Despite the large number of potential Sanskrit tattoo designs, only a few are commonly seen. Many Sanskrit tattoos feature one of these three symbols - Om, Padma (lotus flower), or Trishula (Shiva's trident)There is good reason why Om is popular, but it is sad to see how so many tattoos use the same Om symbol. Since Sanskrit was originally a spoken language, many different writing systems grew up around it. The Om that is commonly seen in tattoos is based on the Devanagari script. While it is beautiful and elegant, there are other scripts with equally beautiful Om symbols - the Tamil Om, the Tibetan Om, the Balinese Om, the Bangla Om, the Jain Om, the Gurmukhi Om. Before you commit yourself to the Devanagari Om, you should take a look at these other Om symbols.
The smaller Sanskrit tattoos are actually ideal for first tattoos. They are relatively inexpensive and fast to execute. That means you can go to a good tattoo artist to get it done right. This is much better than going to a third-class tattoo johnny for a big tribal tattoo and risking a botched job. A small tattoo is also better for the first-timer - the experience of being tattooed is not for everyone. Better to discover that fact with a small tattoo than end up with an incomplete large tattoo because you find the experience unendurable halfway through
You can put a Sanskrit tattoo virtually anywhere. However, if you are expressing your spirituality, you should avoid your buttocks and soles of your feet. You should show some proper respect by putting it somewhere without any negative spiritual connotations, e.g. wrist, biceps, shoulders or lower back. There is no problem with having a large tattoo across your chest or back showing one of the scenes from the Ramayana, e.g Rama slaying the demon king Ravana and rescuing his wife Sita.
If you like beautiful quotations and inspiring prayers, Sanskrit is an excellent choice. You can pick a passage from one of the great Sanskrit epic poems like the Mahabharata or select a prayer from the Hindu Rig Veda or Buddhist Heart Sutra. These are just a few of the many choices available to you
