X Symbol - Indus Scripts Deciphered

X -symbol could be indicating ‘Varuna or Yama.’’

Abstract

The symbol-x could be associated with the death god Varuna or Yama. X- symbol could be indicating God ‘Pusan’ also. In addition, the x- symbol could have shown ‘cross roads’ where sacrifices were held for fearsome underworld deities. In addition to that, there is a possibility that it could have indicated Egyptian death god Osiris also.

$C:\Users\user\Desktop\x-symbol seals\Indus script dictionary -F.BK_page610_image919.jpg$

Figure 1: God with -X- Yajna symbol.

Iravatham Mahadevan, in his research paper, states that this X-symbol could be indicating – ‘cross-roads symbol, thereby yielding a meaning of ‘city’. (1) The idea of ‘crossroad’ may be correct, but the meaning ascribed by Iravatham Mahadevan is a debatable one. For me, it looks like that; it indicates a sacrificial ritual carried out in a crossroad junction. But there is a possibility that this symbol could be hinting at a ‘crossroad’ thereby indicating God Pusan, as said by Iravatham Mahadevan. (1)

There is another possibility; the crossroad symbol could have indicated goddess ‘Hecate’ for whom the sacrifice was carried out in the crossroads. (2) However, the god associated with the ‘X’ symbol shown in the above-given seal seems to be a male god, exposing his groin area. Hence, the possibility of a female god is less.

The above-given seal shows X- symbol in association with the water symbol of the god Varuna. Varuna was the earliest Indian god to be associated with death, even before the Vedic people. Hence the possibility of Varuna being the death god of IVC people is a fair chance. There is a separate article, ‘Varuna was present in IVC’. (3) For more information, read this article.

$C:\Users\user\Desktop\ivc-logos-indus - 3\x-symbol variants\x-symbol-closed.jpeg$

There are two possible explanations for this x-symbol. The first possibility is that it could have meant god of death. The Second option is that Iravatham Mahadevan says that this symbol could be indicating a ‘crossroad’, thereby indicating the god Pusan. (1) This ‘crossroad’ symbol could have meant the psychopomp, the conductor of souls to the land of forefathers. He was called Pusan by Rig Vedic people. Discussion in this article has been entirely devoted to the idea of a death god here. The debate on the idea of Pusan has been given under a separate article ‘Hoof symbol indicates Vedic god Pusan(Pan).’ (3)

Picture courtesy -Thoughtco.com (5)

In the list of death gods, we also have to add ancient Egypt’s god of death, Osiris. See the x- symbol on the mummy shroud of Osiris; this x-symbol appears in many pictures of Egyptian mummies. Hence there is a link between the x-symbol and Osiris. It is already seen that many hieroglyphic symbols are appearing in the IVC script. For more information, read my article, ‘Indus symbols follow the Egyptian hieroglyphics way of writing and ideas’. (6) Hence there is a possibility, the x- symbol could have indicated the god Osiris in the IVC context also.

Symbols	solus	Initial	medial	final	total
$C:\Users\user\Desktop\ivc-logos-indus - 3\x-symbol variants\x-symbol-closed.jpeg$	0	51	11	1	63
$C:\Users\user\Desktop\x-symbol figures\x-symbol open-2.jpg$	2	5	65	20	92
$C:\Users\user\Desktop\x-symbol figures\x-symbol -simple.png$	2	3	14	4	23
$C:\Users\user\Desktop\x-symbol figures\x - symbol -sky god.jpg$	1	1	0	13	15
	5	60	90	38	193

Table 1: Frequency distribution of X-symbols

The frequency analysis table available in the research paper of Sundar et al. gives the following details: (5)

The above-given frequency distribution analysis shows that the open-x symbol $C:\Users\user\Desktop\x-symbol figures\x-symbol open-2.jpg$ occurs 65 times in the middle portion of the inscription. In contrast, the closed-x sign $C:\Users\user\Desktop\ivc-logos-indus - 3\x-symbol variants\x-symbol-closed.jpeg$ occurs with a significant frequency of 51 times at the initial part of the inscription.

