In Hindu religion, Swastika symbolizes life and good fortune and is of great importance. Swastika is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘svastika’ – su (good), asti (to be) and ka (a noun ending) – and means ‘it is good.’ There are two different types of Swastika.
The Swastika has numerous other symbolisms attached to it. It represents the four directions – north, south, east and west – thus making it a representation of stability. It is also believed to have derived the ‘Chakra’ thus making it ‘the wheel of life.’
There are two types of Swastikas – facing right and facing left. Both the forms indicate the two forms of Lord Brahma – evolution and involution.
In the Swastika Facing Right the arms bend clockwise. It is considered auspicious and represents Lord Ganesh, Surya (Sun) and Nagas (Snakes). In Hinduism, the symbol is widely used during marriages, festivities and other auspicious occasions. It is also drawn on the floor of many Hindu houses. The front page of account books and other records relating to finance often contain the Swastika symbol.
In the Swastika Facing Left the arms bend in anti-clockwise direction. It is considered inauspicious and represents involution.
Some Facts On Swastika Worship In Hinduism
- It is worshipped from Indus Valley Civilization and thus has history of more than 8000 years.
- Symbol of hope, regeneration, goodness, happiness, fertility and both material and intellectual wealth.
- Hindus use the swastika to decorate homes during important festivals and auspicious occasions.
- It is drawn during marriage, mundan, annaprashan, Lakshmi puja, Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri etc.
- It is worshipped as symbol of God Ganesha.
- It is marked as part of Navagraha worship.
- Swastika represents the celestial change of sun to the tropic of Capricorn – Makar Sankranti.
- Vayu Purana states that the lord of nagas Ananta has hundred hoods marked with swastika.
- As per Matsya Purana and Shiva Purana, Swastika is one of the eight types of yogic seats. This is also mentioned in the Vayavya Samhita.
- In Hindu scriptures, the right-handed Swastika is associated with the Sun. It is associated with Vedic age and also Vishnu.
- Right-handed Swastika is the symbol of world wheel indicating cosmic possession and evolution, thereof, around a fixed centre.
- The left-handed Swastika moves anti-clockwise, represents the sun during the autumn and winter and is regarded as a female. This form is considered inauspicious.
- As per some scholars the right-handed swastika symbolizes Ganesha – creation and left-handed swastika symbolizes Goddess Kali – annihilation – preparing the universe for next cycle of creation.