The Swastika is the oldest cross and emblem in the world. It is not a syllable or a letter, but a pictorial character in the shape of a cross with branches bent at right angles and facing in a clockwise direction. It symbolizes the eternal nature of the Brahman, for it points in all directions, thus represents the omnipresence of the Absolute. The four arms of the cross are known as `the four arms of Vishnu', the preserver' in the Hindu Trinity. It is second in importance only to the Om. It is a symbol which look like the Nazi emblem, holds a great religious significance for the Hindus. It is generally drawn for religious and auspicious occasions. The word swastika is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘su’ means good ‘asti’ means to be and ‘ka’ as a suffix. It is the oldest emblem in the world, which forms a combination of four "L's" standing for Luck, Light, Love and Life. All over India, the Swastika is commonly regarded as a sign of `good luck'.

In India, the swastika has thousands of years of history. It is one of the most prominent spiritual symbols in Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. It is found adorning temples and religious shrines. The swastika has both spiritual and social implications. Its use by millions of people in India for ceremonial and decorative purposes is primarily a sociological application. The swastika is considered extremely holy and auspicious by the Hindus. It is used in all Hindu yantras and religious designs. Lord Ganesha is closely associated with the symbol of the swastika. Due to its religious importance, it is found all over Hindu temples, signs, altars, pictures and iconography in India and Nepal. It is also seen as pointing in all four directions (North, East, South and West) and thus signifies stability. The swastika has not always been used as a symbol of Nazism. Hitler's use of the Swastika on the flag of National-socialist Germany has besmirched the Swastika, yet it holds a religious significance for the Hindus. All paintings are courtesy of Art of Legend India.