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Chapter 12
SYMBOLS
JAINS have some common symbols which are widely used. The official Jain symbol adopted in 1973 on the 2500th anniversary of Bhagvan Mahavir's nirvana looks like this.
JAIN SYMBOL
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(1) Swastika and the symbol of three dots plus crescent:
This pattern is usually made with grains of rice in a temple while worshipping. The four arms of the swastika remind us how our soul goes through four types of destinies. The dots on the top of the Swastika represent right knowledge, right faith and right conduct. The crescent shape with small dot symbolises the liberation of the soul from four types of destinies and attaining the nirvana-state.
Jain Education International
Swasti means welfare and happiness. It also means anything which is auspicious.
There are two different ways of drawing the swastika. The second figure is often known as Nandyavarta.
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