Sanskrit is called the “Mother OF All Languages” and holds a great importance among the other Indian languages. All the greatest epics like Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Vedas are written in Sanskrit and is said to be the language of the divine. Written in Devanagari script, Sanskrit paved way to the discovery of many Indian languages. Getting Sanskrit quotes, mantras and other symbols inked on the body is now considered fashionable. Each word or motif used in these tattoos are extremely powerful in the way they sound and also hold a great symbolic importance. In this article, we shall explore the most creative Sanskrit tattoo designs and ideas of embellishments to your tattoo
Why are Sanskrit Tattoos So Popular?
With just 1% of Indian population proficient with Sanskrit language, many states have started spreading awareness to protect the language from becoming extinct. This made many artists come up with creative forms of expressing their love and respect for this ancient language. Symbols like the Om, Mandalas and Chakras are widely used as tattoo designs across the globe. It is also surprisingly good to hear that Indian’s fascination with Chinese and exotic tattoos of words written ,are slowly replaced by Sanskrit fonts, names and important quotes from Indian epics.
Different Sanskrit Tattoo Designs With Meaning:
The Sanskrit tattoos are not only famous in India but all over the world, especially in American countries. They various curvy fonts make it more attractive with beautiful meaning. Here are the 17 best Sanskrit tattoo designs and meanings for men and women that you can avail of.
1. Sanskrit Mother Tattoo Design:
A tattoo with a single word in Hindi and an image behind it is a common yet excellent Sanskrit tattoo designs. The picture helps laymen who don’t have any knowledge of Sanskrit understand its meaning more easily. It also makes the tattoo more attractive and alluring.
- Best Suitable For:This single letter design makes a powerful impact on both men and women who love their mother the most!
- Preferable Ink:The base can be kept red with hints of black
- Where:Get it done on the side of your wrist
- Size:A small sized design looks like a charm
- Skin Tone:Suits Fair skin tones
2. Peace In Sanskrit Tattoos On Neck:
Peace in Sanskrit is ‘shanti’. It is a common enough word that most people know of its meaning. Even then the Devanagari script manages to make the tattoo look exquisite rather than plain. You can simply write the word shanti once or repeat it thrice as it is done in most Sanskrit hymns and shlokas. This is one of the best tattoos in Sanskrit writing.
- Best Suitable For:This Sanskrit tattoo is for all peace-loving men and women!
- Preferable Ink:Keep the lettering done in black
- Where:Go for the back of your neck
- Size:Use smaller fonts for this design
- Skin Tone:Suits Fair and lighter skin tones
3. Hope In Sanskrit Tattoo Design On Wrist:
Hope in Sanskrit is ‘asha’. Written in the Devanagari script, this too makes for an excellent tattoo design. The best part is that it does not just look good but denotes virtuous morals too! This simple tattoo is highly carried out on the wrist or on the neck. This tattoo also gives a inspirational message that one should not lose hope in life, or lose faith on God. This is very beautifully tattooed on wrist which is mostly liked by young girls and is one of the best Sanskrit tattoo designs for beginners.
- Best Suitable For:For men and women who have an “Asha “ or hope in their lives, this is the best design
- Preferable Ink:A basic black is better
- Where:Use a horizontal design on the wrist
- Size:Keep it in small size
- Skin Tone:Suits Fair and lighter skin tones
4. Sanskrit Nirvana Tattoo On Ribs:
Nirvana in Sanskrit is a word which means heaven. Its the place where are soul goes after it has died and has attained ‘moksha’, so that it no longer needs to return to the human plane. The word itself has a beautiful feel about it much like the words Eden or ethereal. You can keep this type of Sanskrit tattoos simple or add adornments to it.
- Best Suitable For:This suits both men and women who wish to attain Moksha and avoid an afterlife.
- Preferable Ink:Keep it in black
- Where:Go for the area on your ribs to maintain privacy
- Size:Opt for a medium to small size
- Skin Tone:Suits Fair and lighter skin tones
5. Circular Om Tattoo Design Of Inscriptions:
Om is the most famous of all Sanskrit words. it is used by meditators all over the world to calm one’s nerves and put one’s soul to ease. It actually refers to the battle cry of Lord Shiva. The word has brought peace to many a men as well as women all over the world. Many Sanskrit hymns begin with this word and thus many tattoo designers take these lines and writing it creatively in a circular fashion, come up with excellent tattoo designs. This is one such example.
- Best Suitable For:The Mandala style Sanskrit tattoo is suitable for women who like to add an artistic element on their bodies.
- Preferable Ink:Keep it in black with the Mandala art in red
- Where:Get it done on your back area
- Size:Choose a large sized design
- Skin Tone:Suits lighter skin tones
6. Simple Om Sanskrit Tattoo Designs:
The word Om alone holds a lot of power too. You need not add other words of a hymn’s line to it or any other sort of embellishment. Just the word which is naught but a letter of the Devanagari script makes for an excellent tattoo. Om is a symbol of peace. In this tattoo Om symbol is surrounded with the Gayatri Mantra. The flames coming out of the symbol represent the sun which is one of the pious Gods of Hinduism. This is also one of the popular Sanskrit tattoos.
