What do the Four Animals on the Indian National Emblem Symbolize?

The Indian National Emblem features four lions standing back to back, symbolizing the Lion Capital of Ashoka. Each of the four lions represents various ideals, contributing to a profound and multifaceted representation of India's national heritage, values, and philosophies.

Understanding the Four Lions

The four lions symbolize different virtues essential for the nation and its citizens:

Strength: The lions embody power and strength, representing the sovereignty of the nation. Courage: Their posture signifies bravery and valor, qualities necessary for a nation and its citizens. Pride: The lions convey a sense of pride in India's rich heritage and history. Unity: Arranged back to back, the lions symbolize unity in diversity, representing the various cultures, religions, and languages of India coming together as one.

Additional Symbolism: The Ashoka Chakra

The base of the emblem features a wheel, the Ashoka Chakra. This wheel symbolizes the eternal wheel of law, Dharma, reinforcing the principles of justice and righteousness. The emblem as a whole serves as a reminder of India's commitment to these values.

The Eposode of the Indian National Emblem

The Indian National Emblem is an adaptation of the Lion Capital atop the Ashoka Pillar in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh. The Lion Capital, carved out of a single block of yellow sandstone, features four lions sitting back to back. The two-dimensional representation of the National Emblem, however, only depicts three of the four lions, with the fourth being hidden from view.

Between the lion heads, there are reliefs of four animals - the lion, the bull, the elephant, and the galloping horse. These animals represent the guardians of the four directions: the lion in the north, the elephant to the east, the horse to the south, and the bull to the west. These figures are also believed to symbolize the different stages of Lord Buddha's life.

Deep Symbols and Historical Context

The symbols on the National Emblem are closely related to Jain philosophy. For instance, the first Tirthankara, Adinath or Rishabhanatha, is represented by a bull, the second Tirthankara, Ajitnath, by an elephant, and the 24th Tirthankara, Mahavira, by a lion. A 24-spoked wheel on the emblem represents the cosmic cycle and the unity of 'Bharat Khanda'.

The 24 spoked wheel is connected to the timeline of 24 Tirthankars, with the Bull representing the first Tirthankara and the lion representing the last. These symbols, along with Brahmi script, are believed to have origins in the Indus Valley Civilization, further enriching the emblem's historical and cultural significance.

The National Motto: Satyameva Jayate

Embedded in the National Emblem is the phrase 'Satyameva Jayate,' a verse from the Mundaka Upanishad embedded in the Atharva Veda. This verse translates to 'Truth alone triumphs' and reaffirms India's commitment to enhancing and upholding the truth in all its endeavors.

Conclusion

The Indian National Emblem stands as a powerful symbol of India's rich heritage, diverse culture, and unyielding commitment to values like strength, courage, pride, unity, and justice. By integrating symbols from Buddhism, Jainism, and Vedic traditions, the emblem remains a unifying force, celebrates India's history, and aligns with its aspirations for the future.