ASHTAMANGALA

ASHTAMANGALA:
Also called the Tashitakgyad, these are a suite or group of eight symbols or
attributes endemic to a number of dharmic philosophies including Buddhism, Sikhism and
Jainism. They represent the enlightened mindstream and are also used as teaching tools,
appearing together or singly in manuscripts and artwork and as a decorative motif on relics,
statuary, buildings and jewellery. The symbols vary with the country of use (one early Indian
grouping included for example a throne,swastika and handprint) and the exact nature of the
philosophy being taught. The grouping has also evolved with time.
1. In Buddhism, the symbols often represent the gifts given by celestial beings to
Shakyamuni Buddha on his attainment of enlightenment. They are:
2. White Parasol - protects beings from evil desires, harmful forces and illness.
Traditionally a symbol of royalty, the dome of the parasol represents wisdom, while
the hanging silk represents different paths to compassion.
Two Fishes - represent all beings rescued from the ocean of earthly existence. They
also symbolise happiness, as the they have complete freedom of movement in the
water.
3. Treasure Vase - also known as the vase of inexhaustible treasure, it represents the
treasury of all spiritual wealth. It is depicted as an ornate golden container with lotus
sections and a single wish-granting gem or a group of three gems that seal it’s
opening, symbolising the Three Jewels of the Buddha, Dharma and Sanga.
Lotus - symbolising purity of the body and mind, floating above the muddy waters
ofattachment and desire, as well as the progress of the soul in the attainment of
enlightenment. The lotus is an important Buddhist symbol of purity as it holds a
cleansing function in nature, filtering the water surrounding it but itself remaining
untouched and unchanged. Many buddhas, bodhisattvas, gods and goddesses are
depicted seated or standing on lotus thrones, symbolising their divine origin,
perfection and purity.
Conch Shell - proclaims the glory of turning to the correct (physically, the right)
spiritual path. The right-opening whiteconch, as an instrument of
sound, representsdharma, awakening disciples from the deep slumber of ignorance
and encouraging them to improve their welfare and the welfare of others. The conch
shell is usually depicted vertically, often with a silk ribbon wrapped around it,
but may also appear horizontally as a receptacle for aromatic liquids. When held in
the hand, usually the left (considered the hand of wisdom), the conch shell
proclaims Buddhadarma (the law of Buddha) as the aspect of speech. In Hinduism,
the conch is an attribute of Vishnu, of whom Gautama Buddha is considered to be an
avatar.
4. Endless Knot - in its most basic manifestation the endless knot represents the cycle of
rebirth that all living beings must forever repeat. On another level it represents the
Buddha’s endless capacity for wisdom and compassion. As a symbol of Buddha’s
teaching, it symbolises the continuity of the twelve links of dependent origination,
which underlies the reality of cyclic existence.
5. Victory Banner - a military symbol of success in warfare, the victory banner
represents the victory of Buddhism over the four māras (hindrances) in the path of
enlightenment - pride, desire, disturbing emotions and fear of death. Within the
Tibetan tradition of Buddhism there are eleven different forms of the victory banner,
representing eleven specific methods for overcoming defilement.
6. Wheel - also known as the dharmachakra or Wheel of Law, it represents
transformation and the teachings of Gautama Buddha. The wheel’s swift motion
represents the rapid spiritual transformation revealed in the Buddha’s teachings.
While the wheel is used by Tibetan Buddhists, Nepalese Buddhists tend to use the fly-
whisk instead, symbolising tantric manifestations.
Sequences of symbols:
Different traditions order the eight symbols differently.
Here is the sequential order of the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Nepali Buddhism:
1. Endless knot
2. Lotus flower
3. Dhvaja
4. Dharmachakra (fly-whisk in Nepali Buddhism)
5. Bumpa
6. Golden Fish
7. Parasol
8. Conch
The sequential order for Chinese Buddhism was defined in the Qing dynasty as:
1. Dharmachakra
2. Conch
3. Dhvaja
4. Parasol
5. Lotus flower
6. Bumpa
7. Golden Fish
8. Endless knot
Hindu symbols:
In Indian and Hindu tradition, the Ashtamangala may be used during certain occasions
including: pujas, weddings (of Hindus), and coronations. The ashtamangala finds wide
mention in the texts associated with Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. They have been
depicted in decorative motifs and cultural artifacts.
 The Hindu tradition lists them as:

o lion called raja
o bull called vrishaba
o serpent called naga
o pitcher called kalasa
o necklace called vaijayanti
o kettledrum called bheri
o fan called vyajana
o lamp called deepa
 The Hindu tradition lists them as:
o fly-whisk
o full vase
o mirror
o elephant goad
o drum
o lamp
o flag
o a pair of fish.
 The list also differs depending on the place, region, and the social groups.
Jain symbols:
Adinath image with Ashtamangala placed in front of it, according to Digambara tradition
Ashtamangala, according to Svetambara tradition, on Jain manuscript

cover, LACMA M.72.53.22
(from left) : Swastika, Vardhmanaka (food vessel), Pair of fish, Kalasha (pot), Bhadrasana
(seat), Srivatsa, Nandavarta, Darpan (mirror)
In Jainism, the Ashtamangala are a set of eight auspicious symbols. There is some variation
among different traditions concerning the eight symbols.
In the Digambara tradition, the eight symbols are:
1. Parasol
2. Dhvaja
3. Kalasha
4. Chamara
5. Mirror
6. Chair
7. Hand fan
8. Vessel
In the Śvētāmbara tradition, the eight symbols are:
7. Swastika
8. Srivatsa
9. Nandavarta
10. Vardhmanaka (food vessel)
11. Bhadrasana (seat)
12. Kalasha (pot)
13. Darpan (mirror)
14. Pair of fish

ASHTAMANGALA

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ASHTAMANGALA:

 The Hindu tradition lists them as:

Ashtamangala, according to Svetambara tradition, on Jain manuscript

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