Stambha
Stambha (also spelled as Skambha) is used to denote pillar or column. In the context of Jain and Hindu mythology, it is believed to be a cosmic column which functions as a bond, which joins the heaven (Svarga) and the earth (Prithvi). A number of Hindu scriptures, including the Atharva Veda, have references to Stambha. In the Atharva Veda, a celestial stambha has been described as an infinite scaffold, which supports the cosmos and material creation.
Part of a series on |
Hindu mythology |
---|
Sources |
Cosmology |
Deities |
Personalities of the Epics |
Hinduism Portal |
Part of a series on |
Jainism |
---|
Jain prayers |
Ethics |
Major sects |
Texts |
Festivals
|
|
Stambha was and is also used in the context of Indian architecture. Different Stambhas serve different purpose, including the following:
- Dhvajastambha – flagstaffs that are placed opposite the main shrine, on an axis with the main deity.
- Kirtistambha – erected to commemorate victories.
- Most well known stambhas of India are the Ashokastambha (Pillars of Ashoka) erected during the reign of Ashoka, spread across the subcontinent, and which bear different types of royal edicts.
- Adi Purana – a huge manastambha stands in front of the samavasarana of the tirthankaras, which causes someone entering a samavasarana to shed their pride.[1]
Gallery
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Stambhas. |
- Vijay Stambha at Chittorgarh fort
- Kirti Stambh of Hutheesing Jain Temple
- Ashoka Pillar
See also
- Related topics
- Hutheesing Jain Temple
- Ashoka's Major Rock Edicts
- Dhar iron pillar
- History of metallurgy in South Asia
- Iron pillar of Delhi
- Pillars of Ashoka
- Heliodorus pillar
- Other similar topics
References
- Shah, Umakant Premanand (1987), Jaina-rūpa-maṇḍana: Jaina iconography, Abhinav Publications, ISBN 81-7017-208-X
- Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend (ISBN 0-500-51088-1) by Anna Dallapiccola
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.