Fertility Symbols in Hinduism
by Fertility symbols are the symbols used to represent sex and procreation. Fertility symbols are used in different cultures and faiths. Hinduism, one of the world’s major religions, makes extensive use of fertility symbols in religious practice.
The Pashupatinath Temple, in Kathmandu, Nepal
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In the vicinity of Pashupatinath Temple, in Kathmandu, Nepal, there is an idol of a deity called Unmatta Bhairav standing with his erect organ. People, mostly women and girls, place their forehead on the genital as a part of their worshipping. It is believed, in doing so, women will bear children and girls will find husbands.
Vajra, the thunderbold, is a fertility symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism
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Also in Kathmandu, there is an ancient Buddhist monastery called Swyambhunath. Right at the entrance of the monastery there is a big brass Vajra, a symbol of thunderbolt representing male sexual potency. Since ancient times the Vajra has been sanctified as a symbol of fertility, it represents phallic strength and qualities that exude from manhood – power, potency and virility. It is also associated with creativity, courage, decisive action and the ability to control powerful actions.
Women’s fertile stages can be related in accordance with the different moon cycles and hence it became a feminine symbol of procreation. Moon, a male deity in Hinduism, symbolizes beauty and sexuality. According to Hindu mythology, he bedded with his guru’s wife and helped Indra, the lord of the heaven, in the process of corrupting a savant’s wife. Hindu mythologies brim with stories of Indra’s amorous advances. But Indra has nothing to do with sex. He is in fact lord of thunder with Vajra on his hand.
Lotus flower is one of the numerous fertility symbols in Hinduism and Buddhism, in its sanctified name it is called padma which means female sexual organ. Many Hindu and Buddhist deities sit or stand on a blooming lotus because it is also a fertility symbol.
Ritualized sex, also called tantric sex, is practiced in Hinduism and Buddhism. Kama, Hindu God equivalent of Cupid, is a God of sex and procreation. He can arouse erotic sentiments even in Shiva, the God of destruction. According to the myth, when Kama’s physical form was destroyed by Shiva, he became even more powerful. Shiva incinerated Kama, but he too, is considered the God of procreation.
Chakrasamvar, the God of Sex and Procreation
Image via Wikipedia
In Hinduism, Shiva, one of the three Gods in Hindu Triad, and Kali, the Terrible Goddess, both are associated with death and destruction, but according to tantric interpretation, Kali stands upon Shiva not to destroy him but symbolize the erotic sentiments. The images and idols of Kali standing upon Shiva in fact is a symbol of procreation. Shiva’s sexual potency is proven by the fact that he is worshipped in a phallic symbol called Shiva Lingam.
Shiva Limgam
Image via Wikipedia
Articles in Hinduism
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Post Commentvijayanths
On December 4, 2011 at 3:14 am
Well written article. Good job friend.LIKED it.
unicorn fcp
On December 4, 2011 at 8:14 am
well written with great detail and very informative
Yvhes P.
On December 4, 2011 at 10:09 am
Very informative post. Thanks for sharing.
FX777222999
On December 4, 2011 at 12:00 pm
Good sharing this subject matter. It’s the same as in India.
erwinkennythomas
On December 4, 2011 at 7:07 pm
Hinduism is rich with such symbols
Ruby Hawk
On December 4, 2011 at 9:47 pm
Thank you for sharing these ancient myths. they are interesting.
Tulan
On December 4, 2011 at 11:33 pm
Learning about other cultures is always interesting.
aheed411
On December 5, 2011 at 3:29 am
Wow
paulc488
On December 5, 2011 at 3:16 pm
Very interest article, thank you for the share
Kristie Claar
On December 7, 2011 at 12:50 pm
well written, good share
Vinaya Ghimire
On December 22, 2011 at 1:24 am
@vijayanths
@unicorm fcp
@Yvhes
@FX777222999
@erwinkennythomas
@Ruby Hawk
@Tulan
@aheed411
@paulc488
@Kristie Claar
Thanks for reading and leaving a wonderful comment.
Angelji
On February 2, 2012 at 10:12 am
Is there just a thin line between Hinduism and Buddhism ?
Vinaya Ghimire
On February 2, 2012 at 10:51 am
Quite true. Buddhism was born out of Hinduism, and there are more similarities than differences.