Hindu art is a form of religious art that is based off of the principles of Hinduism. This diverse faith has produced art that has amazed audiences worldwide with its fascinating subject matter and luscious depictions of the interactions between gods and mankind.
Hindu art is not only the depiction of gods and goddesses that are worshiped by believers of the Hindu faith but also includes art that's based off of the four sacred principles that every person should aspire to in their lifetime. These principles are dharma, known as righteous living, artha, translated as worldly wealth gained through a profession, kama, or love, and moksha, or spiritual growth. These principles are prevalent throughout Hindu art and the portrayal of the various deities that they worship is considered to only depict one of these principles, moksha.
Common symbols that occur in Hindu art are the lotus flower, the various reincarnations of gods and goddesses, and extra limbs such as arms or heads. The lotus flower represents beauty and a detachment from worldly cares and concerns, which is similar to its meaning in Buddhist cultures. The depictions of reincarnation used in Hindu can be confusing for those who don't share the religious view that it was meant to be viewed in. However, the same god or goddess can feature several different reincarnations that illustrate to the viewer how that deity came to achieve their final perfection. One of the gods to receive this treatment is the god Vishnu, whose final reincarnation, Shiva, is one of the most iconic gods of the Hindu faith among unbelievers. The use of multiple limbs shows different aspects of the gods and goddesses that are being glorified. A classic example of this is in the case of Shiva, whose occasional portrayal in art as having a third eye represents the omnipotent and limitless knowledge that this god has.
Hindu art is as fascinating and multifaceted as the religion it depicts and has created some of the most unique art the world has ever encountered.
