In India, the country where Hinduism is most prevalent, tattoos are viewed from a different light. In the traditional sense the temporary tattoos in Hinduism are symbolic of their religious beliefs. It represented transcendence and profound respect for worship and workmanship (very different from the way tattoos are looked at in the contemporary world). These tattoos, full of symbolism and superstitions are therefore not taken lightly.

In ancient India people used Henna and Mehndi for tattoos and that practice continues even today. Henna is the plant from which the dye (ink) is extracted; this temporary dye is used to stain leather and wool as well (not just skin and nails) and Mehndi, is the art. Unlike modern day tattoos that are permanently etched on the skin these Henna tattoos are temporary, and fade over time. With time of course comes change, and more and more people have taken to the permanent tattooing of their intricate designs.

In the hindu caste system (which is moribund in India today) these tattoos also represented subordination to the higher caste. The lower caste men naturally wore more tattoos than their high caste counterparts. Also, the hindu women wore more tattoos than the men.

Scorpions and Asian elephants (usually drawn with its trunk raised) were some symbols commonly seen as tattoos as they were believed to bring good luck. Some of the other symbols used were Lotus blossoms – which represented happiness, dots – that were meant to ward off evil and the swastika which symbolizes a lucky or favorable object (looks very similar to the Nazi German swastika.)

The various faces and symbols of the gods of polytheistic Hinduism also came to be used in tattoos. The most famous ones are those of gods Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna, Brahma, Ganesha, Hanuman and Kali.

Henna and Mehndi are very much a part of the weddings in India. The hands and feet of the bride are packed with magnificent tattoo designs. They are usually lacey or floral and contain hidden symbols. They sometimes even weave in the names of the bride and the groom in those designs. It is said that a bride is never fully dressed without them and the darker the tattoo the better. It is believed that the mother-in-law daughter-in-law relationship depends on the color of the tattoo. Some of the most popular designs include lotus blossoms or peacocks – a symbol of grace and beauty.