Sanskrit is the sacred language of Hinduism and is the historical text of Jainism and Buddhism. The Sanskrit script is sometimes used to spell out names or mantras in tattoo designs.
These are complex tattoo designs—one mistake, and your tattoo could mean something entirely different from what you intended it to be. Sanskrit tattoos are intricate designs because you’re dealing with ancient fonts and languages that must be properly applied to the skin to be understood.
There are thousands of Sanskrit tattoo ideas, so how do you choose the right one for you? If you’re a spiritual guy, then you might find inspiration from the 25 Sanskrit tattoos for men below.
1. Sanskrit Breath Tattoo
Sanskrit breath tattoos are chosen as a reminder to do what comes naturally to you. Breathing is the first thing you do when you enter the world—it’s also the last thing you do when you die. What’s more, breathing correctly is an important element in yoga practices. This tattoo design will look great placed on the wrist, side of the hand, or back of the ear.
2. Strength Sanskrit Tattoo
The Sanskrit symbol for strength has an elegant font. You can choose this tattoo to honor the strength of your bonds with others or your inner grit. This tattoo is suitable for the chest, back, or neck.
3. Sanskrit Symbols Tattoo
Many symbols in the Sanskrit language represent nature or mantras. The most common symbols represent your Chakras. There is a symbol for each Chakra, such as your crown, third eye, throat, and so on. You can get Sanskrit symbols tattooed down your spine or arm, or you can have one symbol tattooed in the center of a mandala.
4. Sanskrit Words Tattoo
Instead of opting for Sanskrit symbols, you can go for Sanskrit words tattooed down your arm, leg, or back. You could write your name, lyrics from your favorite song or a poem in Sanskrit script. The style and font you choose will be up to you. Additionally, you can choose to have these words tattooed in a different color—red is popular because of its significance in Hindu culture.
5. Sanskrit Karma Tattoo
Karma is a Sanskrit word that translates to “action.” It’s the core concept in some Eastern religions like Buddhism and Hinduism. Karma is often described with the phrase, “What goes around, comes around.”
If you do good deeds, good things will reflect back on you. In parallel, doing bad things will cause misfortune. A Karma tattoo might serve as a reminder to put positive energy out into the world.
6. Sanskrit Peace Tattoo
Sanskrit peace tattoos have become popular designs, especially from westerners or those who practice yoga and meditation. The Sanskrit word for peace is Shanti—you can get this tattoo to remind yourself to have patience and tranquility. You could get this tattooed as a symbol or in the Sanskrit script.
7. Om Sanskrit Tattoo
Om is a sound you chant when meditating. Om Sanskrit tattoos represent the mind’s journey. In Hinduism and Buddhism, om is the source of everything—it’s the vibration and consciousness of the entire universe. Om is a Sanskrit symbol that would look good tattooed on the wrist, hands, or chest.
8. Gayatri Mantra Sanskrit Tattoo
The Gayatri Mantra is a declaration of the appreciation of the Divine and sun. Gayatri is a goddess who is also called Veda-Mata, or the mother of the Vedas. The Gayatri Mantra should be chanted in the morning. Men choose Gayatri Mantra Sanskrit tattoos to manifest success and happiness, the same things you focus on when chanting the mantra.
9. Padma Sanskrit Tattoo
The Padma is a symbol of enlightenment—it’s also the word for Lotus, an extremely symbolic flower in Eastern religions. It’s often referred to as the “sacred lotus.” Most men choose to have a lotus symbol tattooed instead of the word.
10. Go with the Flow Sanskrit Tattoo
Anuugacchati Pravaha, which means “go with the flow,” is a popular Sanskrit tattoo choice, thanks to celebrities like Katy Perry and Russel Brand. This phrase can be tattooed in the Sanskrit text and placed on the bicep, wrist, or back.
11. Sanskrit Name Tattoo
Sanskrit name tattoos are also a creative choice if you want a unique way to tattoo your loved one’s name on your skin. If you have children or a spouse, you can tattoo their names in Sanskrit on your skin. Most men prefer this design tattooed on their chest or arm.
12. Asha Sanskrit Tattoo
Asha means hope, or wish, in the Sanskrit language. It’s also a common name given to Indian girls. Asha Sanskrit tattoos are often chosen by those who’ve been through plenty of adversities in their life. It’s a reminder never to give up hope, no matter how difficult life gets.
13. Swatantra Sanskrit Tattoo
Swantantra translates to uncontrolled or unrestrained. This Sanskrit word describes someone who is independent or decides their path. Swatantra Sanskrit tattoos can be placed on the wrist, hand, or arm and are usually done in delicate fonts.
