The Hindu iconography enables us to identify the respective deities in their visual or sculptural presentations. The symbolism also connects the deities with a distinct characteristic or discipline. Some major symbols in Hinduism are the Swastika, Om, Trishula, Shanka, lotus flower, Lingam, and lamp.
In Hinduism, images are notable tools of devotion and prayer. And iconology is the analysis of the symbols in a sacred image. These images are created from wood, stone, metal, or painted on paper or cloth.
Vedas are the origins of all principles of Indian culture. Hindu deities in various forms are praised in the Vedas. Their icons or idols are mentioned in the eulogies of Vedas. Besides, different sects of Brahmin religion, such as Shaivite, Vaishnavism, Shakt, and Solar, belong to Siva, Vishnu, Shakti, and Sun deities respectively. In the same way, Jain and Buddhism are related to Tirthankaras and Buddhas.
We can also find the concept of iconography in chapter 16 of Agni Purana. This Hindu Purana mentions idols of the Sun God and Goddess in addition to Vishnu and Shiva. Moreover, the Vishnudharmottara Purana provides a more detailed description of the symbolism.
In Indian culture, symbolism is crucial in all aspects of life, from our Sastras to celebrations and festivals. It's a terminology of its own. The significance of iconography is unavoidable both in history & social evolution and spiritual portrayal.
Symbolism is an integral part of Hinduism, like no other religion. The famous Hindu symbols have a spiritual value based on Hindu philosophies, education, gods, and goddesses. They also include cultural practices. Here is a detailed discussion of the significance of Hindu symbolism for various purposes.
Hindu symbols are a primary component of worship used during prayers and rituals. Devotees believe that sacred symbols represent the divine deities. So, the followers of Hinduism always sit near or in front of divine symbols or icons during prayer or worship.
Secondly, God is the inner witness who knows our thoughts and emotions. Also, religious scriptures tell us that God always listens to our prayers. So, a small fraction of the eternal presence of God can reside in the sanctified icon distinctively. Besides, God is omnipotent and almighty, so he can empower an icon to bless us.
Sacred images or sculptures of God and Goddesses also help us to perform deep meditation. They support us in concentrating on specific thoughts and detaching our minds from outside distractions and disturbances. This practice is mentioned in Chapter 6 of the Bhagavad Gita.
Shri Ram Darbar in White Marble
Iconography is the creation of pictorial illustrations or symbols associated with a particular deity. It sometimes differs from time to time and region to region. This change in artistic practice makes the context of symbolism more fascinating.
The actual value associated with the symbols and icons varies with the area, time, and sect or tradition of the followers of that belief. Some symbols, like Swastika, are adopted by other religions or cultures. While others, such as Aum/OM, are unique symbols of Hindu culture.
Om Wall Hanging Statue in Brass
Hindu iconography is the art of creating statues & sculptures of Gods and Goddesses. Its origin dates back to the Kushana period with the formation of the Mathura School of Art. Besides, bronze idols of Gods and Goddesses were created from the 9th to 13th century during the Chola period. The most common feature seen in this myriad art forms is the feeling of reverence and spirituality that permeates the Hindu way of life.
Similarly, Indian temples mark the great Hindu iconography with their outstanding art & sculpture. For example, in the Brihadeswara temple, a huge stone lingam represents Lord Shiva. Again, the artworks of Khajuraho symbolize the four goals of life in Hinduism – Dharma, Kama, Artha, and Moksha.
Apart from sculpture, painting is also a significant part of Hindu symbolism. There are many traditional folk paintings like Madhubani, Patachitra, Batik-Art, Gond, Mandala, Tanjore paintings, Tribal Art Warli, Pithora, etc. These art forms represent devotion, God, truth, beauty, tradition, and cultural significance of the particular region.
Sri Rama Pattabhishekam (Winner of Shilp Guru Gold Medal Award)
The common motifs used in the above art forms include flowers, trees, and animals. They are considered sacred representations of nature in Hinduism.
Every Hindu ritual and festival includes worship and prayer. In Hindu culture, decorating the house with sacred icons & symbols is a standard practice during festivals. Be it an inauguration event, traditional festival, or wedding, people pray to their favorite deity. The use of Swastika, Mandala, Ganesha idol, lamp, and conch are common.
In Hindu culture, various religious festivals, such as Navaratri, Deepawali, Holi, etc are extremely popular. Devotees decorate their homes with sacred symbols and idols of Maa Durga, Lakshmi, and Ganesha.
Om symbol- Aum is the sound of eternal bliss. It is the supreme mantra for prayer & meditation. Moreover, the Aum Guru is a powerful mantra because Aum refers to the creation, protection, and abolition of the universe. Ans Guru removes all ignorance & darkness.
Lotus flower- This sacred flower symbolizes water, creation, purity, beauty, and spiritual growth in Hinduism. It teaches us to be like a lotus that grows out of mud and blossoms into a beautiful flower, overcoming all challenges.
Lotus flowers are commonly seen in the hands of various deities, such as Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu, and Mata Lakshmi. They also sit or stand on this sacred flower.
Trishula (trident)- This sacred weapon of Lord Shiva has three prongs. It represents the three powers of Shiva: creation, preservation, and destruction. The Trishula also depicts the three powers: will, action, and wisdom.
