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Hindu Symbols and Symbolisms
- Omkar, Swastika, the Saffron Colour and Purna-kumbha
- Omkar, Swastika, the Saffron Colour and Purna-kumbha
Courtesy
By Sudheer Birodhkar
India is a land of innumerable beliefs, rituals and religious symbols. These beliefs and symbols are highly respected and revered.
The origin of the syllable OM is lost in the misty past. Its not being specific to any one country or civilization is indicative of its being an universally perceptible sound for the human race. This reason for this universal perceptibility possibly lies in the fact that AAAH is the most natural sound that issues from the human larynx. This is evident when a man cries out naturally in extreme pain, anger or fear. When emotions reach an extreme pitch the articulate sounds evolved by man are not the ones that are heard, but the syllable natural to man which is AAAH.
As a devout people we normally do not go into the meaning and interpretation of our many beliefs. It is sufficient for most of us to know that they are part of the heritage handed down to us by our ancestors and in deference to tradition it becomes our duty to scrupulously and meticulously adhere to them. But by doing things without knowing the meaning behind them do we not deprive ourselves of an insight into our heritage?
Culture can be well appreciated and adapted to changing times if the meaning behind its different constituents is well understood. To develop this understanding one has to look upon all human actions as having originated in human society. While answers to all questions cannot be obtained, the acceptance of this approach at least opens the door to inquiry into the circumstances which gave rise to our revered traditions.
An attempt to interpret our religious beliefs and symbols is a challenging task. Many of these issues defy analysis and call for a judicious combination of the study of the social environment, etymology, aesthetics and philosophy. As far as aesthetics and philosophy go there exists a good deal of subjectivism and value judgement. While talking about etymology and the social environment we are on relatively firmer ground. In this chapter we have taken a set of symbols, beliefs and rituals and have attempted to examine the possible meaning behind them and the reasons which could lie behind their origin. The first religious symbol we take up is that of Om or Omkar.
OM or Omkar
The syllable OM is quite familiar to a Hindu. It occurs in every prayer. Invocation to most gods begin with this syllable. For instance we have Om Namaha Shivaya, Hari Om, Om Shanti etc. OM is also pronounced as AUM.
Is OM present in Christianity as 'Amen' and in Islam as 'Amin'?
This term occurs in various ancient and modern civilizations. It exists Hinduism, Christianity and Islam.
In Arabic the first alphabet is pronounced as aliph. In Greek it is alpha, in the Roman script it is A. Thus in many languages the first letter in the alphabet has the syllable A, with which the word AUM or OM begins. In the Greek alphabet the last letter is Omega which comes very close to OM. Thus the significance of the syllable OM as the beginning and end finds a parallel in many of the scripts associated with ancient languages.
The different ways in which Omkar is depicted. The syllable OM is not specific to Indian culture. It has religious significance in other religions also. The word Amen used among Christians at the end of a prayer is also said to be derived from the the syllable OM. Although OM is not given any specific definition and is considered to be a cosmic sound, a primordial sound, the totality of all sounds etc., Amen is said to mean 'May it be so'.
In Arabic a similar term 'Amin' has a religious significance.
This indicates some link between the various symbols and perhaps a common origin. Even in the English language the syllable °m occurs in words having a similar meaning. for instance; Omniscience means infinite knowledge, Omnipotent means having infinite powers Omnivorous means eating or reading every thing. This syllable also occurs in words such as Omen which means a sign of something that is to occur in future, Ombudsman means a person having authority to pronounce a verdict. Thus Om is also used to signify divinity and authority.
The syllable OM is not specific to Indian culture. It has religious significance in other religions also. The word Amen used among Christians at the end of a prayer is also said to be derived from the the syllable OM. Although OM is not given any specific definition and is considered to be a cosmic sound, a primordial sound, the totality of all sounds etc., Amen is said to mean 'May it be so'.
In Arabic a similar term 'Amin' has a religious significance.
This is believed to be the original depiction of the syllable OM. We can see how similar it is to the Englisg (Latin) letter 'M' as also to the greek letter 'Omega'.
Thus the origin of the syllable OM is lost in the misty past. Its not being specific to any one country or civilization is indicative of its being an universally perceptible sound for the human race. This reason for this universal perceptibility possibly lies in the fact that AAAH is the most natural sound that issues from the human larynx. This is evident when a man cries out naturally in extreme pain, anger or fear. When emotions reach an extreme pitch the articulate sounds evolved by man are not the ones that are heard, but the syllable natural to man which is AAAH.
This sound it can be said would have been associated with man, in absence of articulate speech, as are the various sounds of barking, meowing, bellowing that we associate with different animals. This perhaps is the reason why the syllable beginning with the letter 'A' is the first one in most alphabets. And this perhaps is also the reason for the Deification of the syllable AUM or OM.
Swastika
The next religious symbol which is also revered by Hindu and ranks second only to OM is the Swastika. Today, the Swastika is know the world over not as a religious symbolism of the Hindus but as the Nazi emblem. Hitler's use of the Swastika on the flag of National-socialist Germany has besmirched the Swastika. But the Swastika continues to hold a religious significance for the Hindus. Like OM, the origins of Swastika are lost in the misty realms of the past and they can only be guessed by piecing together of the surviving clues.
