Swastika

Unfortunately, the swastika symbol is best known to most westerners as a Nazi symbol. However, it has been an auspicious symbol in India for many centuries, and is still in very common use. The swastika is considered extremely holy and auspicious by all Hindus, and is regularly used to decorate all sorts of items to do with Hindu culture. It can be seen on the sides of temples and on religious scripture to gift items and letterhead. The swastika is a symbol of the sun god Surya, a representation of the four directions (and thus symbolizing groundedness), and a symbol of Brahma, the creator god. The popular god Ganesh is also closely associated with the symbol of the swastika.