About Hindu Symbols
To understand the Hindu mind and conceive of Hinduism's spiritual traditions, you must first study its symbols. Hindu motifs hold the secrets of ancient India and the power of the Hindu faith, explaining how the iconography has survived thousands of years. Originally three distinct religions--the Dravidian, the Aryan and the Aboriginal--Hinduism largely depends upon its symbolic language to communicate concepts of the divine.
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History
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Hindu iconography is derived from religious writings and folkloric texts. The term for icons is murti, while mudra refers to hand gestures and body poses. Three Hindu symbols are particularly prevalent and are considered the core of Hinduism. Aum symbolizes the Hindu concept of the universe or the absolute, the root of all existence. Intoned as "om," it is often used in meditation. Sri Yantra or Sri Chakra Yantra is a mandala consisting of nine interconnected triangles. Depending upon its position, the icon signifies the feminine or the masculine. The swastika, in Hindu iconography decorated with small circles, indicates auspiciousness.
Significance
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Being conversant in Hindu symbology is crucial to understanding its spiritual traditions. These icons represent aspects of worship and are considered sacred. Many devout Hindus place these emblems in their homes or in their temples, because they are thought of as the embodiment of divine beings.
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Benefits
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One benefit of Hindu symbolism is that it communicates the multiplicity of the faith. Devout Hindus believe that the divine comes in many forms, rather than resembling the God-like figure traditional in Christianity. In essence, Hindu deities are formless and transcend human comprehension. Hindu symbols are used to convey the concept of the divine to humankind, because it is thought that they require a visual language for understanding faith and supreme beings.
Misconceptions
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There is no greater misconception about Hindu symbols than that surrounding the use of the swastika in Hindu iconography. Long before the Nazis were in power, Hindus considered the swastika, surrounded by the Wheel of Life, as an omen of good luck. Scientists have identified objects embellished with the swastika from as far back as the Neolithic period in India. The Nazi version of this symbol tilted it on its corner and assigned it the meaning of racial purity.
Time Frame
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Signs of Hindu belief systems date back to 3000 B.C., seen in the practices of Animism. Centuries later, in 1500 B.C., a sect of Persians invaded India and brought with them the four Vedas, or the primary, sacred texts of Hinduism that contain songs, incantations and rituals. There are 779 million people who identify themselves as Hindu, with the majority living in India. Nepal is the world's only nation that names Hindu as its official religion.
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