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Swastika: What Does It Mean For Hinduism?

When I set foot in Kolkata for the first time, leaving the airport I found the swastika symbol 卐 everywhere and I felt intimidated since we all know that it was adopted as a differential seal by the Nazis. My first impression was not to say anything until I went for a walk in the city, I saw it again in the temples so I asked my husband why this symbol was mixed with so much spirituality, and he told me to take a good look at it since it is not the same.

The symbol of the Nazi swastika is represented, I would say that, in a twisted way and black color, and with the naked eye, it confuses any tourist or anyone who does not know the Hinduism symbols thoroughly. On the other hand, the word "Swastika" comes from Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language, which, to this day, is used to carry out religious ceremonies such as marriage or when someone dies. This symbol is also very present in other religions such as Jainism and Buddhism where it is found in an anti-clockwise direction 卍 and is red.

In terms of meaning, for Hinduism, the Swastika is sacred and existed long before Hitler appropriated it and changed its original 'structure' to represent hatred. Hindu culture reproaches the Nazi regime for the misuse of its sacred symbol.

The Swastika in Indian Culture

As I was telling you before, the Swastika is an ancient word and symbol of Hinduism. It is an auspicious symbol that has been in use since the early Vedic period (around 2500 BC or so). Since it has been popular and widely used in many cultures of the Indian subcontinent for millennia, it has both secular and religious meanings.

Furthermore, it was never used in a racial or discriminatory sense to denote the authority, superiority, or supremacy of any particular group or religion. It has always been used to clean and sanctify a place or to attract good luck, peace, and prosperity. It has always been and continues to be a word used for purification and sanctification.

Therefore, if one day you have the possibility of visiting any part of India, you will see this symbol both in necklaces and in paintings on the walls, temples, entrance of houses, etc. and you do not have to be scared or feel bad, it is a symbol that means Well-being, and is used to wish good omen and happiness. Also, it represents the creation of the universe by its god Brahma (the creator).

If you visit Buddhist and Jain temples, you will also see that the Swastika is very present. Jainism constitutes one of the important religions in India, they mainly preach non-violence, compassion for all living beings (even the most insignificant), and peaceful coexistence.

You can also read Differences between Buddhism and Hinduism

I took this photo in the state of Rajasthan, a mural that was next to the front door of a house.

And then the Nazis came believing themselves to be the owners of the world and they turned the symbol upside down to leave it in history as an example of “supremacy of the Aryan race”, the most complete absurdity with completely inappropriate use, out of its context of origin. The Swastika had been invented for religious reasons and used thousands of years ago for other much more altruistic and positive purposes.

The Swastika is a symbol of love and Hitler abused it. I just want you to know that this symbol in India, Tibet, or Nepal, can be manifested in other ways, none of which was or is used for evil. So I wanted to do my bit to inform the public of the true meaning of the Swastika. However, we know that for those who have lived in the Holocaust, this symbol only represents evil. I think it's interesting that people know that the Swastika was not always a fascist symbol.

You can also read Understanding The Essential Nature of Hinduism

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