Unlike OM, the Swastika is not a syllable or a letter. It appears to be decorative charecter which could have originated in a hieroglyphic (pictorial) script.
The various ways in which the Swatika is depicted. is also revered by Hindu and ranks second only to OM is the Swastika. Today, the Swastika is know the world over not as a religious symbolism of the Hindus but as the Nazi emblem. Hitler's use of the Swastika on the flag of National-socialist Germany has besmirched the Swastika. But the Swastika continues to hold a religious significance for the Hindus. Like OM, the origins of Swastika are lost in the misty realms of the past and they can only be guessed by piecing together of the surviving clues.
The word Swastika is normally believed to be an amalgam of the words Su and Asati. Su means 'good' and Asati meant 'to exist'.
As per Sanskrit grammer the words Su and Asati when amalgamated into one word become Swasti (as in the case of Su and Aaatam becoming Swagatam meaning welcome). If this derivation of the word Swastika is true, then the literal meaning of the term Swastika would be 'let good-prevail'.
There exist many types of signs which stand for the Swastika. Even the standard version has two forms the one facing the right also called the symbol of- the right hand path and the one facing the left called the symbol of the lefthand path. These two Swastikas are also considered to represent the male and female. There is also a Swastika which is an amalgam of these two types.
Did the Swastika originate as blueprint for a fort called Su Vastu?
In the conventional type of a fort, the fall of one of the gates to the attacking army would lead to the Enemy's pouring into the fort and lead to massacre or capture of all or most of its inhabitants. But under the Swastika grids fall of one of the four gates could still keep, at least three-fourths of the fort safe. The understanding of the Swastika as a blueprint for a fort can also be etymologically corroborated. In Sanskrit, Vasa means to inhabit and Vastu means habitation. While Su means good. The word Swastika might be an amalgam of the terms 'Su' and 'Vastu' pronounced as as 'Swastu') meaning 'a good habitation'.
All these forms present the Swastika to us as if it were only a symbol. But it is quite possible that Swastika was an object which played an important role in the real lives of people. Some scholars have said that in ancient times forst were builtin the shape of a grid resembling the Swastika, for defensive purposes. Under such an arrangement it was difficult for an enemy to storm into all parts of the fort simultaneously.
Did the Swastika originate as blueprint for a fort called Su Vastu?
In the conventional type of a fort, the fall of one of the gates to the attacking army would lead to the Enemy's pouring into the fort and lead to massacre or capture of all or most of its inhabitants. But under the Swastika grids fall of one of the four gates could still keep, at least three-fourths of the fort safe.
The understanding of the Swastika as a blueprint for a fort can also be etymologically corroborated. In Sanskrit, Vasa means to inhabit and Vastu means habitation. While Su means good. The word Swastika might be an amalgam of the terms 'Su' and 'Vastu' pronounced as as 'Swastu') meaning 'a good habitation'.
Incidentally in Sanskrit the term Swasta means calm or peaceful. Thus the term and concept of Swastika might as well be a derivation of the name of a defensive structure which due to its impregnable character was looked upon as a good habitation.
That this form of a defensive arrangement was a fact is also corroborated by the military practice of Chakra-vyuha used during ancient times. In the Chakra-vyuha, the army was arranged in the form of a circular grid which an enemy army was supposed to break. This was one of the techniques used during the Mahabharata war in which Arjuna's son Abhimanyu was killed. That the Chakra-vyuha was an effective form of defense and it was very diffciult to break it is corroborated by the episode of Abhimanyu in the Mahabharata. Briefly, this episode is as follows:
The clue that the Grid like the Swastika as a defensive arrangement was a fact is also corroborated by the military practice of Chakra-vyuha used during ancient times. In the Chakra-vyuha, the army was arranged in the form of a circular grid which an enemy army was supposed to break. This was one of the techniques used during the Mahabharata war in which Arjuna's son Abhimanyu was killed. That the Chakra-vyuha was an effective form of defense and it was very diffciult to break it is corroborated by the episode of Abhimanyu in the Mahabharata.
When Abhimanyu was on the family way, Sri Krishna used to take Subhadra (Abhimanyu's mother) on excursions. To humour her, Krishna used to relate many of his adventures to the pregnant Subhadra. On one such excursion Krishna was narrating his experience with the technique of Chakra-vyuha and how step by step the various circles could be penerated. It seems that Subhadra did not find this topic interesting enough for she soon went into a slumber. But someone else was interested in Sri Krishna's narration and that was the yet to be born Abhimanyu.
While Subhadra dozed off, Abhimanyu continued to carefully follow Srl Krishna's narrative of the Chakra-vyuha. But after talking for sometime and not receiving any response from Subhadra, Sri Krishna turned back and saw that Subhadra was savouring a sweet nap. Sri Krishna who had at that time come upto the seventh step of the Chakra-vyuha, gave up his narration and returned with Subhadra to the palace.
