Significance of ॐ(AUM) 卐(SWASTIK) and श्री(SHREE) symbols in Hinduism

The Prologue:

It was the time of Deepavali, while others are busy performing pooja, prayers. I was lost in contemplating, why the symbols ॐ 卐 श्री were written almost everywhere. Be it on Rangoli, walls, things or on books while performing Pooja. Thanks to the internet, I started my quest (anveshane).

After a week of research and with my limited knowledge of understanding of spirituality and mythology I found some insights. If put in simple words,

AUM(ॐ) is a symbol for PARABRAHMAÑ the Supreme Being. SWASTIK(卐) is a symbol for Parampurush (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva). SHREE(श्री) is a symbol for Paramshakti(Saraswati, Lakshmi, Parvati).

The above summary may not give you clarity. That is ok. It is like holding the universe in a teacup. Let me elaborate more on Parabrahmañ, Parampurush, Paramshakti.

Disclaimer: Analogies used are just used to represent the subject matter in a simple way.

The Quest:

Hinduism is fascinating. The more you explore. You will get to know, how much you do not know!

Who is PARABRAHMAÑ (ॐ)?

Parabrahmañ(ॐ) is the genderless supreme being. In physics perspective, It is like the vibrating strings at the subatomic level. This, in turn, take form further to create Parampurush(卐) and Paramshakti(श्री).

There are many people who worship Parabrahmañ(ॐ), for example, Brahmos, Nirankaris, Shrotas etc. I hope you remember that one of India’s supersonic missile is named Brahmos.

Who is Parampurush(卐)?

Parampurush(卐) is the male expansion of genderless Parabrahmañ(ॐ). Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva are expansions of Aadibhagwan Parampurush(卐). When they are apart they are Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva. When they are merged they are Parampurush(卐).

To continue with the physics analogy, Parampurush(卐) are like up quarks.

Parampurush(卐) is the formless male supreme-spirit. It is represented as SWASTIK(卐) in Hinduism. Also note that the combined form of Brahma, Vishnu, Shankar is Trimurti Datta 

Who is Paramshakti(श्री)?

Paramshakti(श्री) is the female expansion of genderless Parabrahmañ(ॐ). Saraswati, Lakshmi, Parvati are expansions of Aadibhagwati Paramshakti(श्री). When they are apart they are Saraswati, Lakshmi, Parvati. When they are merged they are Paramshakti. Also note that combined form of Saraswati, Lakshmi, Parvati is Trishakti Durga.

To continue with the analogy physics, Parampurush(卐) are like down quarks.

Paramshakti(श्री) is the formless female supreme-energy. It is represented as SHREE(श्री) in Hinduism.

For those, who are far from physics can learn about atoms, quarks and strings from below image.

The following image depicts the concepts of Parabrahmañ(ॐ), Parampurush(卐) and Paramshakti(श्री) it in a beautiful way.

The Epilogue:

The central belief in the Hindu Dharma is “Ekam sat viprah bahudah vadanti” (meaning: Truth, or God, is one, but wise men call God by different names). You can worship in different ways as per the convenience of your mind. But remember the ultimate supreme being is PARABRAHMAÑ (ॐ). That is why you see the symbol Aum (ॐ) everywhere. The male expansion i.e., Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva are represented by Swastik(卐) symbol. The female expansion i.e., Saraswati, Lakshmi, Parvati are represented by Shree(श्री).

There is a lot to learn about the Gods and their hierarchy. More about it in future. Till then, here is the chant on Parabrahmañ(ॐ) called Parabrahmå Moolmantra

Parabrahmå Moolmantra :

• ॥ Om Sat-chit-ananda Parabrahmå
•  Nirgun-aroopa Paramatma 
•  Aadi Bhagawathi Sametha
•  Aadi Bhagawathe Namaha ॥