Symbols in Hinduism

Symbolism plays a great role in Hinduism. In fact they are the signs that represent the Infinite which would be incomprehensible to the common people. Imagine doing mathematics without the help of numeral signs for numbers. In Hinduism, the symbols also bring intimacy of the Supreme God to the common people as a personal God. There are so any symbols, to name a few: Shiva Lingam, Swastika, Bindi/Tilak, Janeu/Poonal, Trishula, Tantra etc etc. 

The prime symbol of worship representing God (The word "shiva lingam" translates to symbol of the Perfect God) for Shaivites. (In fact the name itself means symbol). This is broad in the middle and conical towards the top. This is the form of flame. In Shaivite philosophy the God is formless. Due to the Grace on the souls for the easy comprehension of the Divine and liberation the God appeared in the form of a Flame. This flame is what is worshiped as lingam in stone and other forms that make the worship easier. This is considered more sacred than form worship by Shaivites. 

n Hinduism, the lotus (Sanskrit: padma) primarily represents beauty and non-attachment. The lotus is rooted in the mud but floats on the water without becoming wet or muddy. This symbolizes how how one should live in the world in order to gain release from rebirth: withoutattachment to one's surroundings.

"One who performs his duty without attachment, surrendering the results unto the Supreme Lord, is unaffected by sinful action, as the lotus leaf is untouched by water."
-- Bhagavad Gita 5.10

A similar meaning is given to the lotus symbol in Buddhism. 

The lotus is associated with several Hindu deities. Krishna is described as the "Lotus-Eyed One," referring to his divine beauty. Brahma and Lakshmi, the deities of potence and wealth, are often seen with the lotus symbol. Other deities associated with the lotus include Vishnu and Sarasvati.

Finally, the lotus is also a symbol for the centers of consciousness(chakras) in the body.

A yantra is a geometrical diagram representing the universe. It is used in Hindu worship and meditation, especially in Tantrism. A yantra is quite similar to a mandala. but a yantra is different in that it can be a three-dimensional object of worship as well as a two-dimensional diagram.

LIke the mandala, the yantra symbolizes cosmogenic development, from the absolute in the center to the material world at the edges. Yantras often have a seed mantra inscribed on them, and they are considered the verbal equivalent of a mantra.