The unfortunate Abimanyu could never obtain the technique of breaking all the circles in the chakra-vyuha, but whatever he had heard Sri Krishna say, he carefully preserved in his memory. He grew up to be a brave handsome young man. Many years later when during the Mahabharata war the Kavravas set up a Chakar-vyuha and challenged the Pandavas to come forward and break it, none of the Pandavas knew the technique of doing so. At that Juncture to save the honour of the Pandavas, Abhimanyu came forward and offerred his services for the task of breaking the chakra-vyuha. Despite his incomplete knowledge of the technique he entered tne grid and overcame one circle after another till he come to the seventh one for the breaking of which he had no knowledge. Brave and ambitious es he was he fought valiantly in the unequal struggle but in vain. His strength and bravery proved no match against the skillfully laid out maze on warriors fighting whom, he met his end.
Similarly the Swastika could also have originated as a defensive structure which due to its vast practical utility was considered powerful and was sanctified.
Saffron - the auspicous colour for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains
The saffron colour is considered auspicious by Hindus. This colour also has a special significance to the Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs. Among the Sikhs it is considered to be a militant colour signifying a fight against injustice. Hindus and Sikhs have a saffron coloured triangular flag as their religious standard. This flag is seen flying atop Hindus temples and Gurudwaras.
This colour also has a special significance to the Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs. Among the Sikhs it is considered to be a militant colour signifying a fight against injustice. Hindus and Sikhs have a saffron coloured triangular flag as their religious standard.
Buddhist bhikkus (monks living upon alms) always where saffron coloured robes. But among the Hindus this colour is most prominently visible in their flag, robes, the Tilaka (mark applied on the forehead), statues of Hindu Gods are daubed with saffron paste. In the diverse and multifaceted Hindu religion, the saffron colour is one of the few elements that commands a universal acceptance among Hindus. The fact that this colour is regarded as sacred even by the offspring Buddhist and Sikh religions indicates that this colour must have obtained a religious significance before they came into being.
Jain Munis
Jain Munis and Buddhist Bhikkus (monks living upon alms) always where saffron coloured robes. But among the Hindus this colour is most prominently visible in their flag, robes, the Tilaka (mark applied on the forehead), statues of Hindu Gods are daubed with saffron paste. In the diverse and multifaceted Hindu religion, the saffron colour is one of the few elements that commands a universal acceptance among Hindus. The fact that this colour is regarded as sacred even by the offspring Jain, Buddhist and Sikh religions indicates that this colour must have obtained a religious significance before they came into being.
Thus, Hinduism is the birthplace of the idea that the saffron colour is an auspicious one. The origin of this attitude lies in the hazy past when pigments were few and were highly prized. Plants and minerals have generally been the source for deriving pigments. The saffron pigment is traditionally derived from the saffron plant (Autumn crocus) which is called Keshar from which the saffron colour derives one of its names - Keshari. This plant is grown in the sub-Himalayan regions and is very rare. This rarity could have been a reason for this particular colour to be highly valued and this along with its golden hue raised it to the status of being a holy colour. That the golden colour of the precious yellow metal had a special status apart from the high monetary value attached to it is evident from the term Suvarna that is used to describe it. Suvarna means the good colour (Su=good, varna=colour). This word was normally used to refer to gold rather than the other word Hiranya (derived possibly as an adjective of Harina which means a deer - an animal having a golden-brown sheen). Among other words used to describe the saffron colour are Bhagva and Naranga. The term Bhagva could have been derived from the word Bhagvan (meaning God) to identify this colour as the one associated with God. Incidentally in Sanskrit the term for good fortune is Bhagya which also is indicative of the auspicious significance attached to this colour.
The "Sacred Colour" concept in Different Cultures
The sanctification of a particular colour is not peculiar to Hinduism. In other religions also this attitude is prevalent. For instance Muslims look upon Green colour as their religious standard.. Among present day Christians (originally among the Romans), the purple colour was regarded as a colour of divinity and royalty.
Green Colour in Islam
It would be interesting to recall how the green colour acquired a special significance among the Muslims.
A Mosque with the ubiquitous Green Colour.
Green as the colour of special significance must antedate the birth of Islam. Its special significance originated from the critical role which an oasis played in the lives of the Arabs. Hence the colour which stood for an oasis must have been immortalized in their consciousness. For the desert nomads, a green peck of an oasis in the vast water-starved desert must have been synonymous with hope, survival and pleasure. Islam which became the religion of Arabs in the 6th century derives almost everything from their culture. Islamic folklore and beliefs are largely born out of the culture of the Arabs. Hence the significance of the green colour to the peoples whom the Arabs engulfed in their great Jehad
The Arabs whose homeland is the birthplace of Islam is a vast desert-land. For these desert nomads the appearance of a green patch on the horizon meant an oasis and springs (sources of water) which is the life-blood for human settlement. Green as the colour of special significance must antedate the birth of Islam. Its special significance originated from the critical role of oasis played in the lives of the Arabs that the colour which stood for it must have been immortalized in their consciousness.
