What does the hamsa, this hand symbol, represent in Hindu culture?

Unlike in Middle Eastern cultures, where the hamsa is a sign that wards off the "evil eye," the symbol takes on a different meaning in Buddhism and Hinduism. It stands for the five chakras that direct energy flow, with the pinky being the water element (sacral chakra), the ring the earth element (root chakra), the middle finger the ethereal element (throat chakra), the forefinger the air element (heart chakra), and the thumb the fire element (solar plexus chakra).

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