Om, Swastika and Shivalinga

In our ancient Sanatan culture there are several symbols and figures which represent sounds, ideas and physical concepts from time immemorial. Their origins are shrouded in mythical and mysterious fables and tales. I have, through research and deep conceptualization, explained here the origin of three of the most famous symbols used in our culture.

Om or Aum is considered the primordial sound in the Sanatan culture.

The modern representation of this sound, ॐ, is just the calligraphically shortened version of the proper Om alphabetically written in the Devanagari script. On the surface, many Sanatan symbols, like Om, may seem to be ridiculous or even dumb, but discovering the deeper original ancient meaning and hidden creational processes behind them is sheer joy.

The primordial creational sound, Om or Omkar Mantra,is represented by the symbol ॐ in the Sanatan culture. It is vividly shown in this book that the origin of this symbol lies in our belief that the universe was created with this primordial sound. It was conceptualised by our forefathers during the Saraswatisindhu cultural period. The discovery of the dried riverbed of the Saraswati has made it possible to recognise these ancient philosophies.

Through out India and elsewhere (in spite of its recent negative connotation in the West), we in the Sanatan culture use the Swastika for all auspicious occasions (marriage, religious cerimonies, etc). The origin of the Swastika, 卐, also lies in our ancient Saraswatisindhu culture. Stone tablets bearing the Swastika have been excavated in many ancient ruined city sites (Dholavira, Banawali, etc). How the actual sun representation metamorphosed into the present symbol is clearly shown in the book. It also shows that the origin of Chanllo (Bindi or Tilaka) lies in the sun symbol.

In every village one finds a Shiva temple bearing the Shivalinga.

The secret of its origin lies in the life bearing water of the river Saraswati. The creation of the river Saraswati from Mount Kailash is represented in the Shiva temples. Shivalinga is a representation of the Kailash Mountain. The Kalash with dripping water and the bund around the Shivalinga are simulation of the river Saraswati. The present prevalent meaning of Linga and Yoni is the creation of a vulgar mind. This is clearly explained in the book.

The explanations given here regarding the representation of complex ideas like Omkar Mantra, Swastika and Shivalinga do not diminish the importance and relevance of these in modern times. On the contrary they increase our faith in the scientifically based ancient Sanatan culture.

Book Details

Chapter 1. Om
Chapter 2. Swastika and Chanllo
Chapter 3. Shivalinga
English text starts on page 42