CABINET STATUE OF SWASTIK - 3

The swastika () (Sanskrit: ) is a symbol that generally takes the form of an equilateral cross, with its four arms bent at 90 degrees. The earliest archaeological evidence of swastika-shaped is that each arm represents the processional equinox and solstice around the pole star. Swastikas have been used in various other ancient civilizations around the world including Turkic, India, Iran, Armenia, Nepal, China, Japan,Korea and Europe. It remains widely used in Indian religions specifically in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism primarily as a tantric symbol that invokes Lakshmi - the Vedic goddess of wealth, prosperity and auspiciousness. The word "swastika" comes from the Sanskrit svastika - "su" ("good" or "auspicious") combined with "asti" ("it is") along with the diminutive suffix "ka". The swastika literally means "it is good". It is a common practice for Hindus to draw Swastika symbols on the doors and entrances to their houses during festivals, which is believed to symbolize an invitation to goddess Lakshmi. The name "sauwastika" is sometimes given to the left-facing arms symbol which is a mirror image of swastika ().