Symbols, Icons, and Art

Explore the kalpavriksha through a Bhagavata passage, a Besnagar sculpture and a contemporary woven installation inspired by the coconut palm.

Learn to recognise Hindu temple images through attributes, hand gestures and divine mounts, using specific Vishnu and Nataraja sculptures.

Understand the Shiva linga through devotional worship, the column-of-fire story and dated sculptures, without unsupported origin claims.

Explore Shiva’s third eye in sacred art, its meaning as spiritual insight, and the distinction between this image and ajna in yoga.

Understand Hindu reverence for cows through Krishna’s pastoral imagery, Kamadhenu, regional observances and the practical responsibility of care.

In Hindu imagery, hamsa is a sacred bird associated with wisdom and discernment. It is distinct from the hand-shaped khamsa amulet.

Understand dhvaja and saffron flags through local temple examples, including Dwarka and Dakor, without assuming one universal Hindu flag.

Learn the shankha’s place in Hindu worship, how its sounding and visual forms differ, and why its meaning depends on tradition and context.

Understand Hindu mandalas through two dated Vishnu paintings from Nepal, their anantavrata ritual and the difference between worship and decoration.

Meet named serpent figures through the Bhagavad Gita, Vishnu imagery and Mannarasala’s regional tradition of worship.