You might have seen your mother drawing a “Swastika” symbol on the entrance of a door or wall on auspicious and religious occasions and during festivals like Diwali, Holi, Raksha Bandhan etc. Not just that, whenever people purchase something new which is high in value, like electronic goods, vehicles, houses or any property, they welcome it by drawing haldi (turmeric) or kumkum Swastika on it. But have you ever wondered the reason behind this ritual and what its significance is?
Swastika Meaning and Origin
The Swastika is an ancient Hindu symbol that emerged around 3000 BCE during the Indus Valley Civilization. Since then, it has not lost its essence and importance even today. As the name suggests- “Swastika”, in Sanskrit, ‘Su’ means good and ‘Asta’ means existence/power, which gives the combined meaning: “The Existence of good” or “good fortune”.
In other Asian countries like China, Japan, Nepal and European countries like Greece, Rome, and Russia, it has different meanings and is used for various purposes. The Swastika is originally a Hindu symbol, but other religions like Buddhism and Jainism also use it in their religious practices and temples. In Buddhism, it symbolises good fortune, eternity, and prosperity. It can be seen in the centre of Buddha’s heart or soles of his feet. Jainism represents their seventh saint, called Tirthankara Suparvanatha. That is why it is engraved on all their religious books and temples.
In Hinduism, its four sides symbolise four Vedas- Rigveda, Yajurveda, Arthveda, Samveda; four directions- East, west, north, south; four seasons- summer, winter, monsoon, and autumn; and most importantly, four goals of life- Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha (right action, worldly prosperity, worldly enjoyment, and spiritual liberation).
Power of Swastika
Knowing its popularity and reach, one cannot deny the enormous power it holds. Using Swastika daily, you can attain the good fortune, mental peace, and other benefits. But before that, you should know the proper way of drawing the swastika sign.
Start with drawing a vertical line from top to bottom, and then draw a horizontal line of the same length that cuts the vertical line in half. It is not necessary, but a 9-inch swastika is said to be luckier. Just make sure both lines are of the same length. Then, draw right-angle lines starting clockwise. Lastly, complete it by drawing four dots in between the spaces left.
The various powers of Swastika are:
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Protection from evil
Swastika protects from negative energies, black magic and evil spirits. Drawing a black swastika symbol protects you from evil eyes and absorbs the absurd energy surrounding you. You can quickly draw with charcoal.
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Mental and spiritual peace
The red colour swastika, made up of kumkum, roli, or saffron, can bring mental peace as the red colour affects the core of a person’s psychological and physical well-being. It is also the colour of the planet Mars, symbolising strength, power, adventure and love. Therefore, drawing a red-coloured swastika on your head as a monk helps achieve mental peace. In addition, there is an asana called “swastikasana”, in which you must sit, cross your legs and meditate. Practising this asana can result in various benefits like increased concentration, calming of the mind, and increased blood flow to the abdomen leading to smooth functions of organs.
Also Read: Magical Benefits Of Avarampoo Flower
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Protects pregnant women and children
People in north India draw swastika symbols on walls on either side of the door of the room where pregnant women reside. To ensure the safety of her and the baby in her womb and no negative energy touches them, a swastika symbol in yellow colour is drawn, mixing turmeric and water. A function called “Godh Bharai” is where family members from both sides come to bless the baby and mother. They performed a ritual that began with drawing Swastika on Kalash in red four times. So that Children will also have good health and luck in future, it also symbolises the new beginning in the life of the pregnant lady and the people that influence her.
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Saves from Vastu dosh
According to Vastu, Shastra Swastika is the symbol of Vastu. So, to get rid of Vastu dosh, one should draw a swastika symbol. The four sides of it represent the four directions. You must draw a Swastika at the house’s main door or shop. It purifies all four orders and prevents evil energies from entering any direction in the near future. Since the Swastika is the symbol of Lord Ganesh, you can perform Ganesh puja and then draw a swastika. It not only cures Vastu dosh but also brings wealth into your house.
- Proceeds Wealth and Good fortune
At the very start of religious ceremonies, puja, Havana, drawing swastika sign on Kalash (a brass or clay pot) with turmeric or vermillion (kumkum) mixed with water in semi-liquid form symbolises new beginnings and brings good fortune. The four lines at right angles make a chakra (rotation) symbol representing the new beginning. As Swastika itself means good existence, it brings positive energy to your house and family members.
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Long life to goods
Whether it is an electronic item, your new house, shop, car, or any other type of goods you have purchased, you can assure its long life by drawing the Swastika sign on it on the first day of its arrival. Welcoming the goods this way brings positive vibes and symbolises your happiness in possessing the good. Moreover, it prevents damage to the good and any harm to the user. For example: if you bought a new bike, a swastika sign could avoid accidents that might happen in the future.
Miracles happen when you believe. If you think you will see the change gradually. From the Neolithic period to till now, people from different cultures, societies and countries have had faith in this sacred symbol. For good quality of life and peace, growth and prosperity, Swastika will help you at every step of your life.
Frequently asked questions:
Q1. Why do Hindus draw Swastika on their house walls?
Q2. Why do Hindus draw Swastika on their new vehicles?
Q3. How does Swastika save from Vastu Dosh?
Q4. What are the benefits of drawing a Swastika on the main gate of a house?
Q5. Why is Swastika so important for Hindus?
Q6. What are the benefits of wearing a Swastika pendant?
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