Manasara Series (I. A Dictionary of Hindu Architecture; II. Indian Architecture according to Manasara-Shilpashastra; III. Manasara on Architecture and Sculpture: Sanskrit Text; IV. Architecture of Manasara: Translation; V. Architecture of Manasara: Illustrations; VI. Hindu Architecture in India and Abroad; VII. An Encyclopaedia of Hindu Architecture) v7.c47.7293

v7.c47.7293

The fourth group of theories as elaborated by Mr. H. K. Deb (*J. A. S. B.*, Vol. XVII, p. 229 ff.) and others associate the svastika symbol with the mystic syllable ‘Om’. This syllable in Sanskrit consists of three letters ‘a’, ‘u’ and ‘m’, which are variously connected with the gods of Creation, Preservation, and Destruction, as well as with the three Vedas, the Ṛig, Sāman, and Yajus. But the sound ‘o’ of the mystic syllable is represented by a single letter which in the Brāhmi script looks exactly like one arm (𑀑, [Figure:]) of the svastika figure (卐) and the nasal sound, ‘m’ is represented in Brāhmi by a small circle or dot with two ear-like projections (४), which later on is shown by the dot only, with or without a crescent line below (ँ). ‘O’ in grammar is stated to be a long vowel and it is held that in pronouncing the mystic syllable the ‘o’-sound is lengthened by repetition and that the repetition is indicated in writing by two o’s like a conjointed letter by placing them crosswise. And the nasal sound ‘m’, which is necessary in order to have a pause after a vowel sound, is indicated by a dot-like mark at the ends of the Brāhmi ‘o’-symbol. Such dot-ending svastika figure is seen in numerous instances in Cunningham’s *Coins of India* and in Rapson’s *Coins of Andhras*, and D’Alviella’s *Migration of Symbols* (p. 71), and in other places. In fact, this dot mark or a slight projection from the ends makes the svastika figure more ornamental.