I still vividly remember a small tattoo of Lord Krishna on my grand father’s hand. It was very small, had no designs and was green in color and in local language such tattoo is known as ‘Pacha kuttuka.’ But today body Tattoos of Hindu gods and symbols associated with Hinduism are very popular in the world and are no longer simple figures but are of elaborate designs and many times awe-inspiring.
Lord Ganesha continues to be the most popular Hindu God when it comes to body tattoos. ‘Om’ or Aum’ is the most favorite symbol.
Other popular Hindu gods employed in tattoos include Shiva, Goddess Lakshmi, Saraswathi, Hanuman, Vishnu, Krishna, Durga, Kali and very rarely Lord Vishnu in Anantha Shayanam form (Lying on five-headed snake Anantha in the Ocean).
Among symbols after the ‘OM’ symbol, it is the trident of Shiva and Sanskrit verses or Sanskrit letters. There are also people who opt for the Swastika symbol and rarely the Poorna Kumbha symbol.
India has a strong tradition of tattoo drawing especially in the rural regions. But the tradition was limited mostly to simple drawings, writing names of one’s favorite god or lover in local languages.
The modern tattoo culture around the world has redefined the way in which Hindu gods are depicted in tattoos. The images of Hindu gods have been adopted into the mainstream tattoo drawing by using various techniques developed in the West.
Interestingly, it is not Hindus who are interested in the Hindu tattoos. This is understandable as many Hindus would not prefer tattoos of Hindu Gods on their body. And some Hindus might find it an insult of their culture.
It is mainly westerners and people who are foreign to Hindu culture that finds the tattoos of Hindu gods interesting. What kindles their interest is the elaborate and mind-boggling Hindu religious iconography.
Image courtesy found on Flickr
Lord Ganesha continues to be the most popular Hindu God when it comes to body tattoos. ‘
Interestingly, it is not Hindus who are interested in the Hindu tattoos. This is understandable as many Hindus would not prefer tattoos of Hindu Gods on their body. And some Hindus might find it an insult of their culture.
11 comments:
I am planning to get the Om symbol on my left shoulder and when researching it I found you blog. I quite enjoy your blog spot.
Keep it up
Thank you for your insight. As someone with an interest in Hinduism and Eastern thought, it's refreshing to hear someone explain the ignorance of many of those in the West (especially America) that believe that tattoos of Hindu gods all over their body - and in plain sight - gives them some special insight into your culture. It really represents their inability to understand themselves...they are lost in a their own culture and have to make themselves stand out with tattoos, wild dress and hair styles to give them meaning in their lives. Of course, this is quite contrary to the practice of Hinduism, Buddhism, and the purposes of yoga.
Thank you again!
I find that hindu symbols and their meanings are beautiful and inspiring, and as a tattoo can relay how a person feels about where they are in life or aspire to be. Everyone has a unique reason for choosing their tatoo and most are given considerable thought. If I am not mistaken Buddhist monks themselves wear tattoos and even have a special way of applying them.
My tattoo of Saraswati has a very personal and special meaning to me. This Goddess is beautiful in so many ways and represents a manifestation of God which I prefer to include in my Poojas for various reasons. I am happy to wear her image on my body.
Is it preferable to put the god's tattoo on body, if we eat non-veg?
i was very happy when shankar shake photo on hand
Yeah it's good if you put tattoo on your body to remember God. But I would ask you 1 question...Let's suppose you are having sex with someone and God knows what type of acts you are doing. So the picture of God is supposed to be with you???? Dnt you think you are blaspheming our religion???
All show offs, if u are doing it with devotion, put it in such a place where it is visible for u and non visible to others. give it the importance.
According to me the culture of tattoo drawing has got its own flavour and relevance. In my view, it is highly personal for individuals to think on tattoing but let us not forget a fact that the representation should not show pomp & show. Let us preserve this tradition without getting too excited about.
Afterall, let us all be proud to be a Hindu( Sanathana Dharma followers) with no force or compulsion, we have been given the freedom to lead the life.
Savitha
LOL please dont talk christian philosophy here. Sex is part of God and any Story you might have heard from your childhood about hindu gods have indicated it implicitly. Sanathana dharma/Hindu mythologies never discriminates against any sex nor the act.
Almost all god have had non-veg at one time or another, Think about all the stories you have heard about siva/vishnu there is atleast one story of they eating human flesh or any other meat. Grow up.
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