For the desert nomads, a green peck of an oasis in the vast water-starved desert must have been synonymous with hope, survival and pleasure. Islam which became the religion of Arabs in the 6th century derives almost everything from their culture. Islamic folklore and beliefs are largely born out of the culture of the Arabs. Hence the significance of the green colour to the peoples whom the Arabs engulfed in their great Jehad.
Purnakumbha
Purnakumbha literally means a "full pitcher" (Purna = full, Kumbha = pitcher). The Purnakumbha is a pitcher full of water, with fresh leaves of the mango tree and a coconut (Sriphala) placed on the top. The Purnakumbha is an object symbolizing God and is regularly used during different religious rites. One instance of the Purnakumbha itself used as an object of worship is the Satyanarayana Puja or the worship of Lord Satyanarayana. The water in the jar is said to be the divine essence. Water has been an object of worship since a very early age among the Hindus.
Purnakumbha literally means a "full pitcher" (Purna = full, Kumbha = pitcher). The Purnakumbha is a pitcher full of water, with fresh leaves of the mango tree and a coconut (Sriphala) placed on the top. The Purnakumbha is an object symbolizing God and is regularly used during different religious rites. One instance of the Purnakumbha itself used as an object of worship is the Satyanarayana Puja or the worship of Lord Satyanarayana.
The five forces of nature - Pancha-Mahabhoota
The five forces of nature Pancha-Mahabhoota which were the first to be worshipped included water. Graphically, water is depicted by a circle in the Pancha-Mahabhootas. This circle seems to be a symbolism for fullness. Water plays an important role even today in Hindu religious rites. During all purificatory rites, water is sprinkled on the object to be purified. Before starting his meal a Hindu sprinkles water around the the banana leaf from which a meal is traditionally eaten. In ancient times before coronation a king was sprinkled with water so as to ensure an auspicious beginning to his reign. A Kumbha called the Ghata was used during solemn occasions especially during marriages to fix the auspicious time for performing the ceremony. ritual a smaller vessel with a small hole at its bottom was floated in a larger vessel full of water. The smaller vessel was gradually filled up with water flowing in through the hole and after it was full to the brim the smaller vessel would sink into the larger one. The auspicious moment decided in this manner with a Ghata was called Ghataka.
The Pancha-mahabhootas (five forces of nature) included (depicted graphically from below) earth, water, fire, air and ether (sky).
The Kumbha Mela
The Kumbha-Mela ceremony that is observed at selected places seems to be having a link with the concept of Purnakumbha. The Kumbha-Mela ceremony is a public religious event which occurs after a lapse of few years. A notable feature of the Kumbha-Mela is that it cannot be observed everywhere even at the selected time. It can be observed only at the few select places. And these select places which are on the banks of rivers like Hardwar and Prayag (Allahabad) on the banks of the Ganga, Ujjain at the banks of the Kshipra, or Nashik on the banks of the Godavari are places where the Kumbh Mela is held periodically.
The Kumbha-Mela ceremony that is observed at selected places seems to be having a link with the concept of Purnakumbha. The Kumbha-Mela ceremony is a public religious event which occurs after a lapse of few years. A notable feature of the Kumbha-Mela is that it cannot be observed everywhere even at the selected time. It can be observed only at the few select places. And these select places which are on the banks of rivers like Hardwar and Prayag (Allahabad) on the banks of the Ganga, Ujjain at the banks of the Kshipra, or Nashik on the banks of the Godavari are places where the Kumbh Mela is held periodically.
The Purna Kumbha Mela and the Ardha Kumbha Mela
The Kumbha-Mela is also of two types, one on the occasion of Purna-Kumbha (the full pitcher) and the other on the occasion of Ardha Kumbha (the half pitcher).
The Sri-Phala - Coconut
The coconut (Sriphala) which is used in the making of a Purna-Kumbha is also an independent object of worship. A coconut alone is also used to symbolize 'God' While worshipping any deity, A coconut is normally an item to be offered along with flowers and incense sticks, etc. But the coconut has a special significance as is evident from the word Sriphala meaning God's fruit. Other similar objects which also are used to symbolize divinity are the betel leaf and the areca-nut (Supari) also called betel nut as it is chewed along with the betel leaf. These items which are the objects of worship have one common element, all of them have a quality of mild intoxication. Juice tapped from a coconut tree and the coconut milk is popularly used in the making of fermented (mildily alcoholic) beverages like Neera.
Some objects which also are used to symbolize divinity are the betel leaf and the areca-nut (Supari) also called betel nut as it is chewed along with the betel leaf. These items which are the objects of worship have one common element, all of them have a quality of mild intoxication.
While this inference may sound incredible, an incidental fact that should be noted is the high value attached to alcoholic drinks like Soma and Sura by Aryans which can be seen in the references to these drinks in Vedic literature. For the hardy war-like Aryans of the Vedic period who lived a nomadic life in the wintry northern regions, such intoxicating drinks had a special significance. It may not be purely accidental that the items which later became objects of worship included those that had a quality of mild intoxication.
