 SWASTIKA - The symbol of sun god.
The early Indians looked upon the sun as the source of energy and life. They created a
golden-limbed deity - Surya, the sun god who rides a golden chariot drawn by seven horses.
They raised many exquisitely sculpted temples to venerate him. A special graphic symbol
was visualized to represent the sun's energy and munificence -the swastika. Hindus draw
the swastika in Vermillion on business documents and bridal clothes for luck.
They paint it on the walls and thresholds of homes to energise the environment. Naturally
linked with the glitter of gold, the swastika is worn as a locket hung on a gold chain - a
talisman to ward off darkness, despair and danger.
The word swastika means 'all-well'. Its short form swasti is commonly used in all
sacraments and ceremonial chants. The shape of this symbol was created to point out the
four cardinal directions in which fire sticks were placed to begin Vedic sacrificial
fires. An ancient symbol, it was found in civilizations such as the Greek, Egyptian and
Chinese. Used in snake worship, it is supposedly seen on the hoods of cobras. The
auspicious Swastika is always dedicated to the springtime sun.
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