SWASTIKA

The Swastika is one of the most auspicious, powerful,sacred & divine symbol in Hinduism. The Swastika is also known as ‘Saathiya’ or ‘Satiya’. The Vedic sages composed some special symbols based on their spiritual experiences. It is believed that the ancient sages during meditation have heard the divine voices of our Devas and Devis who had provided them with the knowledge of many symbols, yantras to solve different problems in their lives. These sages where also directed to share this knowledge with their descendants and future generations. The Swastika symbol helps in achieving prosperity, good fortune, and well-being of a person.

Swastika (स्वस्तिक​) = Su (सु) + Asti (अस्ति) + Ka(क​)

Where Su(सु) means Shubh(शुभ) i.e auspicious or welfare.

Asti(अस्ति) means be/happen or exist. It stands for power or existence.

Ka(क​) stands for doer or performer i.e Karta(कर्ता).

The symbol of Swastika is considered a swaroop of Ganesha as it is the first thing that we make before starting anything good and new. Brahmand is explained as the combination of static and dynamic forces, which is also called Shiva and Sakthi, Prakasha and Vimarsha, Purush and Prakriti.

The Swastika is a sacred symbol in other religions such as Christianity, Buddhism, and Jainism, where it represents auspiciousness and a positive, cyclical flow of energy. The Swastika has also been adopted by many countries, such as Japan, China, Germany, and Tibet, either in a reversed form or with rotated orientation.

Variety of Swastika Symbol

The Swastika symbol can be drawn in two different ways, each carrying distinct meanings, significance, and energetic effects. However, both forms are still regarded as sacred and auspicious.

1) The Right facing (Clockwise) or "True" Swastika is associated with good luck and prosperity in Hinduism.This Swastika is associated with Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, and is considered as an embodiment of prosperity and good fortune. The symbol signifies well-being and encapsulates the divine vibrations of Aum. This Swastika also symbolizes The Sun. Swasti/ Swastha/Swastham in Sanskrit means "well being", "being good", "auspicious", "prosperity" etc. So the Sanskrit word Swastika (Devanagari: स्वस्तिक) denotes "conducive to well being or auspicious".

Clockwise Swastika Symbol of different Colours

Clockwise Swastika is primarily associated with four colours. Red, Gold, Green and Black/Deep Blue.

Red Clockwise Swastika represents the flow of Prana which represents flourishing of life. It is the colour of pure Satva Guna or Absolute Purity. So this Swastika represents the Maya or Adi Parasakthi , the Mother of the Universe. This symbol shows nourishment in abundance and motherly(all round) protection from all odds.

The Gold colour symbolises nourishment of wealth in all forms and absolute auspiciousness.

Green colour Swastika represents the flourishing of agriculture, the flourishing of food.

Black/Deep Blue coloured Swastika is used to represent Defensive Power derived from Atharva-Veda and Tantra. It directly represents the protective power of God. In other words it represents Dakshin Kalika the fierce form of auspicious Kali.

Feel privileged to learn to draw a Clockwise Swastika from the video given below: -

2) Left Facing or Counter Clockwise direction Swastika It is also called “Aswastika" (not Sauvastika/ Sauwastika as per popular belief). It is associated with the night or tantric aspects of Kali. The opposite word for Swasti/ Swastha/Swastham in Sanskrit is Aswasti/Aswastha/Aswastham. That it means " not well", "not good", "inauspicious", "hardship" etc. In Sanskrit the word Aswast (Devanagari: अस्वस्थ) denotes "unwell", "unhealthy" etc.

Counterclockwise Swastika ​, “Aswastika" created in Red, Black /Deep Blue colour representing the ultimate destructive power of God. It represents Samhara Kalika, the most ferocious form of God. So whenever this symbol is used, utter destruction of enemies will happen. This symbol is purely used for offensive purpose, like in a flag to scare away enemies. It also shows Tantric aspect mostly derived from left hand path of Tantra & Black Magic.

To draw a counter clockwise swastika -

1) Start by creating a central dot.

2) Then, draw a line from the top right of the dot.

3) Extending to the right, then downward, and finally leftward.

4) Next, connect the left edge of the cross with the left side of the dot.

5) Finally, connect the bottom right with the bottom side of the dot.