The authors of this analysis table, Sundar et al., have differentiated the x-symbol into four categories. (5) We should try to analyze the issue with the next level of investigation by studying the combination of symbols. Such an analysis will further clarify the matter in a better way.

Symbols	solus	initial	medial	final	total
$C:\Users\user\Desktop\x-symbol figures\x-symbol open-2.jpg$ $C:\Users\user\Desktop\ivc-logos-indus - 3\kavu-2.jpg$	2	0	8	34	44
$C:\Users\user\Desktop\ivc-logos-indus - 3\x-symbol variants\x-symbol-closed.jpeg$ $C:\Users\user\Desktop\ivc-logos-indus - 3\yajna-4.jpg$	1	37	6	0	44
$C:\Users\user\Desktop\ivc-logos-indus - 3\taula -3.jpg$ $C:\Users\user\Desktop\x-symbol figures\x-symbol open-2.jpg$	0	0	10	0	10
Total	3	37	24	34	98

Table 2: Frequency distribution of X- symbols with other symbol combinations.

The above-given table shows the frequency distribution pattern of signs combined with the x-symbol. Significant frequency tends towards $C:\Users\user\Desktop\x-symbol figures\x-symbol-closed.png$ $C:\Users\user\Desktop\ivc-logos-indus - 3\yajna-4.jpg$ combination. This combination occurs 37 times at the beginning of the sentence. The second significant combination is $C:\Users\user\Desktop\x-symbol figures\x-symbol open-2.jpg$ $C:\Users\user\Desktop\ivc-logos-indus - 3\kavu-2.jpg$ Combination, which happens 34 times at the end of the sentence.

$C:\Users\user\Desktop\ivc-logos-indus - 3\x-symbol variants\x-symbol-closed.jpeg$ $C:\Users\user\Desktop\ivc-logos-indus - 3\yajna-4.jpg$ – Meaning of this combination could be ‘Varuna/Yama-Yajna’, whereas,

$C:\Users\user\Desktop\x-symbol figures\x-symbol open-2.jpg$ $C:\Users\user\Desktop\ivc-logos-indus - 3\kavu-2.jpg$ The combination could mean ‘Varuna/Yama- Kavu’ (or) crossroad Kavu. That is a sacrifice at a public place.

$C:\Users\user\Desktop\ivc-logos-indus - 3\x-symbol variants\x-symbol-closed.jpeg$ $C:\Users\user\Desktop\x-symbol figures\x-symbol open-2.jpg$ There is a difference between these two symbols. The first one is having closed edges, whereas the second one has open edges. The first one may be indicating God Varuna/Yama, but the second one could be suggesting the sacrifice at a ‘crossroad‘ for the same god. The open ‘crossroads symbol occurs only at the end of the sentence along with the ‘Kavu’(sacrifice) symbol. That shows that the sacrifice was carried out at the crossroads.

This analysis shows that even though both symbols are looking very similar, they may have different meanings. But the general observation is that the above said combinations are only in 88 seal inscriptions. The vast majority of this x- symbol occurrence is either alone or in conjunction with some other symbol. The general conclusion is that the x- logo and its variations stand for ‘Yama’ or ‘Varuna’.

Table 3: X-symbol variants.

Symbols courtesy – Book of Asko Parpola (3)

The above-given table shows ten different variants of the x-symbol, all of which indicate the death god. There are many other variations of this x-symbol, but I have produced only ten frequently used ones. For additional variations of this symbol, refer to the book of Parpola. (3)

The above-given seal inscription shows the following triplet with a high frequency of 37, as per data of Sundar et al. (5)

This triplet reads as, ‘fear the thunderbolt of X-god’. (7) Read my article, ‘ The twisted bird symbol stands for the idea fear.’ The X – God here is Varuna because he only has the thunderbolt as his weapon, not Yama. Rig Veda verse 7.89 says thunderbolt is one of the weapons of Varuna. (8)

$C:\Users\user\Desktop\ivc-logos-indus - 3\x-symbol variants\twin symbol-5.jpeg$ $C:\Users\user\Desktop\All- x-symbol files\x-symbol seals\Indus script dictionary -F.BK_page610_image912.jpg$

Figure 2: The x-symbol looks like a symbol of twins.

