Hindu Tattoo Designs and Meanings Part 1

Aesthetic Sanskrit Tattoos

Hindu tattoos are widely associated with deep symbolism, and this is why they are not only restricted to the Indian subcontinent.

World-renowned celebrities, such as singers Rihana, Katy Perry, Adam Levine, and Victoria Beckham, all sport tattoos of the Hindu faith. Even Hollywood actresses such as Vanessa Hudgens, Kimberly Wyatt, Brittany Snow, and Alyssa Milano, among several others, also sport Hindu tattoos. Many of these artists have got short Sanskrit verses or phrases inked on their bodies mainly because of the deep philosophical and meaningful symbolism. These are not mere tattoo designs but highlight the faith and belief of an individual and the teachings they have chosen to follow in life.

Apart from the deep symbolism, these phrases are aesthetically charming due to the short and crispness of the texts and are often considered the best tattoo design options.

Here is a list and guide of popular Hindu tattoo designs with meanings that will help you choose the perfect symbol for getting the black ink.

Aesthetic and Meaningful Sanskrit Tattoo Phrases

1. Tat Tvam Asi

Translating to I am that this Upanishad phrase signifies the relationship of an individual with the supreme power of the universe. This phrase is famous in both Hinduism and Buddhist traditions. Famous as a tattoo design for being short, crisp, and deeply meaningful, the ‘Tat Tvam Asi’ is a good option for a Hindu tattoo design.

2. Ahamisam Yodha

The literal translation of this Sanskrit phrase is “I am a warrior”. However, in Hindu traditions, this phrase is associated with Lord Rama, the 7th incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

3. Aham Brahmasmi

Another crisp but meaningful Upanishad verse on the list translates to ‘I am Brahman’ where Brahman refers to the absolute supreme consciousness. The wider perspective of the philosophy, popular in both Hinduism and Yogic traditions, is related to the unity of one’s self or Atman with the absoluteness of the universe.

4. Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu

This Sanskrit tattoo design is written as लोकः समस्ताः सुखिनो भवन्तु, implying that may everyone living in the world get happiness and freedom. This holds extreme importance as a Shanti or peace mantra in Hindu rituals, and beginnings, and also is a concluding mantra of the yogic world.

5. Jatasya hi Dhruvo Mrityur

A famous verse of the sacred Bhagavad Gita, this translates to ‘an individual who has taken birth, must also face death.’ In simpler terms, death is certain for one and all beings on earth.

6. Sarvam Anityam

Tattooed as सर्वम्अनित्यम्, this Sanskrit phrase is extremely philosophical as it translates to everything is temporary. In other words, everything in this universe is occasional and not everlasting.

7. Om Namah Shivaya

This Sanskrit phrase, the most popular one in the list, means ‘I offer my utmost respect and salutations to the divine Lord Shiva. It is a Vedic mantra that is chanted often and the individual chanting this mantra signifies he or she is bowing to Shiva. It is best suited as a tattoo design for the devotees of Lord Shiva.

Depending upon the number of words and your belief, you can try getting any of these phrases inked in different styles and fonts. The Devanagari script type is the most preferred type among all and is different from the English script.