

Some Shiva followers also draw the three ash strips of Tripundra on the sides of their arms. It may have a red dot or Bindu superimposed in the center. Tripundra is typically a tilak, with three horizontal lines made from Bhasma or sacred ash applied on the forehead. Tripundra – The Tripundra is a prominent Hindu symbol that is used by Shaivites or the devotees of Lord Shiva. Another symbolic representation of the Trishula is that of the three facets of consciousness, namely, cognition, affection, and conation. It is also considered symbolic of the three Gunas – Rajas, Tamas and Sattva. It is representative of the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh and stands for the balance between the forces of creation, preservation, and destruction. Though this three-pronged symbol is usually viewed as a weapon used by the Lord for the protection and restoration of Dharma, it actually carries deeper meanings. The Trishula – Trishula or the Trident is a prominent Hindu symbol that is associated with Lord Shiva. We seek His permission and blessings in every undertaking. Seated upon His throne, He guides our karmas by creating and removing obstacles from our path. Ganesha is the Lord of Obstacles and Ruler of Dharma. Vata, the banyan tree, symbolizes Hinduism, which branches out in all directions, draws from many roots, spreads shade far and wide, yet stems from one great trunk. It is a symbol of victory, signal to all that “Sanatana Dharma shall prevail.” Its color betokens the sun’s life-giving glow. Dhvaja, or ‘flag,’ is the orange or red banner flown above temples, at festivals, and in processions. Hindu sacraments are solemnized before the fire. It is through the fire element, denoting divine consciousness, that the Hindu make offerings to the Gods. Fire Altar – The fire altar is regarded as a distinct symbol of ancient Vedic rites. This unique conception has not been replicated by any other religion on earth to this day and is exclusive to Hinduism. Brahman, as understood by the scriptures of Hinduism, as well as by the ‘acharyas’ of the Vedanta school, is a very specific conception of the absolute.

Brahman – One can say that Brahman Itself (him/herself) constitutes the essential building material of all reality, being the substance from which all things proceed. The bindi is most commonly a red dot made with vermilion. Bindis are traditionally a simple mark made with the paste of colored sandalwood, sindoor or turmeric. It symbolizes female energy and is believed to protect women and their husbands from bad things. Traditionally, the bindi is worn on the forehead of married Hindu women. It is a form of the tilak, a symbolic mark worn by many Hindu men and women, but that has less religious meaning than other tilaks. It is also used for the goddess Saraswati and the sage Narada.īindi – One of the most well-known items in Hinduism is the bindi, a dot (often the color red) worn on women’s foreheads. The Veena The Veena is an Indian stringed instrument that represents art and learning. The Lotus This plant is representative of creation and is used to symbolize Vishnu, Brahma, and Lakshmi. The Shiva Lingam, which is used to represent Shiva, is an elongated column that looks much like an erect penis. There are several icons used to symbolize these deities. The Shiva Lingam In Hinduism, several deities represent the natural forces fire (Agni), wind (Vayu), sun (Surya) and earth (Prithvi). The seeds from this tree are also used to make prayer beads or rosaries. The name Rudrashka actually comes from “Rudra” (another name for Shiva) and “Aksha,” which means eyes. Legend has it that when Shiva saw how his people suffered, he shed one tear from his eye, which grew into the Rudraksha tree. Its blue seeds are said to symbolize the tears of Shiva, the Destroyer. Rudraksha The Rudraksha is a tree that is found in Southeast Asia, Nepal, the Himalayas and even New Guinea and Australia.

A devotion to Vishnu is indicated by a U-shaped tilaka, while horizontal lines symbolize devotion to Shiva. The tilaka comes in many different shapes, depending on the custom or religious affair.

The Tilaka is different from the bindi worn by Hindu women, though. The tilaka This symbol is often placed on the forehead of a devotee of Hinduism.
