HINDUISM

Hinduism



Hinduism

1.Compare and interpret Hindu iconography and identify how the various characteristics of specific gods/ goddesses are represented therein.

Over the millennia of its development Hinduism has adopted several iconic symbols, forming part of Hindu iconography, that are imbued with spiritual meaning based on either the scriptures or cultural traditions. The exact significance accorded to any of the icons varies with region, period and denomination of the followers. Over time some of the symbols, for instance the Swastika has come to have wider association while others like Aum are recognized as unique representations of Hinduism. Other aspects of Hindu iconography are covered by the terms murti, for cult images and mudra for gestures and positions of the hands and body. (Lewis 2009)

Several symbols (animals, flora, instruments, weapons, or even color) in Hindu iconography are associated with particular devas, and vice versa. In certain cases the deities themselves are personifications of natural forces, for instance Agni (fire), Vayu (wind), Surya (Sun) and Prithvi (Earth). In other instances, the associations arise from specific incidents or characteristics related in Hindu mythology. The iconography serve to identify the particular deity in their pictorial or sculptural representations. The symbolism also often links the deities with a particular natural or human attribute, or profession. In that sense the Hindu devas are analogous to patron saints of certain denominations in Christianity. It is important to understand the symbolism, in order to appreciate the allegorical references in not only Hindu scriptures (for instance, Puranic tales), but also in both ancient and modern secular works of authors from the Indian subcontinent. (Lewis 2009)

Shiva Lingam: The Shiva Lingam represents the divine being Shiva, and is used as a symbol of the power of Lord Shiva as the creator and the destructor of the world.

The Lotus: The Lotus is associated with the creation ...