Hindu Symbolism

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Dear All......

 

Came across this interesting info on the net. You would also like it

I am sure.......

 

 

AUM

 

Pranava or AUM is the universally accepted symbol of Hinduism.

Literally, the word Pranava means "That by which God is effectively

praised". It also means "That which is never new". Actually AUM

comprises of three independent letters A, U and M, each of which has

its own meaning and significance. The letter 'A' represents the

beginning (Adimatwa), 'U' represents Progress (Utkarsha) and 'M'

represents limit or dissolution (Miti). Hence, the word AUM

represents that power responsible for creation, development and

disolution of the Universe, namely GOD himself.

 

ShivaLinga

 

Literally, Shiva means auspiciousness, and Linga means a sign of

symbol. Hence, the ShivaLinga is the symbol of the Great God of the

Universe who is all-auspicious-ness. Shiva also means One in whom the

whole creation sleeps after dissolution. Linga also means the same

thing - a place where created objects get dissolved during

disintegration of the created Universe. Since according to Hinduism,

it is the same God who creates, sustains amd withdraw the Universe,

the ShivaLinga represents symbolically God himself.

 

ShivaLingas may be 'Chala' (movable) or 'Achala' (immovable). The

Chala Lingas may be kept in the shrine of one's own home for worship

or prepared temporarily with materials like clay or dough or rice for

worship and dispensed with after the worship. The Chala lingas can

also be worn on the body as Ishtalinga as the Virasaivas do.

 

The 'Achala Lingas' are those installed in temples. They are usually

made of stones and have three parts. The lowest part which is square

is called Brahmabhaga and represents Brahma the creator. The middle

part which is octagonal is called Vishnubhaga and represents Vishnu

the sustainer. These two parts are embedded inside the pedestal. The

Rudrabhaga which is cylindrical and projects outside the pedestal is

the one to which worship is offered. Hence, it is also called the

Pujabhaga.

 

The Pujabhaga also contains certain horizontal lines technically

called Brahmasutra, whithout which the Linga becomes unfit for

worship.

 

 

The Bull or Nandi

 

Nandi, the happy one - The Bull on which Lord Shiva rides is another

common hindu symbol. It represents virility and strength, the animal

in the man. In Shiva temples, there is always a reclining bull placed

in front of the chief shrine or just outside it, with the head turned

away from the deity but the gaze fixed on it. It is interpreted as

the Jivatman, the individual soul, with its animal nature pulling it

away from God, but his grace pulling it back to Him.

 

The Lotus

 

The Lotus bud is born in water and unfolds itself into a beautiful

flower. Hence, it is taken as the symbol of the Universe coming out

of the Sun. It rises from the navel of Lord Vishnu and is the seat of

Brahma the creator. Hence, the sacredness associated with it. Also,

psychic centers in the body associated with the rising of the

Kundalini power are pictured as lotuses.

 

 

The Swastika

 

The Swastika is a symbol of auspiciousness (Swasti = Auspiciousness).

It has been used as a symbol of the Sun or of Lord Vishnu. It also

represents the world-wheel, the eternally changing world, round a

fixed and unchanging centre, God. Swastika marks, depicted on doors

or walls of buildings or on animals are beleived to protect them from

the wrath of evil spirits or furies of the nature

 

Hinduism in the World

 

Hinduism existed long before the sun rose on the kingdoms of Egypt or

set on the Roman Empire; even before it sparkled upon the Chinese

civilization. When much of Europe was still sunk in sleep, Hindu

astronomers were mapping the skies, doctors were performing surgery

and seers were composing pictures.

 

The growth and spread of Hinduism lies in the fact that it is broad-

minded, encourages al scientific and social developments.

 

Hindu Population in the World

 

Presently, Hindus comprise 13.7% (765,351,710) of the world's

population residing in 150 countries (maybe this figure has increased

as this looks old info to me)

 

Om Namah Shivaye!!