In the diverse traditions within Hinduism, both the clockwise and counterclockwise swastika are found, with different meanings. The clockwise or right hand icon is called swastika, while the counterclockwise or left hand icon is called sauvastika.[8] The clockwise swastika is a solar symbol (Surya), suggesting the motion of the sun in India (the northern hemisphere), where it appears to enter from the east, then ascend to the south at midday, exiting to the west.[8] The counterclockwise sauvastika is less used; it connotes the night, and in tantric traditions it is an icon for the goddess Kali, the terrifying form of Devi Durga.[8] The symbol also represents activity, karma, motion, wheel, and in some contexts the lotus.[1][2] Its symbolism for motion and Sun may be from shared prehistoric cultural roots, according to Norman McClelland.[73] The Arya Samaj is of the opinion that swastik is 'OM' written in the ancient Brahmi script.
