The Swastika is a profound and ancient symbol, holding immense significance in Hinduism and various other cultures worldwide. In Hindu tradition, it’s customary to draw and worship the Swastika before beginning any auspicious work, believing it ensures success. It’s widely regarded as a mangala prateek, or a symbol of good fortune.
Etymology and Core Meaning
The word “Swastika” is derived from the Sanskrit roots ‘Su’ (शुभ – auspicious) and ‘Asti’ (होना – to be). Therefore, its fundamental meaning is “may it be auspicious” or “may there be welfare.” This inherent positive connotation is why its veneration is considered essential during any propitious event.
Decoding the Symbol: Interpretations of the Four Lines
The Swastika is characterized by four lines of equal length extending from a central point, forming a cross with arms bent at right angles, typically clockwise. These four lines are attributed to various profound meanings:
- Four Directions: They represent the four cardinal directions: East, West, North, and South.
- Four Vedas: In Hindu beliefs, they symbolize the four sacred Vedas: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda, and Samaveda.
- Four Heads of Brahma: Some interpretations link them to the four heads of Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe.
- Four Purusharthas (Life Goals): They signify the four human pursuits: Dharma (righteousness), Artha (prosperity), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation).
- Four Ashrams (Stages of Life): They can also represent the four stages of life: Brahmacharya (student), Grihastha (householder), Vanaprastha (retired), and Sannyasa (renunciate).
- Four Lokas (Worlds): Some associate them with the four realms or planes of existence.
- Four Deities: Importantly, they are also linked to four principal Hindu deities: Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Mahesh (Lord Shiva), and Lord Ganesha.
The Significance of the Central Point and Circular Motion
The central point where the four lines converge is also deeply symbolic. If the four lines represent Brahma’s heads, the central point is often seen as Lord Vishnu’s navel, from which Brahma is said to emerge. This central point also signifies the origin of the universe from a single axis.
The clockwise rotation of the Swastika’s arms symbolizes the continuous and correct motion of the universe. When a circular line is drawn around the Swastika, it is believed to represent Lord Surya (the Sun God), who illuminates the entire world with his energy.
Swastika Across Religions and Civilizations
The Swastika’s significance extends far beyond Hinduism:
- Buddhism: In Buddhism, it’s considered a symbol of good fortune and represents the footprints of Lord Buddha, making it highly sacred. It’s often found inscribed on Buddha’s heart, palms, and feet.
- Jainism: The Swastika holds even greater importance in Jainism than in Hinduism. It is the emblem of the seventh Jain Tirthankara, Suparshvanatha. Shvetambara Jains consider it a primary symbol of the Ashtamangala (Eight Auspicious Symbols).
- Harappan Civilization: Archaeological excavations in the Indus Valley Civilization (Harappan) have unearthed Swastika symbols, suggesting that the people of that era also revered the sun. Trade relations with Iran, where sun worship was also prevalent (as noted in the Zend Avesta), might explain its presence.
- Global Presence: The Swastika is found in various ancient cultures worldwide, including Ancient Greece, from the Baltic to the Balkans in Western Europe. The National Museum in Ukraine, for instance, houses Swastika symbols dating back 15,000 years.
The Misappropriation and Its Aftermath
Despite its ancient and positive global connotations, the Swastika tragically gained a negative association in the 20th century. During 1935, Nazi Germany adopted a black, hooked cross within a white circle as its emblem. This usage was completely contrary to its Hindu and ancient meanings, representing extremism and a twisted sense of “freedom.”
Prior to the Nazis, the Swastika was even used by the American military in World War I and on British Royal Air Force fighter planes until 1939. However, its popularity waned significantly around the 1930s with the rise of the Nazis. Research at that time even suggested linguistic similarities between German and Sanskrit, proposing a common Aryan ancestry, which unfortunately led to the Swastika being falsely promoted as an “Aryan symbol” of pride.
After the horrors of the Jewish Holocaust orchestrated by the Nazis, the Swastika became a symbol of fear and oppression. Consequently, it was banned in Germany after the war, and Germany’s 2007 attempt to ban it across Europe failed due to its deep roots in other European ancient cultures.
The Significance of Red Color in Indian Swastika
In India, where the Swastika is still revered, it’s particularly interesting to note its frequent drawing in red color. This is because:
- Cultural Importance: Red holds immense significance in Indian culture, widely used in auspicious ceremonies in the form of sindoor, roli, or kumkum.
- Symbol of Valor and Victory: Red symbolizes valor, courage, and victory.
- Love, Romance, and Adventure: It also represents love, romance, and adventure.
- Scientific and Astrological Basis: Scientifically, red is known to quickly influence a person’s physical and mental state, being a powerful and fundamental color. Astrologically, the planet Mars, known for courage, might, strength, and power, is also red. These are some reasons why drawing the Swastika in red is commonly recommended in Indian tradition.
The Swastika, therefore, remains a symbol with a complex and rich history, its ancient positive meanings enduring despite its regrettable misappropriation in recent history.
