Hinduism Symbol Spotting: Recognize the Top 5 Sacred Signs

Do you recognize that Hindu symbol on your yoga mat and do you know what it means? Learn more about the top 5 spiritual symbols within Hinduism here!

When it comes to the most recognizable symbol, Hinduism immediately brings the Ohm or Omkar to mind. With this sacred sound you could name the entire universe in one breath – that’s all you need, of course! Fortunately, the inspiring symbolism of Hinduism does not stop here. Ready for a crash course in Hinduism symbol meanings? Here you will learn about:

• Ohm of Omkar ॐ
• Shri श्री
• Swastika
• Lotusbloem
• Mandala मण्डल

From now on you will immediately recognize most Hindu symbols in your yoga school!

Meaning Symbol Hinduism:

The Ohm Sign or Omkar ॐ

When someone asks you ‘what is the name of the symbol of Hinduism?’ you probably immediately think of the Ohm sign or the Omkar. Many people recognize this ornate symbol as it is just about always present in temples, meditation centers, and yoga classes, and because many Hindus and yogis wear Ohm Jewelry. It’s so popular because the sound that the Ohm symbol represents is the sound of creation. According to Hinduism it is the first primordial sound and if we meditate on it, we can connect with the universe.  You can read more about this spiritual power in this fascinating blog about the Ohm Sign!

Shri or Sri श्री

Shri or Sri is a form of address for a god or man. You can translate the title as sir or madam, but sri also sometimes refers to a divine status. It just depends on who is being addressed and how often you repeat the word. For example, once is enough to be polite to your neighbor, twice to address gurus or authorities, and repeat it 108 times to honor an important spiritual leader or saint. Sri is also the official name of Lakshmi, the goddess of fertility, well-being, love, beauty, and prosperity. So when you add sri to someone’s name, you wish them the positive powers of Lakshmi or show them how wonderful they are!

The Symbolic Mandala मण्डल

A Mandala is a circular drawing with figures, patterns, or symbols that are grouped around the center. Mandalas are often colorful and symmetrical, which makes them look like decorations – and to be fair, they are real works of art! However, many Hindus look at mandalas very differently. For them, these mystical circles represent the life cycle and the power of the cosmos. You could also enter deep Meditation by concentrating on the center of a mandala or by absorbing the colors as a type of Color Therapy. Curious about these special life drawings? You can read more about the Mandala Here!

Find a Perfect Mandala Tapestry Here

The Swastika, a Sacred Symbol of Hinduism

Whoever looks up the sacred symbol of Hinduism will undoubtedly come across the swastika or svastika. The name of this sign evokes bad associations in most Westerners, however the swastika in Eastern religions is a very positive symbol and looks essentially different from the Nazi emblem. The Hindu swastika that rotates clockwise depicts the rising and falling of the sun (surya) and is a sign of good luck for believers. If the lines go to the left, you call them sauwastika and they symbolize the protective power of the night or the goddess Kali/Parvati.

The Lotus Flower

The Lotus flower is a symbol of personal development and enlightenment for Hindus. Lotus flowers germinate underwater, in the mud, and grow slowly to the surface. As soon as the plant comes into contact with light and air, beautiful flowers are created that are also water and dirt repellent! Why does that resemble the quest for enlightenment and peace? You will discover that in the Lotus Flower Blog!

Continue Reading about Symbol Hinduism Meaning?

Are you interested in Hinduism? Check out our blogs to learn more about the most beloved deities such as Ganesha or Shiva Nataraja. By reading about their origin myths, special powers, and relationships with other gods, you will unravel the philosophy of Hinduism and discover some Hindu Spiritual Wisdom. You can also be inspired by mantra meditation. By singing or chanting you would really experience what is in those religious texts. For example combine the power of the Om and the Lotus with the popular mantra Om Mani Padme Hum. Or sing Om Namah Shivaya and you would feel the vibes of Shiva! Also, did you know that a Rudraksha Bead Mala has a special bond with this dancing god? Or understand why you say Namaste at the end of a yoga lesson.

What do you get out of Hinduism?