- Best Suitable For:The Ganesha style Sanskrit tattoo is generally preferred by men who are strongly connected with Hinduism
- Preferable Ink:Opt for a simple black colored ink
- Where:Back is the best spot for this design
- Size:Choose a medium to large sized image
- Skin Tone:Suits wheat and fair skin tones
7. Name Sanskrit Tattoo Designs:
Another typical design would be to get your own or someone close to yours name tattooed in Sanskrit. It would look excellent owing to the beauty of the script and need not intimidate others with its hefty and overly deep implications.As it is done in a bold pattern, it renders a 3D look to the tattoo. Name tattoos are one of the popular small Sanskrit tattoos.
- Best Suitable For:This Sanskrit style name tattoo is suitable for men who wish to get the name of their sweetheart inked!
- Preferable Ink:Go for a bolder ink in black color
- Where:Choose the wrist area
- Size:A medium sized design is preferable
- Skin Tone:Suits wheat and fair skin tones
8. Buddhist Sanskrit Tattoos:
Sanskrit tattoos are opted for by several monks. An excellent design for them has the image of a Buddha hiding behind a Sanskrit character. The Buddha is a symbol of peace, love and sacrifice, so does this tattoo symbolize. The Sanskrit symbol itself symbolizes peace. The beautiful designs in the symbol make it more attractive. This is one of the most popular Buddha Sanskrit tattoo designs for monks and other people who loves lord Buddha.
- Best Suitable For:This unisex design is for those who are followers of Hindu and Buddhist principles
- Preferable Ink:Choose a black colored ink
- Where:A wide area like the back or arm offers the right base for this tattoo
- Size:Large design can help in capturing the details well
- Skin Tone:Suits wheat and fair skin tones
9. Popular Gayatri Mantra Sanskrit Words Tattoo On Shoulder:
Gayatri mantra is one of the most pious and commonly known Sanskrit hymns. It is repeated in many a prayer house across India. Its meaning like all other hymns id divine too. It can be inked in various artistic ways that make your meaningful tattoo look great. This is simple but latest Sanskrit tattoo designs with creativity. Gayatri Mantra is one of the best Sanskrit words for tattoos.
- Best Suitable For:The Gayatri Mantra is one of the best Sanskrit tattoo designs for men and women who wish to get the powerful hymn inked on their bodies for positive vibes
- Preferable Ink:Go for a black colored ink
- Where:Area beneath your shoulders is perfect for this tattoo
- Size:A decent sized image must be chosen for better visibility of letters
- Skin Tone:Suits wheat and fair skin tones
10. Sanskrit Quotes For Tattoos About Life:
This kind of Sanskrit phrase tattoo gives a beautiful quote on life. The meaning of this tattoo is “Life is a beautiful struggle”. This phrase is decorated with beautiful curves and some henna design outlines. The dark black ink gives it a bold look. This tattoo can also be carried out on the back and shoulders or neck. However, the girls generally carry it on their waist to give the curvy design a marvellous look.
- Best Suitable For:If you love life, this meaningful unisex tattoo is just for you!
- Preferable Ink:Go for a black colored ink with hints of color if you wish to
- Where:Get it done like a curve around your rib area
- Size:A fairly large sized design would be ideal
- Skin Tone:Suits wheat and fair skin tones
11. Sanskrit Shloka Tattoo Designs For Women:
This kind of Sanskrit tattoo meaning is related to human relations. The meaning of the above tattoo is “either scholarship or death will be my refuge”. you can make the phrases are linked with a helix and flames. This gives a message that no matter whatever the situation may be, the person is always protected by god.This kind of tattoo is generally made on the arms, back or shoulders. This tattoo when inked with different colors also looks beautiful. This tattoo shows a pious and caring relation among the brothers and sisters.
- Best Suitable For:If you are a hard working and meticulous person, go for this unisex Sanskrit tattoo
- Preferable Ink:Black colored ink would be perfect
- Where:You can choose the area beneath your neck, arms, back or even shoulders
- Size:Opt for a medium sized design
- Skin Tone:Suits all skin tones
12. Devotional Sanskrit Tattoos For Man:
These kinds of Sanskrit tattoo ideas are getting popularity among youngsters. This is a large spiritual collage tattoo which is a combination of various religious symbols and Sanskrit fonts. This tattoo symbolizes peace, love, sacrifice, devotion, power etc.It is one of the best Sanskrit tattoo designs for men arms.
