It features four lions (the 4th being hidden from view), symbolizing power, courage and confidence, resting on a circular abacus. The abacus is girded by four smaller animals - guardians of the four directions: the lion of the north, the elephant of the east, the horse of the south and the bull of the west. The abacus rests on a lotus in full bloom, exemplifying the fountainhead of life.
Usually inscribed below the abacus in Devnagari script is the motto Satyameva Jayate, meaning 'Truth Alone Triumphs' in Sanskrit. This is a quote from Manduka Upanishad, the concluding part of the Vedas.