Dhwaja(flag) in Hinduism is part of ashtamangala (sacred suite of eight auspicious symbols of hinduism).
Namaste!
Welcome to the oasis of delightful readings at www.onindianpath.com. let’s unwind the meaning, facts and significance of dhwaja in Hinduism.
Introduction
|| ओम् नमोस्तुते ध्वजाय सकल भुवन जनहिताय विभव सहित विमल चरित बोधकाय मंगलाय तेसततम् ॥
|| om namostute dhvajāya sakala bhuvana janahitāya vibhava sahita vimala carita bodhakāya maṁgalāya tesatatam ||
Folks, this mantra is Dhwaja ropan mantra, asking to the supreme to bless the world around with auspiciousness.
What is Dhwaja?
Dhwaja is symbolic representation of Sanata Dharma. Flag or Dhwaja works as a beacon of light, telling us about the divine presence and offering protection from negative forces.
Sanatana Dharma takes us back to history where idol worship was not prevalent like modern days. Dhwaja was the mode of showing the pattern and math of following different sects and deities. Dhwaja is an integral part of ashtamangala (eight symbols representing hinduism).
Significance of Dhwaja
Apparently, it holds great significance in Hinduism. Without a flag or dhwaja, we would be identity less. The Dhwaja, or flag, is more than just a piece of fabric; it represents identity, pride and spiritual connection.
A hindu dhwaja is bhagwa or red in colour may include :
- Aum
- Swastika
- Lotus
- resemblance of Urdhava Pundra
- Dieties
- Any other symbolic representation topic of God in animal form.
Why do Hindus have Dhwaja?
- As per popular belief, to create a protective shield around the temple and its worshippers, Dhwaja is mounted safeguarding them from harm and ensuring their well-being.
- As per Mahabharata, Dhwaja symbolizes victory and triumph over adversity.
- However, it represents the devotees’ dedication to fully committing themselves to the service of hindu god and living according to spiritual principles. As the it waves in the wind, it is considered as a messenger of the devotees’ heartfelt prayers and aspirations to the heavens, seeking blessings and divine grace.
- Mainly, placing or holding Dhwaja symbolises religious rituals, ceremonies, and festivals, and other auspicious occasion. Like wedding ceremony, Upnayan Sanskara, jaat of newly wedded couple or new born baby, nishan yatra at Khatu Shyam temple.
My fond memory
Every Hindu family has a Kuldevta, a deity worshipped for generations as their ancestral guardian. Similarly, my in-laws’ family venerates their Kuldevta in Bhiwani, Haryana. Following our marriage, my spouse and I were expected to perform our first puja at the Kuldevta temple, dedicated to Bhojo Wali Mata and Deveshwad Mata in Bhiwani. This tradition, known as “Shadi ki Jaat,” involves the elders and the newly wedded couple holding a long dhwaja and walking on foot from home to the temple. At the end of the journey, the dhwaja is mounted at its designated place in the temple.
This tradition not only signifies the continuity of faith and heritage within the family but also strengthens the bond between the newly wedded couple and their ancestral roots. Through this ritual, we honor our Kuldevta and seek divine blessings for a prosperous and harmonious married life.
Bhagwa colour of Dhwaja
However, bhagwa refers to Bhagwan, connecting the Earth to the supreme being sitting in the universe. It represents agni (fire) and gyan (knowledge). Likewise, Agni kills the darkness of ignorance and knowledge takes us to path of salvation and enlightenment.
Although, its colour may vary as per the choice and symbolic repsentation of different sects and ideologies. For instance, Shaktism follows red colour dhwaja, while Vaishnavas follow saffron colour and Shaivities represents their identity with gerua and red colour.
Not only Hinduism, it has special reference in Sikhism and Jainism too.
What is Pataka?
As per hindu text, Pataka refers to the flag set on the top of the garbh griha (sanctorum) of temple.
Certainly, many texts suggest a similarity between the dhwaja and pataka. While the pataka typically rests atop temples, the dhwaja can be carried by groups of people during religious yatras or processions. Additionally, a dhwaja can be placed on the roofs of houses, as seen during the consecration ceremony of Lord Ramlalla in Ayodhya, and across the country.
Additionally, the symbolic image may differ as per ideologies:
- Nandi on Shaivities pataka
- Trishul on Shaktism pataka
- Garud on Garudhwaja
Shape of Hindu dhwaja
Dhwaja is in triangle and triangular in shape. Apparently the shape is such to make it flutter more easily and vividly.
1.Triangle shape of dhwaja refers to ond triangle with three corners, indicating:
- three lokas swarg, narak and Mrityu lok,
- three kaal- bhut, vartaman and bhavishya,
- Trinity of gods – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
2. Triangular Dhwaja is made by joining the two triangles. Also, the upper triangle is smaller than the lower one. One can observe them mounted on temples, offices and even at homes.
Flag is different from dhwaja according to its shape, size, colour and significance.
Similarly, according to ancient text, we had different types for battlefield in Mahabharata :
- Abhimanyu – Deer
- Arjuna – Hanuman
- Ashwatthama – Lion’s tail with golden rays
- Bharata – Tree
- Bhima – Lion
- Bhishma – Tree
- Drona – Kamandalu
- Yudhishthira – Moon
- Duryodhana – Serpent
- Ghatotkacha – Wheel
- Jayadratha – Boar
- Karna – Elephant
- Kartikeya – Peacock
- Kripa – Bull
- Nakula – Deer
- Sahadeva – Swan
- Shiva – Nandi
- Vishnu – Garuda
- Indra – Sword
Different types of Dhwaja symbolises their own special symbols to the warzone, there own soldeirs and enemies.
some festivals dedicated to dhwaja:
Gudi Padwa 2025
Gudi Padwa is an auspicious Hindu festival celebrated on the pratipada of Chaitra mas of Hindu Panchang every year to welcome the new harvest. It’s symbolic celebration includes praying to Gudi. Gudi is the dhwaja (flag) of Hindu God Brahma. In 2025, we are going to have Gudi Padwa on March 30.
Nishan Yatra 2025
Nishan Yatra is a pilgrimage walk done barefoot for 18 kms from Ringas to Shri Khau Shyam temple at Kahtu, Rajasthan. Here, devotees carry dhwaja of Shri Khatu ji and offer it to the temple. This is a grand festival celebrated as Lakhi mela happening in the month of falgun of Hindu Panchang. In 2025, it will start form April 5 and will be celebrated till April 8, 2025 on occasion of Amalki Ekadashi.
Conclusion
Now, we know that the dhwaja symbolizes more than just a physical offering; it represents the unwavering devotion and heartfelt prayers of the devotees. As it waves in the wind, it carries the collective hopes and aspirations of the community to the heavens, seeking blessings and divine grace. This timeless tradition unites families and connects them to their spiritual heritage, ensuring that the legacy of faith endures for generations to come.
Keep growing with us.
About Author