14. Sanskrit Warrior Tattoo
Do you feel like you’re fighting many battles like a warrior? To take pride in your own strength, you might love Sanskrit warrior tattoos. Most men choose to tattoo the word in Sanskrit next to their name or the name of a loved one, or they decide to have a phrase such as “I am a warrior” tattooed on their arm or leg.
15. Fearless Sanskrit Tattoo
The Sanskrit word for fearless is Abhay, which could also mean “the fear of none.” This tattoo is ideal for men who feel that they don’t fear any man. This tattoo represents a man who can stand up to any threat or be strong in the face of adversity.
16. Small Sanskrit Tattoo
Small scripts will be ideal for you if you don’t like large bold Sanskrit calligraphy tattooed on your skin. Small Sanskrit tattoos can be placed on fingers or the wrist. This type of tattoo is also easy to hide under clothing if you get it tattooed on your chest, arm or shoulder blade.
17. Minimalist Sanskrit Tattoo
Minimalist Sanskrit tattoos have streamlined detailing and minimal shading and patterns. These tattoos are small but have a strong meaning for the men who choose them. They are small and inconspicuous, so they’re perfect for adding to the inner arm or finger.
18. Sanskrit Quote Tattoo
Sanskrit is an ancient language with beautiful and complex fonts. So it’s the perfect language to use for your favorite quotes. Most men choose Hindu quotes from poems or books, but you could get any quote you want written in Sanskrit. Those who don’t know the Sanskrit language won’t be able to read the quote, so it could be a secret message that only you and those close to you or other Sanskrit speakers know.
Best Placements for Sanskrit Tattoos
19. Forearm Sanskrit Tattoo
Are you a man that likes to show off his tattoos? After all, tattoos can be a great conversation starter. If so, the perfect place to get a Sanskrit tattoo is the forearm. You can tattoo lyrics, poems, quotes, mantras or Sanskrit symbols on your forearm and add other designs around it, like flowers or trees.
20. Sanskrit Wrist Tattoo
Another popular place to get a Sanskrit tattoo is the wrist. Most men get the Sanskrit symbol for Om or breathe tattooed on their wrist because they’re small designs. Names would also be ideal for the wrist because they can be written delicately with small designs.
21. Sanskrit Leg Tattoo
If you want your Sanskrit tattoo to be big and bold, you should consider getting your design on the leg. There are thousands of Sanskrit phrases that you can tattoo around the quad area or down the calf. Add other designs to your Sanskrit leg tattoos like mandalas or lotus flowers.
22. Sanskrit Back Tattoo
Do you want to add elaborate Hindu artwork to your Sanskrit tattoo? You’ll need more space for your tattoo, so the perfect placement would be the back. Some men choose gods or goddesses to add to their Sanskrit back tattoos. You can add plenty of colors and choose an appealing Sanskrit font for your design.
23. Sanskrit Chest Tattoo
Sanskrit chest tattoos are ideal for men who want to cover up their tattoos once in a while with a t-shirt. You can get a Sanskrit symbol or quote tattooed in the middle or side of your chest. Additionally, you can choose small minimalist designs or something big and bold.
24. Sanskrit Finger Tattoo
Some men get small Sanskrit finger tattoos on the inner or top of the finger. The finger is suitable for smaller Sanskrit designs or symbols. Most men choose the Breathe or Om symbol for the fingers, but you can choose anything you want.
Final Thoughts
Sanskrit is a beautiful language—that’s why so many people choose to have their tattoos written with its text. Sanskrit tattoos are great for men who want to honor their Hindu culture and those who feel a strong connection to the culture and religion. Placement and color may also be important factors when choosing a Sanskrit tattoo.
If you’re a man who wants a spiritual tattoo, there are many Sanskrit mantras you can have tattooed on the skin. Or simply choose one of the Sanskrit tattoo ideas above. Ensure that you choose Sanskrit text written in masculine expressions, as this is an important feature of the language.
Sanskrit Tattoo FAQ:
Where should I get a Sanskrit tattoo?
A Hindu tattoo artist is the best place to get a Sanskrit tattoo. This is because Hindu tattoo artists familiar with Sanskrit will know exactly how to tattoo the script without making mistakes. They’ll also be able to tell you whether your design’s lettering is correct or not.
What is a Sanskrit tattoo?
A Sanskrit tattoo is written in ancient Hindu text. Some people choose to have names, quotes or mantras written in Sanskrit because the script has a unique and elegant design. Sanskrit can either be tattooed in masculine or feminine expressions.
Can a Sanskrit tattoo go wrong?
Yes, Sanskrit tattoos can go wrong because errors can creep into translations. That’s why it’s best to get a Sanskrit tattoo from a Hindu artist that knows the language well. This will ensure that your Sanskrit tattoo is done with the correct expressions and grammar.
