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1. What is this symbol called?
Naga
What does it represent?
The Naga, or cobra, is a symbol of fertility and strength. The god Shiva is often depicted with a Naga draped around his neck.
Which deity is it associated with?
Shiva
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2. What is this symbol called?
Discus
What does it represent?
The discus is a symbolic weapon. In Vishnu's hands it signifies his absolute might in destroying evil.
Which deity is it associated with?
Vishnu
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3. What is this symbol called?
Club
What does it represent?
The club is a divine weapon. When held by Vishnu the club signifies his absolute might in destroying evil.
Which deity is it associated with?
Vishnu
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4. What is this symbol called?
Linga
What does it represent?
A linga is a symbolic image of the god Shiva. It signifies the union of opposites (male and female, good and evil, light and dark). Some people believe it derives its shape from sexual symbolism, but most Hindus view the linga as a representation of the god's potency in every area of existence.
Which deity is it associated with?
Shiva
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5. What is this symbol called?
Lion
What does it represent?
Durga, the great Warrior Goddess, is often shown riding a lion into battle. She is one of many manifestations of Parvati and represents the lethal energy of divine anger when turned against evil.
Which deity is it associated with?
Durga
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6. What is this symbol called?
Hanuman
What does it represent?
Hanuman, the messenger of the gods, is most commonly associated with Vishnu's incarnation as Rama. He is also worshiped independently in shrines throughout India. Hanuman symbolizes the power to achieve the impossible and embodies a conscientious sense of duty and selfless service to the gods.
Which deity is it associated with?
Rama and Vishnu
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7. What is this symbol called?
Vishnu's footprints
What does it represent?
A V-shaped symbol is often shown on Vishnu's forehead, a stylized representation of his footprints. This same mark is applied in sandalwood paste to the foreheads of worshipers of Vishnu during puja.
Which deity is it associated with?
Vishnu
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8. What is this symbol called?
Nandi
What does it represent?
Nandi, the sacred bull, is the mount of the god Shiva. Nandi represents strength, faith, and constancy in belief. Images of Nandi often sit directly outside a shrine to Shiva, facing the deity.
Which deity is it associated with?
Shiva
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9. What is this symbol called?
Ganesha
What does it represent?
Ganesha, the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati, is one of the most popular gods in India. Worshipers pray to Ganesha to ensure success before beginning any new endeavor. He is usually portrayed with a round belly and a happy expression.
Which deity is it associated with?
Shiva
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10. What is this symbol called?
Youth Playing the Flute
What does it represent?
Krishna is the most popular of the god Vishnu's incarnations, and images of the youthful Krishna playing the flute are particularly well-loved. Krishna was born human, and the stories of his childhood and adolescence exemplify his mischievous character.
Which deity is it associated with?
Krishna and Vishnu
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11. What is this symbol called?
Conch Shell
What does it represent?
The conch shell is blown in India like a trumpet during many sacred rituals. It is considered to make the purest sound, from which creation springs. In Vishnu's hands the conch symbolizes purity and auspiciousness.
Which deity is it associated with?
Vishnu
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12. What is this symbol called?
Three Horizontal Lines
What does it represent?
The three horizontal lines often seen on Shiva's forehead represent three aspects of the divine: the Creator, the Preserver, and the Destroyer. During puja, many devotees of Shiva mark their own foreheads with these three lines in sacred ash or sandalwood paste.
Which deity is it associated with?
Shiva
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13. What is this symbol called?
Crawling Baby
What does it represent?
Krishna, an incarnation of the god Vishnu, is worshiped by more Hindus than any other of Vishnu's many forms. Krishna was born human, and popular stories describe his childhood and his exploits. A common image portrays how, as an infant, he crawled away from his mother to steal butter.
Which deity is it associated with?
Krishna and Vishnu
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14. What is this symbol called?
Trishula, or Trident
What does it represent?
A symbolic weapon used by deities to destroy demon foes, the trishula is an important symbol of Shiva and of the goddess Kali-Ma.
Which deity is it associated with?
Shiva or Kali-Ma
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