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Now we move on to read about the social origins of the Hindu Etiquette of Namaskar and Tilaka.
Sudheer Birodkar
By Sudheer Birodhkar
India is a land of innumerable beliefs, rituals and religious symbols. These beliefs and symbols are highly respected and revered.
The origin of the syllable OM is lost in the misty past. Its not being specific to any one country or civilization is indicative of its being an universally perceptible sound for the human race. This reason for this universal perceptibility possibly lies in the fact that AAAH is the most natural sound that issues from the human larynx. This is evident when a man cries out naturally in extreme pain, anger or fear. When emotions reach an extreme pitch the articulate sounds evolved by man are not the ones that are heard, but the syllable natural to man which is AAAH.
As a devout people we normally do not go into the meaning and interpretation of our many beliefs. It is sufficient for most of us to know that they are part of the heritage handed down to us by our ancestors and in deference to tradition it becomes our duty to scrupulously and meticulously adhere to them. But by doing things without knowing the meaning behind them do we not deprive ourselves of an insight into our heritage?
Culture can be well appreciated and adapted to changing times if the meaning behind its different constituents is well understood. To develop this understanding one has to look upon all human actions as having originated in human society. While answers to all questions cannot be obtained, the acceptance of this approach at least opens the door to inquiry into the circumstances which gave rise to our revered traditions.
An attempt to interpret our religious beliefs and symbols is a challenging task. Many of these issues defy analysis and call for a judicious combination of the study of the social environment, etymology, aesthetics and philosophy. As far as aesthetics and philosophy go there exists a good deal of subjectivism and value judgement. While talking about etymology and the social environment we are on relatively firmer ground. In this chapter we have taken a set of symbols, beliefs and rituals and have attempted to examine the possible meaning behind them and the reasons which could lie behind their origin. The first religious symbol we take up is that of Om or Omkar.
OM or Omkar
The syllable OM is quite familiar to a Hindu. It occurs in every prayer. Invocation to most gods begin with this syllable. For instance we have Om Namaha Shivaya, Hari Om, Om Shanti etc. OM is also pronounced as AUM.
Is OM present in Christianity as 'Amen' and in Islam as 'Amin'?
This term occurs in various ancient and modern civilizations. It exists Hinduism, Christianity and Islam.
In Arabic the first alphabet is pronounced as aliph. In Greek it is alpha, in the Roman script it is A. Thus in many languages the first letter in the alphabet has the syllable A, with which the word AUM or OM begins. In the Greek alphabet the last letter is Omega which comes very close to OM. Thus the significance of the syllable OM as the beginning and end finds a parallel in many of the scripts associated with ancient languages.
The different ways in which Omkar is depicted. The syllable OM is not specific to Indian culture. It has religious significance in other religions also. The word Amen used among Christians at the end of a prayer is also said to be derived from the the syllable OM. Although OM is not given any specific definition and is considered to be a cosmic sound, a primordial sound, the totality of all sounds etc., Amen is said to mean 'May it be so'.
In Arabic a similar term 'Amin' has a religious significance.
This indicates some link between the various symbols and perhaps a common origin. Even in the English language the syllable °m occurs in words having a similar meaning. for instance; Omniscience means infinite knowledge, Omnipotent means having infinite powers Omnivorous means eating or reading every thing. This syllable also occurs in words such as Omen which means a sign of something that is to occur in future, Ombudsman means a person having authority to pronounce a verdict. Thus Om is also used to signify divinity and authority.
The syllable OM is not specific to Indian culture. It has religious significance in other religions also. The word Amen used among Christians at the end of a prayer is also said to be derived from the the syllable OM. Although OM is not given any specific definition and is considered to be a cosmic sound, a primordial sound, the totality of all sounds etc., Amen is said to mean 'May it be so'.
In Arabic a similar term 'Amin' has a religious significance.
This is believed to be the original depiction of the syllable OM. We can see how similar it is to the Englisg (Latin) letter 'M' as also to the greek letter 'Omega'.
Thus the origin of the syllable OM is lost in the misty past. Its not being specific to any one country or civilization is indicative of its being an universally perceptible sound for the human race. This reason for this universal perceptibility possibly lies in the fact that AAAH is the most natural sound that issues from the human larynx. This is evident when a man cries out naturally in extreme pain, anger or fear. When emotions reach an extreme pitch the articulate sounds evolved by man are not the ones that are heard, but the syllable natural to man which is AAAH.
This sound it can be said would have been associated with man, in absence of articulate speech, as are the various sounds of barking, meowing, bellowing that we associate with different animals. This perhaps is the reason why the syllable beginning with the letter 'A' is the first one in most alphabets. And this perhaps is also the reason for the Deification of the syllable AUM or OM.
Swastika
The next religious symbol which is also revered by Hindu and ranks second only to OM is the Swastika. Today, the Swastika is know the world over not as a religious symbolism of the Hindus but as the Nazi emblem. Hitler's use of the Swastika on the flag of National-socialist Germany has besmirched the Swastika. But the Swastika continues to hold a religious significance for the Hindus. Like OM, the origins of Swastika are lost in the misty realms of the past and they can only be guessed by piecing together of the surviving clues.
