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Swastika is a symbol of divinity for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists. It is a symbol to represent well-being, the good, and the auspicious. While the use of this symbol has existed for at least 10,000 years across ancient Europe, the Middle East, Africa, China and the Indian Subcontinent, today it is primarily found in active use in India, China, Korea, and Japan.
This is a universal symbol that exists in every culture of the world. It represents many of nature’s phenomena; blooming of flowers, rotation of the Big Dipper constellation around Polaris as viewed from mid-northern latitudes.
The word Swastika originated from the root word Swasti which means may you be well. The four arms of the Swastika symbolize the four main directions: North, South, East, West. Also the four Vedas: Rig, Atharva, Yajur, and Sama, the four aims of human life (Purusharthas): Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha, and the four stages of life (ashramas): Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha, and Sannyas.
In a 2008 Hindu-Jewish leadership summit the Chief Rabbinate of Israel had recognised that the Swastika has been sacred to Hindus for a millennia prior to its misappropriation. Swastika should not be confused with Nazi’s Haken Kreuz (hooked cross).
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Other reading material: What is meaning of the Swastika?
Relevant videos: BBC Podcast: Reclaiming the Swastika, Importance of Swastika in Hinduism-Artha,
Contributor: Rajeev Singh
Location of this post (18f): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/what-is-the-meaning-of-the-swastika/
Category:
18. Hindu Practices