Swastika- Swastika symbolizes the advancement of the Sun through heaven. It refers to good fortune, where 'Su' stands for well and 'Asti' for being. This is an auspicious symbol revered by the world since the beginning of our civilization.
Conch shell (Shankha)- The blowing sound of this sacred Hindu item invites positive energy. Devotees also use it to hold holy water during worship.
Hindu gods have special symbols that help us identify the deities and their power. These symbols teach us about the universe and help us overcome challenges and live peacefully. Here, we have discussed the symbols of various Gods and Goddesses.
Shiva’s trident- It symbolizes the power of Lord Shiva as a creator, protector, and destroyer. The three edges of Trishula remind us about the balance of life. This symbol also helps us find the spiritual path, achieving a superior life. You can meditate by looking at the Trishul for a balanced state of mind. Trishula also represents the timeline: past, present, and future.
Vishnu’s Conch- Vishnu is usually associated with a conch shell called a Shankha. It's a significant item in the worship of Lord Vishnu, spreading the truth. It is believed that the very first sound at the origin of the universe was the blow of a conch shell.
The Shankha has the shape of a curve, again and again, showing us the vastness of the universe. It denotes that everything in the universe goes in cycles. The sound of the conch invites positive energy, reminding us that Lord Vishnu is everywhere and everything, balancing the universe.
Lord Ganesha’s Modak- Lord Ganesha generally carries a dessert called a Modak. It symbolizes the right things we obtain from pursuing wisdom and the pleasure from comprehending in-depth realities. So when we offer Modak to Lord Ganesha, it shows our respect for learning & intelligence. And Lord Ganesha provides blessings of success, removing all obstacles.
Saraswati’s Veena- The veena is an ancient Indian traditional string musical instrument. It has a blissful connection with Devi Saraswati. This Hindu Goddess of art, knowledge, music, dance, and education is popularly worshiped in Indian educational institutions.
The deep & blissful sound of Veena depicts the importance of concentration during learning or creating something. The image of Goddess Saraswati sitting on a lotus and playing the veena reminds us of the purity and pleasure in gaining knowledge and practicing art. It also reflects the value and respect of art and education in Hindu culture.
Hindu religious symbols have two categories: Mudras or body postures and icons. The Mudras are various ritualistic gestures of hands or the entire body. While icons include statues, idols, or paintings of the deities or sacred objects.
Mudras- These are Hindu ceremonial gestures made by hands, fingers, and sometimes the entire body. The performance of these gestures directs the flow of Prana or life energy. There are several mudras. They are classified as Hasta, Kaya, and Chitta Mudras.
Vahanas (Vehicles)- All Hindu Gods and Goddesses have their specific Vahanas or Vehicle. The positive characteristics of those vehicles represent God, and the negative traits are those destroyed by God. Thus, Vahana and the deity share a mutual association.
Ayudas (weapons)- Hindu legends usually display Gods with powerful and significant weapons. These weapons, like Shiva’s Trishula or Vishnu’s Chakra, are more than just devices for war. They demonstrate the power of God over the universe and their function in preserving everything with balance.
Auras and Halos- We often see a disk of light behind the heads of various divine deities. The halo is the iconography, indicating a sacred figure. The golden light portrayed in nearly all images of Hindu Gods symbolizes their highest state of strength and energy.
Ganesha is a famous character in Indian craftwork. Illustrations of Lord Ganesha depict wide interpretations and distinct designs varying over time and area. He may be visualized in several positions and moods. These are standing, dancing, conquering demons, playing as a child, sitting on a high seat, etc.
Vishnu iconography portrays the deity in a bluish skin, nicely dressed and adorned with jewelry. He is generally illustrated with four arms, but two armed pictures are also available in Hindu artworks of Lord Vishnu.
Shiva is generally described as having white skin with ashes smeared all over his body. His neck is blue due to drinking poison during the Samudra Manthan.
The Hindu goddess Lakshmi provides wealth, good health, and prosperity if you try to gain these fortunes through hard work and honesty. Her primary sign is the lotus flower. The lotus blooming over the water and rooted deep in the sea depicts her association with spiritual growth.
Goddess Durga is the destroyer of demons, and she is often portrayed as expressing her martial skills. The iconography of Devi Durga generally reflects these features when she rides a lion or a tiger, having 10 hands, each carrying a weapon to destroy the demons.
The Hindu iconography has a significant impact on our lives. We include sacred objects, paintings & idols of various deities, and symbols in our everyday rituals. So, it is of utmost importance to know the Hindu symbolism. It will help the devotees perform the ritual in the right way. Veda and Purana are the ancient scriptures mentioning the iconography. However, you can read contemporary Hindu iconography books for a convenient study of the subject.
Books references for deeper understanding
★ Elements of Hindu Iconography (Set of 2 Volumes in 4 Parts)
★ The Development of Hindu Iconography
★ Iconography of Vedic Gods (A Set of Three Books)
★ Encyclopaedia of Hindu Iconography: Early Medieval (Set of Four Volumes)
Hindu iconography is the art of creating paintings, statues & sculptures of Gods and Goddesses. It also includes various symbols depicting the deities, the universe, and the philosophy of life. Hindu devotees respect these sacred icons or symbols and include them in the practice of Yoga, Meditation, worship, and festivals. The major Hindu iconography includes Ganesha idol, Vishnu idol, Lakshmi idol, conch, Swastika, lamp, etc.
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