The above-given inscription shows that the x-symbol is not drawn in a simple cross fashion. This symbol is drawn as if indicating a ‘Twins $C:\Users\user\Desktop\ivc-logos-indus - 3\x-symbol variants\twin symbol-5.jpeg$ ‘. If this symbol shows a ‘twin gods’, there are two possibilities; the first possibility is that it could be ‘Aswins’, and the second option is ‘Yama and Yami’. It is a known fact that Yama and Yami were born together as twins. In Sanskrit, his name can be interpreted to mean “twin” (4). Since all Indus inscriptions are correlated to death-related rituals, it is fair to conclude that the twins mentioned here may be indicating ‘Yama and Yami’.

Figure 3: Yama carries his twin sister Yami.

Picture courtesy – himalayanbuddhistart.wordpress.com (5)

See the above-given picture, here Yama is carrying his twin sister in his hip. This twin nature of Yama and Yami might have been reflected in the X-symbol.

$C:\Users\user\Desktop\yama-yami symbol\Indus script dictionary -F.BK_page610_image2384.jpg$

Picture courtesy – Sue Sullivan (6)

The above-given seal shows ‘Yama and Yami’ in a better illustration. See the third symbol from the right. There are four legs and four hands to this god. It is usual for a Hindu god to have four hands, but four legs are an abnormality. That is a definitive indication that the God intended to be depicted is a ‘twin gods.’ There is no other twin god other than ‘Yama and Yami’. Further, this ’Yama-Yami’ symbol occurs next to the bangle symbol (Symbol. No two from right). This bangle symbol indicates the word ‘protection’. The sentence given in the seal inscription is that “protection against Yama –Yami Kavu”. The bangle symbol further confirms that the God meant here is an evil god, not a benevolent god. If God is Pusan, there is no need for pleading for protection against Pusan because he was a benevolent god. The evil nature of God confirms that the god indicated by the x-symbol is ‘Yama and Yami’.

Evolution of X – symbol

It is pertinent to note that there are evolutionary changes in the design of the x- symbol; in the beginning, the logo indicated a single god, but later, the X -character is modified to show the twin gods Yama and Yami.

See the X – god in the above-given seal, X – god is sitting alone on a throne. The x- symbol in the inscription confirms that the god shown in the seal is the death god. Whereas, in later day seals, the death god is shown as a twin.

The above-given symbol shows that the twin gods are sitting on a throne. The four-legged object across the waist area is the throne where the twin gods Yama and Yami are seated. Hence, there is an evolution in the X – symbol.

Crossroads in folklore

In folklore, crossroads may represent a location “between the worlds” and, as such, a site where supernatural spirits can be contacted, and paranormal events can occur. Symbolically, it can mean a locality where two realms touch and therefore represents liminality, a place literally “neither here nor there”.

In Greek mythology, crossroads were associated with both Hermes and Hecate, with shrines and ceremonies for both taking place there. ‘Suppers of Hecate’ were left for her at crossroads at each new moon, and one of her most common titles was ‘goddess of the crossroads.’

In the UK, there was a tradition of burying criminals and suicide victims at crossroads. This kind of burial might have been practised because the crossings were the boundaries of the villages or towns. In addition to that, it was a desire to bury those outsides of the law outside the territory. There is another possible idea that the many roads would confuse the dead.

In Western folk mythology, a crossroads can be used to summon a demon or devil to make a deal. This legend can be seen in many stories.

In the 1885 historical essay Transylvanian Superstitions, Emily Gerard describes how crossroads were often avoided as a matter of course and describes a Romanian belief that a demon could be summoned at an intersection by drawing a magic circle, offering copper coin as payment, and reciting an incantation. (14)

Figure 4: Star constellations map is showing the X-god carrying the mountain.

$C:\Users\user\Desktop\x-symbol figures\x - symbol -sky god.jpg$ Iravatham Mahadevan states that the ‘X’ symbol may be indicating sky-god. (12) There is a possibility that all gods lived in heaven, including the death god ‘(X)’. But the death god’s position was in the southern hemisphere of the sky, and other gods were in the northern hemisphere of heaven. Hence, it gives a feeling that as if the death god lived in an underworld.

