What's the meaning of the Prayer Wheel »

Prayer Wheel

This page is about the meaning, origin and characteristic of the symbol, emblem, seal, sign, logo or flag: Prayer Wheel.

Rate this symbol:3.0 / 5 votes

A prayer wheel is a cylindrical "wheel" (Tibetan: འཁོར་, Wylie: 'khor) on a spindle made from metal, wood, stone, leather or coarse cotton.

Traditionally, the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum is written in Sanskrit on the outside of the wheel. Also sometimes depicted are Dakinis, Protectors and very often the 8 auspicious symbols Ashtamangala. According to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition based on the lineage texts regarding prayer wheels, spinning such a wheel will have much the same meritorious effect as orally reciting the prayers.

1,065 Views

Graphical characteristics:
Asymmetric, Open shape, Monochrome, Contains both straight and curved lines, Has no crossing lines.

Category: Religious Symbols.

Prayer Wheel is part of the Buddhist Symbols group.

More symbols in Buddhist Symbols:

More symbols in Religious Symbols:

Religious symbolism is the use of symbols, including archetypes, acts, artwork, events, or natural phenomena, by a religion. Religions view religious texts, rituals, and works of art as symbols of co… read more »

Have a discussion about Prayer Wheel with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add this symbol to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Prayer Wheel." Symbols.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 Dec. 2024. <https://www.symbols.com/symbol/prayer-wheel>.

    We need you!

    Are we missing an important symbol in this category?

    Graphical Index

    Use our unique search feature to find a symbol based on its various graphical characteristics:


    • Symmetry:
    • Shape:
    • Colors:
    • Curveness:
    • Crossing:

    Quiz

    Are you a world flags master?

    »
    A Ghana
    B Anguilla
    C Egypt
    D American Samoa