ASHOKA CHAKRA – A SYMBOL OF DHARMA

Also known has dharma chakra, it has 24 spokes, each representing a quality or a path of human life, such as love, courage, justice and wisdom. The most visible use of the Ashoka Chakra today is at the centre of the Flag of India where it is rendered in a navy-blue colour on a white background, replacing the symbol of charkha. In this art, the dharma chakra is guarded by the Six animals which are also guarding the Six gates of our new parliament building In New Delhi.

The six guardians of Dharma chakra are –

GAJA, ASHWA, GARUDA, MAKAR, SHARDULA, HAMSA

• GAJA – Gaja means Elephant represents intellect, memory, wealth and wisdom. it is believed to be the source of intellect bringing prosperity and happiness.
• ASHWA – Ashwa represents horse. it symbolised power, strength and courage.
• GARUDA – Garuda is considered king of birds, believed to be the mount of lord Vishnu – the preserver in the Hindu trinity, makes gaurda a symbol of power and dharma duty.
• MAKAR – Makra is named after the legendary sea creature, that is combination of different animals, also representing India’s unity in Diversity.
• SHARDULA – Shardula is a mythological creature, which has a body of lion but the head of a horse, elephant or a parrot. It symbolises the power of the people of the country.
• HAMSA – Hamsa is named after the swan. It is the mount of Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge. Hamsa’s light symbolises moksha or meaning the liberation of soul from the cycle of birth and death. It is the the symbol of self-realisation and wisdom.