picture of each asthamangal
Here are the 8 Ashtamangala with a simple visual description so you can recognize or draw them. At the end I’ll share a link where you can see actual images.
1) Swastika (Sathiyo)
- Shape: A cross with four equal arms, each arm bent at a right angle in the same direction (usually clockwise), all in one continuous line.
- Often drawn in red or saffron, sometimes with dots or small designs around it.
2) Shrivatsa
- Shape: A small, decorative mark on the chest of the Tirthankar idol.
- Visually it looks like a tiny, symmetrical, curly or flower‑like symbol, often like a soft “knot” or “heart-like” sign engraved or painted on the chest.
3) Nandavarta (Nandyavarta)
- Shape: An enlarged, complex swastika with many arms.
- Looks like a big square/rectangular maze with multiple right-angle turns, forming 9 projecting corners. Often drawn as a geometric, decorative pattern.
4) Vardhamanaka (Sharav / box-like symbol)
- Shape: Two shallow bowls / plates placed one over the other (one upside down), appearing like a round or slightly oval box.
- Sometimes shown as a low, circular container with a lid – symbolizing an ever‑increasing pot/box.
5) Bhadrasana (Simhasana – throne)
- Shape: A royal seat or platform with legs, often with a backrest and armrests.
- In pictures it looks like an ornate throne, sometimes with lion figures on the side, sometimes just a decorated rectangular seat.
6) Kalasha (Ghat / pot)
- Shape: A rounded water pot with a narrow neck and wide body, sometimes with a small mouth on top and leaves or a coconut drawn above it.
- Think of an Indian pooja kalash – full pot, sometimes with designs or a swastika on it.
7) Minayugala (pair of fish)
- Shape: Two fish facing each other or crossing, usually curved so their bodies make a gentle S‑shape.
- Often shown side‑by‑side, symmetrical, sometimes with decorative fins and eyes.
8) Darpan (mirror)
- Shape: A hand‑mirror – round or oval reflective part with a handle.
- In designs it looks like a small round disk on top, with a straight handle below.
To actually see pictures of each Ashtamangala together, you can view them here on JainKnowledge