The swastika is a historical sacred symbol in Indian religions. It first appears in the archaeological record here around[22] 2500 BC in the Indus Valley Civilization. It rose to importance in Buddhism during the Mauryan Empire and in Hinduism with the decline of Buddhism in India during the Gupta Empire. With the spread of Buddhism, the Buddhist swastika reached Tibet and China. The symbol was also introduced to Balinese Hinduism by Hindu kings. The use of the swastika by the Bön faith of Tibet, as well as later syncretic religions, such as Cao Dai of Vietnam and Falun Gong of China, can also be traced to Buddhist influence.
[edit]Hinduism
Swastika on the doorstep of an apartment in Maharashtra, India
The swastika is one of the 108 symbols of Hindu deity Vishnu and represents the Sun's rays, upon which life depends.[citation needed] Its use as a Sun symbol can first be seen in its representation of the god Surya.[citation needed] The swastika is used in all Hindu yantras and religious designs.[citation needed]
Swastika is also considered as a symbolic representation of Ganesha, in Hinduism. Ganesha as per Hindu rites is offered first offerings and as such in every pooja, at first Swastika is made with Sindoor during any religious rites of Hindu.
patricia
03-Jul-2011 22:19
That swastika cannot be real. I'm outraged and embarrassed