Unlike OM, the Swastika is not a syllable or a letter. It appears to be decorative charecter which could have originated in a hieroglyphic (pictorial) script.
The various ways in which the Swatika is depicted. is also revered by Hindu and ranks second only to OM is the Swastika. Today, the Swastika is know the world over not as a religious symbolism of the Hindus but as the Nazi emblem. Hitler's use of the Swastika on the flag of National-socialist Germany has besmirched the Swastika. But the Swastika continues to hold a religious significance for the Hindus. Like OM, the origins of Swastika are lost in the misty realms of the past and they can only be guessed by piecing together of the surviving clues.
The word Swastika is normally believed to be an amalgam of the words Su and Asati. Su means 'good' and Asati meant 'to exist'.
As per Sanskrit grammer the words Su and Asati when amalgamated into one word become Swasti (as in the case of Su and Aaatam becoming Swagatam meaning welcome). If this derivation of the word Swastika is true, then the literal meaning of the term Swastika would be 'let good-prevail'.
There exist many types of signs which stand for the Swastika. Even the standard version has two forms the one facing the right also called the symbol of- the right hand path and the one facing the left called the symbol of the lefthand path. These two Swastikas are also considered to represent the male and female. There is also a Swastika which is an amalgam of these two types.
Did the Swastika originate as blueprint for a fort called Su Vastu?
In the conventional type of a fort, the fall of one of the gates to the attacking army would lead to the Enemy's pouring into the fort and lead to massacre or capture of all or most of its inhabitants. But under the Swastika grids fall of one of the four gates could still keep, at least three-fourths of the fort safe. The understanding of the Swastika as a blueprint for a fort can also be etymologically corroborated. In Sanskrit, Vasa means to inhabit and Vastu means habitation. While Su means good. The word Swastika might be an amalgam of the terms 'Su' and 'Vastu' pronounced as as 'Swastu') meaning 'a good habitation'.
All these forms present the Swastika to us as if it were only a symbol. But it is quite possible that Swastika was an object which played an important role in the real lives of people. Some scholars have said that in ancient times forst were builtin the shape of a grid resembling the Swastika, for defensive purposes. Under such an arrangement it was difficult for an enemy to storm into all parts of the fort simultaneously.
Did the Swastika originate as blueprint for a fort called Su Vastu?
In the conventional type of a fort, the fall of one of the gates to the attacking army would lead to the Enemy's pouring into the fort and lead to massacre or capture of all or most of its inhabitants. But under the Swastika grids fall of one of the four gates could still keep, at least three-fourths of the fort safe.
The understanding of the Swastika as a blueprint for a fort can also be etymologically corroborated. In Sanskrit, Vasa means to inhabit and Vastu means habitation. While Su means good. The word Swastika might be an amalgam of the terms 'Su' and 'Vastu' pronounced as as 'Swastu') meaning 'a good habitation'.
Incidentally in Sanskrit the term Swasta means calm or peaceful. Thus the term and concept of Swastika might as well be a derivation of the name of a defensive structure which due to its impregnable character was looked upon as a good habitation.
That this form of a defensive arrangement was a fact is also corroborated by the military practice of Chakra-vyuha used during ancient times. In the Chakra-vyuha, the army was arranged in the form of a circular grid which an enemy army was supposed to break. This was one of the techniques used during the Mahabharata war in which Arjuna's son Abhimanyu was killed. That the Chakra-vyuha was an effective form of defense and it was very diffciult to break it is corroborated by the episode of Abhimanyu in the Mahabharata. Briefly, this episode is as follows:
The clue that the Grid like the Swastika as a defensive arrangement was a fact is also corroborated by the military practice of Chakra-vyuha used during ancient times. In the Chakra-vyuha, the army was arranged in the form of a circular grid which an enemy army was supposed to break. This was one of the techniques used during the Mahabharata war in which Arjuna's son Abhimanyu was killed. That the Chakra-vyuha was an effective form of defense and it was very diffciult to break it is corroborated by the episode of Abhimanyu in the Mahabharata.
When Abhimanyu was on the family way, Sri Krishna used to take Subhadra (Abhimanyu's mother) on excursions. To humour her, Krishna used to relate many of his adventures to the pregnant Subhadra. On one such excursion Krishna was narrating his experience with the technique of Chakra-vyuha and how step by step the various circles could be penerated. It seems that Subhadra did not find this topic interesting enough for she soon went into a slumber. But someone else was interested in Sri Krishna's narration and that was the yet to be born Abhimanyu.
While Subhadra dozed off, Abhimanyu continued to carefully follow Srl Krishna's narrative of the Chakra-vyuha. But after talking for sometime and not receiving any response from Subhadra, Sri Krishna turned back and saw that Subhadra was savouring a sweet nap. Sri Krishna who had at that time come upto the seventh step of the Chakra-vyuha, gave up his narration and returned with Subhadra to the palace.
