Swastik - The Oldest and Most Important Symbol of Universe.

Swastik is an extremely important icon in Indian Culture since a thousand years. Swastik word is made up of element “Su” and “As”, “Su” means good or welfare and “As” means power or existence so Swastik means Existence of Good. सु अस्ति येना तत् स्वस्तिकं| Swastik is an icon for peace, prosperous and good luck for everyone. For completion of any task without any hurdle, we should start with good being. Swastik is the combination of the power of God and good luck to humans. Swastik consist of a vertical line and a horizontal line of the same size, vertical line suggests the “Jyotirling” and horizontal line suggest the area of the world. The vertical line showcase that God is with me and horizontal line showcase we must have to visit across the world for the work of God. Four sides of the swastika are nothing but the four-hands of the Lord Shree Vishnu, and also showcase the four directions in which we all have to work. Moreover, Swastik is the icon for the creation. So before starting any Pujan, Brahmin does the chanting of the mantra of Swastik.

Origin and Significant: The swastika represents the living creatures in the whole universe. As per astrology, the universe is divided in 27 parts known as Nakshatras. Chitra, Revati, Pusha and Shravan Nakshatra are arranged in the manner to form in four directions in the universe. Dhruva is the center of this cross; in the line from Dhruva, famous stars Saptarshi are arranged. Saptarshi is the seven rishis named, Gautam, Bhardhvaj, Vishvamitra, Kashyap, Jamadagni, Vasishtha and Atri.

The swastika is formed by a line connecting the cross and the Saptarishis. This is how; the whole universe is incorporated in the swastika. When the swastika is embossed during a Puja ritual, the basic sentiment is of worship to all the living creations in the whole universe, represented by Nakshatra and the seven rishis. The Swastik is one of the 16 sacred signs found on the lotus-feet of the Lord Shree Vishnu, the Supreme God.

Another significance of the icon Swastik, it symbolizes the Lord ‘Sun’ as it was marked as the center and the source of energy for the planets. The four arms of Swastika stand for four main directions: North, South, East, and west and according to the Hindu Scriptures these directions were known as; Rigvedas, Samavedas, Yajurvedas and Atharvaveda. It also represents the four aims of human life called; Dharma, Arth, Kama, and Moksha. This explains why we mark the beginning of every auspicious occasion with the Swastik icon. No Hindu religious ritual is complete without the Swastik.

It is believed that there were an explosion and scattering of energy in all directions at the beginning of earth and solar system. As a result, our earth and other planets formed. Scientists call this explosion the Big Bang. The energy scattered in the shape of Swastik!

There are lots of rituals behind the use of Swastik like, Being an auspicious icon Swastik is used during every puja, emboss using dry or wet kumkum on new articles, appliances, vehicles, the entrance of a business premise or home, etc. Swastik is an icon representing Sanatan Dharma and its sentiment of peace and moksha for all mankind.

The right-hand swastika is one of the 108 icons of the Hindu god Vishnu and the Lord Sun. The left-hand swastika usually represents the Ma Dev Kali. The Hindu God Ganesh is closely associated with the symbol of the swastika.

In Buddhism, the swastika is a symbol of good fortune, prosperity, abundance and eternity. It is directly related to Buddha and can be found carved on statues on the soles of his feet and on his heart. In Jainism, Swastik is a symbol of the seventh Saint, the Tirthankara Suparsvanatha. All Jain temples and holy books contain the Swastika and ceremonies typically begin and end with creating a swastika mark. Swastik is also used in the Muslim religion and mosque as well.