- Best Suitable For:Suits both men and women who have an affinity towards Hindu philosophies
- Preferable Ink:Grey and Black shades
- Where:Go for your arms
- Size:Opt for a large sized image to flaunt it
- Skin Tone:Suits light skin tones
13. Trishul With Sanskrit Shloka Tattoo On Hands:
This is one of the famous Sanskrit tattoos. This tattoo includes the portrait of Lord Shiva’s face with his third eye open, the Trishul which is his divine weapon and the Mrityunjay Shloka below it. Lord Shiva is the ultimate destroyer hence; this tattoo symbolizes the power to destroy.The beautiful dark and light color shades make it more attractive. This tattoo is highly carried on the back and shoulders. These types of sanskrit tattoos are widely seen on the Aghoris as Lord Shiva is their inspiration. The Mrityunjay Shloka written in beautiful fonts add to its beauty.
- Best Suitable For:The Trishul tattoo is generally for men who are ardent devotees of Shiva and believe in his powers
- Preferable Ink:Go for deeper black shades
- Where:Choose your arms for this design
- Size:A large sized image can offer the best look
- Skin Tone:Suits light skin tones
14. Authentic Musical Sanskrit Tattoos For Guys:
This kind of Sanskrit script tattoo is very trendy. This tattoo is a combination of Sanskrit script, musical notes and a guitar. This tattoo is widely carried out by the people who are music lovers, and are passionate about guitar. The Sanskrit script also means the same. The musical notes and the shloka written are beautifully curved in dark black ink which makes it more eye-catchy. This tattoo can be worn by both men and women, mostly on the wrist or arms. This tattoo also gives a message that music was formerly introduced from the Bhajans and shlokas.
- Best Suitable For:Suitable for men, this music tattoo is one of the most creative Sanskrit designs
- Preferable Ink:Keep it in black for better attention
- Where:Go for your arms or your back
- Size:A large sized image is preferable
- Skin Tone:Suits wheat and light skin tones
15. Sanskrit Tattoo Lotus Flower On Arm:
This lotus Sanskrit tattoo designs is widely carried out by the saints related with the Iscon temple worldwide. The lotus is a pious flower among all which is seen held in the hands of both Shri Krishna as well as Shri Radha in Iscon temples. The Sanskrit Shloka enchants the pious mantra “Hare Rama Hare Krishna” which is also known as the moksha mantra. This is a beautiful combination of Sanskrit shloka and Hindu symbol. Hence this tattoo symbolizes peace, eternity and love. This tattoo also motivates one to leave the world and forgive himself in the divine world of Shri Krishna.
- Best Suitable For:Popular design with all Krishna lovers and suits both men and women
- Preferable Ink:A basic black color would do
- Where:Get it done on your arms
- Size:A large sized image is considered ideal
- Skin Tone:Suits wheat and light skin tones
16. Celebrity With Sanskrit Tattoo:
One of the famous celebrities who Popularised Sanskrit tattoos in Hollywood is Russel Brand. He and his ex-wife Katy Perry chose Sanskrit quotes on their bodies. The tattoo which reads “Anuugacchati Pravaha” means “go with the flow”. It was done on the inner area of the biceps which Brand was quite fond of flaunting.
- Best Suitable For:Suits men and women who believe that life is a flow and must go on!
- Preferable Ink:Keep it simple in black
- Where:Arms, Biceps and even forearm can be ideal
- Size:Opt for a medium sized message
- Skin Tone:Suits wheat and light skin tones
17. Namaste Tattoo Sanskrit:
One of the warmest Indian gestures is the “Namaste”, which is means to say “Hello”. It is usually done by folding one’s hands to show their respect to the other person. This tattoo used the Devanagari font and is kept simple. You can also opt for a Namaste image for symbolism.
- Best Suitable For:Namaste is a unisex tattoo for those who are inspired by Indian values and practises
- Preferable Ink:Black is beautiful
- Where:Get it done on visible areas like the wrist or hands
- Size:Opt for a medium sized message
- Skin Tone:Suits wheat and light skin tones
Additional Tips For Sanskrit tattoos:
These tips shall certainly clear the air for you:
- Sanskrit tattoo designs hold a religious and cultural significance. Be sure to keep the designs just the way they are supposed to be.
- Also, be mindful of the places they are etched. Mantras and symbols must never be etched below the abdomen level.
- It is recommended to understand the meaning and importance of the design before choosing one.
- You can use a simple translator tool to help in deciding on the layout and the type of wordings.
- The best way to do a Sanskrit tattoo is to take a printout of the design and trace it on the body for a perfect and accurate tattoo.
- You can even check out many Sanskrit forums to get some creative ideas and novel ways of representing these elegant tattoos.
As an Indian, there can no better sense of pride than holding a tattoo which represents our rich and glorious heritage. Sanskrit words and chants are quite powerful and have positive vibrations on the mind and body. By wearing them, you are inviting optimism into your life, each time you look at the design. They are also beautiful pieces of art, which not only look exotic, but also hold a sense of importance. If you have a strong affinity for Indian designs, there can no better bet than choosing Sanskrit tattoos.