The unfortunate Abimanyu could never obtain the technique of breaking all the circles in the chakra-vyuha, but whatever he had heard Sri Krishna say, he carefully preserved in his memory. He grew up to be a brave handsome young man. Many years later when during the Mahabharata war the Kavravas set up a Chakar-vyuha and challenged the Pandavas to come forward and break it, none of the Pandavas knew the technique of doing so. At that Juncture to save the honour of the Pandavas, Abhimanyu came forward and offerred his services for the task of breaking the chakra-vyuha. Despite his incomplete knowledge of the technique he entered tne grid and overcame one circle after another till he come to the seventh one for the breaking of which he had no knowledge. Brave and ambitious es he was he fought valiantly in the unequal struggle but in vain. His strength and bravery proved no match against the skillfully laid out maze on warriors fighting whom, he met his end.
Similarly the Swastika could also have originated as a defensive structure which due to its vast practical utility was considered powerful and was sanctified.
Saffron - the auspicous colour for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains
The saffron colour is considered auspicious by Hindus. This colour also has a special significance to the Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs. Among the Sikhs it is considered to be a militant colour signifying a fight against injustice. Hindus and Sikhs have a saffron coloured triangular flag as their religious standard. This flag is seen flying atop Hindus temples and Gurudwaras.
This colour also has a special significance to the Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs. Among the Sikhs it is considered to be a militant colour signifying a fight against injustice. Hindus and Sikhs have a saffron coloured triangular flag as their religious standard.
Buddhist bhikkus (monks living upon alms) always where saffron coloured robes. But among the Hindus this colour is most prominently visible in their flag, robes, the Tilaka (mark applied on the forehead), statues of Hindu Gods are daubed with saffron paste. In the diverse and multifaceted Hindu religion, the saffron colour is one of the few elements that commands a universal acceptance among Hindus. The fact that this colour is regarded as sacred even by the offspring Buddhist and Sikh religions indicates that this colour must have obtained a religious significance before they came into being.
Jain Munis
Jain Munis and Buddhist Bhikkus (monks living upon alms) always where saffron coloured robes. But among the Hindus this colour is most prominently visible in their flag, robes, the Tilaka (mark applied on the forehead), statues of Hindu Gods are daubed with saffron paste. In the diverse and multifaceted Hindu religion, the saffron colour is one of the few elements that commands a universal acceptance among Hindus. The fact that this colour is regarded as sacred even by the offspring Jain, Buddhist and Sikh religions indicates that this colour must have obtained a religious significance before they came into being.
Thus, Hinduism is the birthplace of the idea that the saffron colour is an auspicious one. The origin of this attitude lies in the hazy past when pigments were few and were highly prized. Plants and minerals have generally been the source for deriving pigments. The saffron pigment is traditionally derived from the saffron plant (Autumn crocus) which is called Keshar from which the saffron colour derives one of its names - Keshari. This plant is grown in the sub-Himalayan regions and is very rare. This rarity could have been a reason for this particular colour to be highly valued and this along with its golden hue raised it to the status of being a holy colour. That the golden colour of the precious yellow metal had a special status apart from the high monetary value attached to it is evident from the term Suvarna that is used to describe it. Suvarna means the good colour (Su=good, varna=colour). This word was normally used to refer to gold rather than the other word Hiranya (derived possibly as an adjective of Harina which means a deer - an animal having a golden-brown sheen). Among other words used to describe the saffron colour are Bhagva and Naranga. The term Bhagva could have been derived from the word Bhagvan (meaning God) to identify this colour as the one associated with God. Incidentally in Sanskrit the term for good fortune is Bhagya which also is indicative of the auspicious significance attached to this colour.
The "Sacred Colour" concept in Different Cultures
The sanctification of a particular colour is not peculiar to Hinduism. In other religions also this attitude is prevalent. For instance Muslims look upon Green colour as their religious standard.. Among present day Christians (originally among the Romans), the purple colour was regarded as a colour of divinity and royalty.
Green Colour in Islam
It would be interesting to recall how the green colour acquired a special significance among the Muslims.
A Mosque with the ubiquitous Green Colour.
Green as the colour of special significance must antedate the birth of Islam. Its special significance originated from the critical role which an oasis played in the lives of the Arabs. Hence the colour which stood for an oasis must have been immortalized in their consciousness. For the desert nomads, a green peck of an oasis in the vast water-starved desert must have been synonymous with hope, survival and pleasure. Islam which became the religion of Arabs in the 6th century derives almost everything from their culture. Islamic folklore and beliefs are largely born out of the culture of the Arabs. Hence the significance of the green colour to the peoples whom the Arabs engulfed in their great Jehad
The Arabs whose homeland is the birthplace of Islam is a vast desert-land. For these desert nomads the appearance of a green patch on the horizon meant an oasis and springs (sources of water) which is the life-blood for human settlement. Green as the colour of special significance must antedate the birth of Islam. Its special significance originated from the critical role of oasis played in the lives of the Arabs that the colour which stood for it must have been immortalized in their consciousness.
