Hinduism is a large collection of cultural, religious and philosophical practices and ideas that sprang up in India. The Om and Swastika are the two main symbols related to Hinduism.
- Om
The symbol Om is formed by a combination of 3 Sanskrit letters. The symbol comprises of the three sounds (a, u and m) thus forming the sacred sound Aum in Hinduism. The sacred Om symbol is found enshrined in most of the Hindu temples and family shrines in India. Besides this it is also found enshrined on pendants and the head of letters.
Hindus consider the Om as a very important and religious symbol. Many important triads like the three major Hindu deities and the three worlds of heaven, atmosphere and earth are represented by the Om symbol. In Hinduism, the greatest of all Mantras, is Om.
- Swastika
The symbol Swastika represents good luck and means ‘being happy’ or ‘good fortune’. One of the most common features in most Hindu temples in India is the Swastika symbol. In the year 1920, the Nazi Party of Germany created a diagonal version of the Swastika and made it a symbol of their party.
Pictorial in character, the Swastika forms the shape of a cross with branches facing in clockwise direction and bent at right angles. For Hindus, the Swastika symbol holds great religious significance and signifies that movement is the cause of all manifestations and life.