Another example shows that the Hindu gods’ mythologies and iconographies are based on star constellations. Notably, the star constellation Sagittarius along with the Scorpio constellation fits this criterion. The Sagittarius looks like a ten-headed monster resembling the ten heads of Ravana. The Scorpion constellation is the three-headed dog Cerberus, who was watching over the entrance to the underworld. Ophiuchus constellation is the mountain carried by X-god, whereas the Hercules constellation looks like the God Shiva sitting on the hill.

Further, the entry of the Sun in these stars constellations indicated the beginning of the winter season. This beginning of winter coincides with the arrival of Persephone in hell. That mythological story also corresponds with this description. Considering all these factors, the god of death could have lived in the sky, not necessarily in the underworld.

Maha Kala

Mahakala (Sanskrit) is a protector deity known as a Dharmapala in Vajrayana Buddhism, particularly in most Tibetan traditions. In Hinduism, Mahakala is the name of Shiva at the temple in Ujjain, which Kalidasa frequently mentions. Mahakala is also one of Shiva’s principal attendants (Sanskrit: gaṇa), along with Nandi, Shiva’s mount. (11) The conclusion is that all related death gods Yama/Kalan/Maha-kala/ Varuna/ Ravana express the same idea.

$C:\Users\user\Desktop\ravana and shiva.png$

Figure 5: Ravana is shaking the mountain Kailash.

Picture courtesy – (Wikipedia(Ravananugraha), 2016)

Ravana shaking the mountain Kailash

$C:\Users\user\Desktop\x-god -shaking mountain.-2.jpeg$

The above-given symbol gives an idea that X-God is shaking the mountain. Most probably, the concept is similar to Ravana shaking mountain Kailash (12). Ravananugraha (“showing favour to Ravana”) is a benevolent aspect of the Hindu god Shiva, depicted seated on his abode Mount Kailash with his consort Parvati. At the same time, the rakshasa king (demon-king) Ravana of Lanka tries to shake it. The depiction is labelled variously as Ravana Lifting Mount Kailash or Ravana Shaking Mount Kailash. According to Hindu scriptures, Ravana once tried to lift Mount Kailash, but Shiva pushed the mountain into place and trapped Ravana beneath it. The imprisoned Ravana sang hymns to praise Shiva for a thousand years. Shiva finally blessed him and granted him a mighty sword or a magnificent lingam (Shiva’s an iconic symbol) to worship (12).

Yama was initially a sky god but was pushed down into Underworld:

Hindus believe that ‘Yama’ is the ruler of the underworld. There is a possibility that Yama was initially one of the gods in the sky, but in later times, after the arrival of Shiva, he was pushed down into the underworld.

Indus script dictionary -F.BK_page610_image909

Figure 6: Inscription Indicates that X-god carries the mountain.

$C:\Users\user\Desktop\x-god -shaking mountain.-2.jpeg$

In the above-given seal, the x-God carries a mountain. God Hanuman performed such an act of lifting the mountain, but he was a later God. There is less chance that the idea of Hanuman was present during the IVC period. X-symbol could likely be indicating Ravana, who has many characteristics of Yama. The assumption is that God Yama exists as Ravana in a modified form.

Comparison of the Greek mythology with Indian gods

According to Iliad (xv.187–93), Hades and his two brothers, Poseidon and Zeus, drew lots for realms to rule. Zeus received the sky, Poseidon received the seas, and Hades received the underworld, dead souls’ domain. Some myths suggest that Hades was dissatisfied with his turnout but had no choice and moved to his new realm. The Underworld was Hades’ eternal domain, meaning he would spend most of his time there (15).

There is a story Hades was tricked into Underworld by Zeus, which resulted in animosity between the two. Anyhow, the story indicates that Hades was equally mighty like Zeus. The similarity that can be noted here is that Hades and Ravana have some resemblance.

Acknowledgements:

The Indus seal pictures are taken from the book of sue Sullivan (6)
The frequency data is extracted from the research work of Mahadevan and Sundar et al. (17) (5)

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