For the desert nomads, a green peck of an oasis in the vast water-starved desert must have been synonymous with hope, survival and pleasure. Islam which became the religion of Arabs in the 6th century derives almost everything from their culture. Islamic folklore and beliefs are largely born out of the culture of the Arabs. Hence the significance of the green colour to the peoples whom the Arabs engulfed in their great Jehad.
Purnakumbha
Purnakumbha literally means a "full pitcher" (Purna = full, Kumbha = pitcher). The Purnakumbha is a pitcher full of water, with fresh leaves of the mango tree and a coconut (Sriphala) placed on the top. The Purnakumbha is an object symbolizing God and is regularly used during different religious rites. One instance of the Purnakumbha itself used as an object of worship is the Satyanarayana Puja or the worship of Lord Satyanarayana. The water in the jar is said to be the divine essence. Water has been an object of worship since a very early age among the Hindus.
Purnakumbha literally means a "full pitcher" (Purna = full, Kumbha = pitcher). The Purnakumbha is a pitcher full of water, with fresh leaves of the mango tree and a coconut (Sriphala) placed on the top. The Purnakumbha is an object symbolizing God and is regularly used during different religious rites. One instance of the Purnakumbha itself used as an object of worship is the Satyanarayana Puja or the worship of Lord Satyanarayana.
The five forces of nature - Pancha-Mahabhoota
The five forces of nature Pancha-Mahabhoota which were the first to be worshipped included water. Graphically, water is depicted by a circle in the Pancha-Mahabhootas. This circle seems to be a symbolism for fullness. Water plays an important role even today in Hindu religious rites. During all purificatory rites, water is sprinkled on the object to be purified. Before starting his meal a Hindu sprinkles water around the the banana leaf from which a meal is traditionally eaten. In ancient times before coronation a king was sprinkled with water so as to ensure an auspicious beginning to his reign. A Kumbha called the Ghata was used during solemn occasions especially during marriages to fix the auspicious time for performing the ceremony. ritual a smaller vessel with a small hole at its bottom was floated in a larger vessel full of water. The smaller vessel was gradually filled up with water flowing in through the hole and after it was full to the brim the smaller vessel would sink into the larger one. The auspicious moment decided in this manner with a Ghata was called Ghataka.
The Pancha-mahabhootas (five forces of nature) included (depicted graphically from below) earth, water, fire, air and ether (sky).
The Kumbha Mela
The Kumbha-Mela ceremony that is observed at selected places seems to be having a link with the concept of Purnakumbha. The Kumbha-Mela ceremony is a public religious event which occurs after a lapse of few years. A notable feature of the Kumbha-Mela is that it cannot be observed everywhere even at the selected time. It can be observed only at the few select places. And these select places which are on the banks of rivers like Hardwar and Prayag (Allahabad) on the banks of the Ganga, Ujjain at the banks of the Kshipra, or Nashik on the banks of the Godavari are places where the Kumbh Mela is held periodically.
The Kumbha-Mela ceremony that is observed at selected places seems to be having a link with the concept of Purnakumbha. The Kumbha-Mela ceremony is a public religious event which occurs after a lapse of few years. A notable feature of the Kumbha-Mela is that it cannot be observed everywhere even at the selected time. It can be observed only at the few select places. And these select places which are on the banks of rivers like Hardwar and Prayag (Allahabad) on the banks of the Ganga, Ujjain at the banks of the Kshipra, or Nashik on the banks of the Godavari are places where the Kumbh Mela is held periodically.
The Purna Kumbha Mela and the Ardha Kumbha Mela
The Kumbha-Mela is also of two types, one on the occasion of Purna-Kumbha (the full pitcher) and the other on the occasion of Ardha Kumbha (the half pitcher).
The Sri-Phala - Coconut
The coconut (Sriphala) which is used in the making of a Purna-Kumbha is also an independent object of worship. A coconut alone is also used to symbolize 'God' While worshipping any deity, A coconut is normally an item to be offered along with flowers and incense sticks, etc. But the coconut has a special significance as is evident from the word Sriphala meaning God's fruit. Other similar objects which also are used to symbolize divinity are the betel leaf and the areca-nut (Supari) also called betel nut as it is chewed along with the betel leaf. These items which are the objects of worship have one common element, all of them have a quality of mild intoxication. Juice tapped from a coconut tree and the coconut milk is popularly used in the making of fermented (mildily alcoholic) beverages like Neera.
Some objects which also are used to symbolize divinity are the betel leaf and the areca-nut (Supari) also called betel nut as it is chewed along with the betel leaf. These items which are the objects of worship have one common element, all of them have a quality of mild intoxication.
While this inference may sound incredible, an incidental fact that should be noted is the high value attached to alcoholic drinks like Soma and Sura by Aryans which can be seen in the references to these drinks in Vedic literature. For the hardy war-like Aryans of the Vedic period who lived a nomadic life in the wintry northern regions, such intoxicating drinks had a special significance. It may not be purely accidental that the items which later became objects of worship included those that had a quality of mild intoxication.
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Now we move on to read about the social origins of the Hindu Etiquette of Namaskar and Tilaka.
Sudheer Birodkar
