Every Hindu has this symbol inscribed at the entrance of their home and begins every auspicious act with it. What is this sign that we see countless times every day, yet very few people know about its immense power and cosmic mystery?
It is not merely an auspicious mark. It is the essence of the Vedas, the foundation of mathematics, and the formula of creation’s balance. This article, based on the treatises of the great revered pujyaniya Puri Shankaracharya Ji, reveals that the fundamental symbol of faith in Sanatan Dharma is none other than the divine ‘Swastik’ itself — a representation of benevolence and the Supreme Principle. Let us explore the profound meanings hidden in every turn of this eternal symbol.
We all see signs like ‘Om,’ ‘Trishul,’ the lotus feet of Gods, oil lamps, Tripund tilak, Vaishnav vertical tilak, Swastik, and many others every day. All these symbols are related to Sanatan Dharma, but there is one symbol that is present at every doorway and in every worship, yet very few people truly understand its depth. That symbol is—the Swastik.
Yes! Among all the symbols representing the faith of followers of Sanatan Dharma, the Swastik stands out as the foremost!
This information has been taken from the book “Sanatan Dharma Prashnottar Malika” authored by Shri Govardhan Math Puri Peethadhishwar Shrimad Jagadguru Revered Gurudev Puri Shankaracharya ji, which shows that the Swastik is indeed the main identifying symbol of the faith of Sanatan Dharma followers.
This brief article, written in simple language, aims to make all followers of Sanatan Dharma aware of this important fact.
The Swastik is truly the fundamental symbol of faith for those who follow Sanatan Dharma.
The Swastik represents the core principle of Sanatan Dharma, that is, universal well-being and the Supreme Reality.
Basic meaning: “May everyone be blessed.”
The word swastik is formed from two words: ‘su’ (good/auspicious) + ‘asti’ (to be/exist). Its literal meaning is “let there be well-being.”
The ‘Nirukta’ (3.21) says — “Swastityavinashanam” — that is, swastik is the name for a state which is never destroyed; it stands as a symbol of eternal welfare.
This symbol is the visible form of our Vedic ideal ‘sarve bhavantu sukhinah’ (may all be happy). In the Skanda Purana and Mahabharata there are prayers for the well-being (swasti) of Brahmins, Kshatriyas, cows, people, and the whole world.
The swastik is the timeless symbol of the eternal (Sanatan) Vedic Aryans. Words like “Swastivachan” (chants for welfare), “Swastikasana” (a yoga posture) frequently occur in Vedic literature.
According to Nirukta 3.21, ‘Swasti’ means “indestructible” (something that can never be destroyed).
In the final mantra of the Samaveda Samhita, the word “swasti” is used four times in prayers to Indra, Pusha, Tarkshya, and Brihaspati, wishing for the well-being of the entire world.
Swasti Prayer from the Samaveda
The swastik is also a symbol of the five elements (earth, water, air, fire, and space) out of which the whole universe is formed.
“Swasti na Indro vr̥ddhaśravāh swasti nah Pūṣā viśvavedāh | Swasti
nastārkṣyo ariṣṭa nemih swasti no br̥haspatirdadhātu||”
**(Sāmaveda 9.3.21.1.3.9 / Rgveda 1.89.6)**
May the glorious Indra bless us, may the all-knowing Pusha bring light to our lives, may the invincible Tarkshya (Garuda) protect us, and may Brihaspati grant us wisdom and well-being.
These four deities — Brihaspati (space), Indra (energy), Pusha (water/earth), and Tarkshya (air/Garuda) — together symbolize the four directions. It is from them that the four arms of the swastik get their meaning.
Brihaspati (Jupiter) symbolizes space (ether), which governs sound (Shabda) and knowledge.
Indra represents the element of fire or energy, embodying power and illumination.
Pusha (Surya) governs earth and water, symbolizing nourishment, fertility, and sustenance.
Tarkshya (Garuda) stands for air element, symbolizing movement, strength, and freedom.
Lord Ganesha and the Swastik
Just as the Gayatri Mantra is considered the essence of all deities—manifesting as Surya (the Sun), Vishnu, Shiva, Shakti, and Ganapati—and yet is most often used in worship of the Sun, the Swastik too, though a sacred geometric symbol representing the five auspicious deities in their benevolent (Shiva-like) form, is particularly associated with Lord Ganapati, the remover of obstacles and bestower of universal welfare.
