make one’s mind peaceful and connect a person’s soul to God. In the list of Hindu symbols and their meanings, Om depicts the beginning, middle and end of all things and beings.
Swastika
The swastika symbol is ancient and auspicious in the group of Indian Hindu symbols and their meanings. It creates a harmonizing factor between the solar and the seasonal movements of the earth. The swastika symbolizes the wheel of time, signifying birth and rebirth. Therefore, it is found in almost all Hindu houses, temples, and marriage ceremonies for purposes of peace and development.
Shri Chakra
Also called the Shri Yantra, the Shri Chakra is a two-dimensional pattern made of nine triangles within which female and male energies, Shakti and Shiva, interact to create life. It is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lalita.
Tilak
A Tilak is among the unique Hindu symbol and their meanings. It is a forehead marking worn by Hindus. Its shape depends on the God being worshipped – a U-shape for Vishnu, three horizontal lines for Shiva and a dot/bindi for married women. It is made of turmeric, sandalwood paste, ash or red kumkum powder and signifies spirituality and auspiciousness.
Vibhuti
Vibhuti is the sacred ash obtained from fire rituals. It is applied vertically as three lines on the forehead by Shaivite Hindus to represent Shiva. Vibhuti in Hindu symbols and their meaning symbolizes purity and detachment from earthly things and reminds us that we all return to dust (ashes) after death.
Shivalingam
The lingam shape represents the Hindu God, Shiva. It symbolizes creation, protection and destruction. Shiva lingams are commonly found in Shiva temples. They remind the worshippers of Lord Shiva that he possesses strength in both the physical world and the spiritual domain. Lingas are chiselled or carved in stone to offer prayers, rituals and worship.
Oil Lamp
Oil lamp is a symbol of knowledge and guidance in Hinduism. Lightning oil lamps is a mandatory practice before the start of any auspicious work. Every oil lamp is applied with kumkum on three sides, other than the wick side. This is a symbol that India is a sub continent.
Hindu Animal Symbols and Their Meanings
In Hinduism, different animals are raised to the level of sacred figures, and each carries an important significance to an idea in Hinduism. Let us summarize some representative Hindu Animal Symbols and Their Meanings:
Nandi bull – Nandi, the sacred bull, is known to be one of the attendants of Lord Shiva. The bull is indicative of fidelity, strength, and vitality. Nandi bull is placed at the fore of the entrance of the temples dedicated to Shiva.
Cow: In the Hindu religion, the cow is sacred as an animal because it represents parental love and care. They are kept and treated with extreme respect and are called Gau Mata.
Elephant: Ganesha is the elephant-headed God who clears all the hindrances. Elephant figure represents wisdom and spirituality and the brightening up of the world through the light of knowledge. It is a customary practice to raise elephants and care for them in ancient temples of South India, and Indian culture in general.
Peacock: Among many Hindu myths, peacocks are associated with rebirth in some of them. The symbolism of these brightly coloured branches is not merely for decoration but also represents the beauty of the spirit and the protection of the inner god.
Snake: As for the snakes, especially the cobras, in the Hindu religion, they are generally associated with new beginnings or with destruction and then with creation that follows.
Eagle: Eagle is the symbol of Garuda, or Garutmantha, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. The famous Garuda statue at the entrance of Tirumala Hills demonstrates the importance of Eagle in Hinduism.
Tortoise: Hindus believe that Tortoise is a symbol of fortune. It represents the Kurma Avatar of Lord Vishnu. Tortoise also is said bring in fortune, stability and confidence into one’s life.
Hindu Hand Symbols and Their Meaning
Our hands have five fingers, which Hindus associate with the five classical elements – fire, water, earth, air and ether. Some of our Hindu hand symbols and their meaning include:
Anjali Mudra
The ‘Anjali’ hands pressed together in prayer symbolizes respectful greeting and worship. This mudra is used when praying, welcoming guests, and showing humility during meditation.
Abhaya Mudra
This one-hand pose depicts protection and removes fear with the palm facing outward. Lord Buddha often appears in sculptures showing this peaceful hand symbol.
Shiva Linga Mudra
The thumb is folded and rests on the knuckle of the index finger, forming a shape like that of the Shiva Lingam. It symbolizes creative energy and the subduing of ego. This mudra is used for meditation and ceremonies honouring Shiva.
Namaste Mudra
Also called Anjali mudra, this is the traditional Hindu greeting gesture. Placing both palms together in front of the chest conveys love, respect and equality between people. It honours the divinity in the other person.
Vyakhyana Mudra
The index finger of one hand touches the thumb and is held up to signify teaching or instructing. This mudra is commonly used while telling stories or teaching religious scriptures.
Dhyana/Meditation Mudra
The thumb and index finger connect, forming a ring, while the other three fingers are straight and pressed together. It signifies inner reflection, concentration and stabilization of thoughts during meditation.
Hindu Wedding Symbols and Their Meanings
Some of the time-honoured symbols involved in Hindu wedding ceremonies and their significance are:
Wedding Mandap
It is a decorated wedding platform where the main marriage rituals are held under the open sky. Its elevated space above ground indicates ascending to a higher plane of commitment. Hindus believe that the wedding mandap is the abode of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. You can see that guests entering the wedding mandap leave their footwear before stepping on it.
Sacred Fire
Also known as agni/homa kund, the wedding sacred fire invoked with offerings calls upon divine presences of gods as witnesses for the wedding to make it extra blessed and lawful.
Seventh Parikrama
Newlyweds circle the sacred fire seven times, representing their union commitment and taking seven bonded lifelong steps together on a righteous path.
Mangalsutra
Among Hindu wedding symbols and their meanings, the bride wears this neckpiece as a symbol of marital bond and bears religious motifs. It signifies her changed marital status and that she can no longer be wooed.
Wedding Sindoor
The bride applies in parting her hair after marriage, affirming her commitment. Seen as promising, it represents long life, prosperity, fertility and the groom’s love protecting her like Sumeru mountain.
Rangoli
Rangoli, the art of Hindus, is said to evoke positive energy. During marriages, pujas and other auspicious functions, rangolis are drawn to invite Gods and Goddesses into that premises. Rangolis are also a prominent element you can find during Hindu festivals and celebrations.
Kalash
The copper pot decorated with mango leaves and filled with water symbolises fertility and new beginnings. It is placed on the head of the bride during ceremonies for the fulfilment of all wishes and prosperity.
Wedding Garland
Fragrant flowers used to make floral necklaces for the bride signify the groom showering her with love and affection. They are strung together by him, who represents his responsibilities as her protector.
Hindu symbols contain profound meaning
We have learned a few familiar Indian Hindu symbols and their meanings referring to diverse ideas concerning old spirituality, nature, and marriage rites. These symbols play an essential role in the culture and traditions of Hinduism and offer a lot of scientific and religious meaning.