A geometrical figure and a religious figure since ages, Swastik has its own significance in Hindus. The word Swastik has its origin from Sanskrit and means “conducive to well being or auspicious”. It has been Sanatana Dharma’s symbol of auspiciousness since time immemorial.
The word has definite lexemic origin in Sanskrit. Swastik is derived from the roots Su meaning ‘well’ or auspicious and as meaning ‘being’. Hence, it is a symbol through which everything auspicious happens. Talking about its cosmic origin, Swastika represents the creation of the Almighty in the whole cosmos. The Hindu astronomy experts make twenty-seven divisions known as Nakshatras to divide the ecliptic circle of Cosmos. Each of them has been given a name after a prominent start or asterism in the respective part of the zodiac.
The last and twenty-seventh asterism, opposite Chitra nakshatra, lies Revati having presiding deity as Pusha. In the Midway between Chitra and Revati, lies the twenty-second asterism-Shravan Nakshatra. Represented by vehicle Garud, its presiding deity is Vishnu. Midway from Revati to the direction of Chitra lies the eighth nakshatra, Pushya having its presiding deity as Bruhsapati. In this way, across forms in four directions in the celestial sky. The center of this cross represents is Dhruva. Forming a line from Dhruva, the stars known as Saptarishi can be observed.
The Hindi term Saptarishi means Seven Rishis. In the present times, the seven rishis are Gautam, Bhardhvaj, Vishwamitra, Kashyap, Jamadgani, Vasistha, and Atri. By joining the line formed by the cross and Saptarishis, Swastik is formed.
Moreover, in India Swastika has eternally embodied the following sentiments
Not only in India, but the symbol of Swastika also has significance for ages in various other lands like Egypt, Greece, Italy, Japan, England, and the USA. The oldest painting of swastika appears in a Paleolithic case which dates back to 10.000 years.
One can also see it on early Christian tombs and on 2000 years-old Jewish temples of Palestine. However, though the swastika may have been a religious symbol in these religions. But, it does not have the same meaning of being redemptive (kalyankari), as it does in Hinduism. Moreover, Swastika is one of the sixteen auspicious symbols that one can find on the lotus feet of Supreme personality-Parabhram Purshottam Narayan, the Supreme God.
In the Padma Purana, Lord Brahma describes this to Lord Narad. Also, the swastika is one of the eight signs present in the right sole.
Also, you may like to read The Religious Significance of Solah Shrinnghar
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