The word Swastik means “the giver of well-being,” while Swasti means “well-being” itself. Among Sanatan Dharma followers, it has long been customary to begin by writing “Shri Ganeshaya Namah”, followed by “Swasti Shri”, signifying a prayer for auspiciousness and success.
The elephant-faced Lord Ganapati embodies multiple aspects: the Karya Brahma (manifest creation), the Karana Brahma (causal principle), and the Parabrahma (the Absolute beyond cause and effect, in the form of Omkara). Thus, He is called Swasti, meaning Welfare itself, and the source of all auspiciousness.
The Swastik is a universal divine symbol, just as Om is the eternal sound symbol of all creation. The Gayatri Mantra represents all five major deities—Surya, Vishnu, Shiva, Shakti, and Ganapati—so too the Swastik acts as a geometric yantra symbol combining these five benevolent forces into one.
In its inherent form, the Swastik represents auspiciousness, balance, and energy. In particular, it is considered the symbol of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the harbinger of success, peace, and prosperity.
Swastik and Mathematics
In the world of commerce:
The Sun symbolizes addition (+).
The Moon symbolizes subtraction (–).
The Wind (Air) symbolizes multiplication (×).
The Fire (Agni) symbolizes division (:)
Within the structure of the Swastik symbol:
The intersection of two straight lines forms the addition sign (+).
A horizontal straight line represents subtraction (–).
The turning of four arms or points forms the multiplication sign (×).
One point above and one point below a straight line signifies division (:).
The dot (·) signifies zero (0), and the vertical line (|) signifies one (1).
Since all numbers emerge from the combination of zero and one, the Swastik is the foundation of mathematics itself—representing both the origin and order of creation.
The Four Arms of the Swastik — Their Relation with Directions, Vedas, and the Monastic Orders Established by Adi Shankaracharya
According to the sages, the four Vedas and the four cardinal directions are related as follows:
East – Rigveda
South – Yajurveda
West – Samaveda
North – Atharvaveda
The divine powers operating in these four directions are symbolized through the four arms of the Swastik, which curve from the center toward the right. Therefore, the Swastik represents the cosmic diagram of the Vedic universe.
The four right-turning arms of the Swastik correspond respectively to Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda.
The four dots turning rightward symbolize Agni (Fire), Vayu (Air), Surya (the Sun), and Chandra (the Moon).
According to the monastic system established by Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya, the connection between the Vedas and the four great monastic centers (Mathas) is as follows:
East (Purvamnaya) – Govardhan Math, Puri – Rigveda
South (Dakshinamnaya) – Sringeri Math – Yajurveda
West (Pashchimamnaya) – Dwaraka (Sharada Math) – Samaveda
North (Uttaramnaya) – Jyotirmath – Atharvaveda
The Philosophical Mystery of the Swastik
In spirituality, Swasti is not merely a word—it is the complete vision of Paramatma (the Supreme Soul) and Prakriti (Nature).
Swasti = Swa + Sti
Swa: In Vedanta, this means the Self or the Supreme Being.
Sti: Each letter (S, T, I) represents respectively the three Gunas — Sattva (purity), Tamas (inertia), and Rajas (activity, desire) — which together form Trigunatmika Prakriti or Maya.
The balance of these three qualities – Sattva, Tamas, and Rajas – governs the functioning of the whole universe.
Hence, the Swastik represents the union of Brahman (the Self) and Prakriti (Nature).
The word Swasti signifies the divine play of Nature governed by the Supreme Being. It represents both Parabrahman (the Absolute Self) and Aparabrahman (manifest creation) encapsulated in the sacred syllable Pranava (Om).
Conclusion
The Swastik is not just a symbol — it embodies the essence of the Vedas, divine worship, directions, numbers, balance, and self-knowledge.
It reminds us that the same divine light pervades both the universe and the individual being.
The continuous flow of auspiciousness, radiance, and peace within and around us — this alone is the true meaning of Swasti.
Beautiful write up,⚘️⚘️⚘️