The Symbols of Jainism, Explained

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Explore the Universal Jain Symbol and Jainism’s auspicious symbols

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Last Updated: October 29, 2025 References

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Universal Jain Symbol

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Other Jain Symbols

Jainism is an ancient religion that originated in India around 5,000 years ago, and it’s still practiced today. Jain symbols are an important part of its practice. When followers enter the temple, they pour rice onto a table and use their fingers to draw auspicious symbols in the rice before beginning their prayers. We’re here to explain more about these symbols, including the Universal Jain Symbol adopted in 1975, plus the auspicious symbols and Jain flag.

Universal Jainism Symbol Meaning

The Universal Jainism symbol was adopted in 1975. It is comprised of several smaller symbols that are important in Jainism, including:

Outline: Based on the shape of the universe, including heaven, earth, and hell
Crescent with dot: Represents Siddhashila, the home of the Siddhas, or enlightened souls
Three horizontal dots: The three jewels of Jain (Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct)
Swastika: Represents the four destinies a soul can be born into (heavenly, human, plant/animal, and hellish)
Hand of Ahimsa: An open hand that includes a 24-spoked wheel and the word Ahimsa (non-violence)
Parsparagraho Jivanam: Means “Live and let live”

Section 1 of 2:

The Universal Jain Symbol: Prateek Chihna

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The Universal Jain Symbol: Prateek Chihna The Universal Jain Symbol combines several symbols important to Jainism. Also known as Prateek Chihna, this symbol was designed in 1975 to commemorate the 2500th anniversary of Mahavira attaining nirvana. The symbols included in Prateek Chihna include:^{[1]
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- Outline—Shape of the universe (Lok): The shape of the symbol is taken from Jainism’s depiction of the universe, which includes:
  - Upper portion: Urdhava Lok, or heaven, divided into Siddhashila (the abode of Siddhas) and Devlok (the abode of celestial beings).
  - Middle portion: Madhyalok, or earth
  - Lower portion: Adholok, or hell, divided into seven hells called Narakis
- Crescent with dot: At the top of the symbol is a curved symbol with a dot in the center. This represents Siddhashila, the home of Siddhas, or enlightened souls. The dot represents one of the Siddhas.
- Three horizontal dots (Ratnatraya): Below the symbol for Siddhashila is a trio of dots. These represent the three jewels of the Jain faith, which are:
  - Right Faith (Samyak Darshan): Letting go of preconceived ideas; the combination of rational knowledge and ethical behavior
  - Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana): Understanding that helps the soul in its journey to enlightenment.
  - Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra): Living in such a way as to cause no harm to living beings, speak harmless truth, take only what is properly given, avoid the pursuit of sensual pleasures, and detach from people and material objects.
- Swastika: The four arms of the swastika represent the four destinies a soul can be born into: heavenly, human, plant/animal, and hellish. To be liberated from the cycle of rebirth, a person must follow the pillars of Jain: sädhus, sädhvis, shrävaks, and shrävikäs.
- Om: Because of the negative connotations associated with the swastika, some people (especially in the U.S.) replace it with the Om symbol.
- Hand of Ahimsa: Below the swastika (or om) is the outline of an open hand with a wheel in the center. Inside the wheel is the word AHIMSA.
  - Hand: The hand symbolizes a blessing or a reminder to stop and think before acting.
  - Wheel (Darmachakra): A 24-spoked wheel that represents the 24 Tirthankars (enlightened ones) and their teachings, which include things like nonviolence and compassion. These teachings can help a person achieve liberation or enlightenment.
  - Ahimsa: The word Ahimsa means “non-violence.”
- Parsparagraho Jivanam: This phrase is written at the bottom of the symbol. It means “Live and let live,” or that all living beings should aid each other.

Section 2 of 2:

Other Jain Symbols

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Ashtamangala: The 8 auspicious symbols in the Śvētāmbara sect Ashtamangala is a set of eight auspicious symbols that are highly revered in Jainism. Followers draw these symbols in rice before beginning their prayers in the temple. Each of the two main sects in Jainism has their own collection of symbols.^{[2]
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Research source} In Śvētāmbara, these symbols are:
- Swastika: The four-sided symbol mentioned above, which represents the four types of destiny (heavenly, human, plant/animal, and hellish)
- Srivatsa: An endless knot that represents endless wisdom^{[3]
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- Nandyavarta: A maze-like symbol that stands for pleasure and plenty^{[4]
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- Vardhamanaka: A box-like shape made of one dish turned upside-down over another one, representing wealth^{[5]
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- Bhadrasana: A throne
- Kalasha: A holy jug used for religious ceremonies
- Darpan: A mirror that reflects your true self
- Minyugala: A pair of fish
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Ashtamangala: The 8 auspicious symbols in the Digimbara sect The Digimbara sect of Jainism has their own interpretation of the Ashtamangala. Their auspicious symbols include:^{[6]
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- Bhṛngāra: A gilded vase
- Cāmara: A fly whisk
- Dhvaja: A banner
- Vyajana: A fan
- Chatra: An umbrella or canopy
- Supratiṣṭha: A seat of honor
- Kalaśa: Full water-jug
- Darpaṇa: Mirror
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Jain flag The Jain flag is made of five stripes, each a different color. In the center of the flag is an orange symbol consisting of a swastika, three horizontal dots, and a crescent with a dot. The stripes of the flag, in order, are:^{[7]
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- Red: Represents Siddhas and truth
- Yellow: Represents Acharyas (revered teachers) and non-stealing
- White: Represents Arihantas (omniscient souls) and non-violence
- Green: Represents the Upadhyays who teach Jain monks and chastity
- Blue: Represents ascetics (monks and nuns) and non-possession