A TO Z INDIA ● FEBRUARY 2022 ● PAGE 14
Dwadasha Lakshna Sthambha :
Do you think this is just a Temple Pillar ?
Chandra
This “ Dwadasha Lakshna Sthambha ” – 12 Elements Pillar is of “ Vishnu Kanta ” ( Octagonal ) class of Hindu temple pillars from Surya Mandir , Modhera , Gujarat .
1 ) Ghata / Ahvaana Patta – Base Water pot like Kalasa or Welcome Band generally contains Sri Ganesha or Sri Maha Lakshmi . 2 ) Simhamukha Patta – Lion Band – represents the Valor & Courage . 3 ) Dwarapala Patta – Guardian Band – Guardians of the presiding deity in the temple are present . 4 ) Vadaka / Vadaki Patta – Musicians Band singing in reverence of the god .
5 ) Avatara Patta – Manifestation Band – different Avataras of presiding deity . 6 ) Kalika Patta – Lotus Bud Band – indicates the potentiality of everybody to attain moksha . 7 ) Khandika / Ghanta Patta – Bell band – signifies the impermanence , transient creation of this universe through sound . 8 ) Deva Gana Patta – Embodiments of divine features – resembles all good characters of divinity . 9 ) Gandharva Patta – Geometrical Band basically Vajra or Padma Kulika are present . Vajra indicates indestructibility . Padma Kulika indicates – probability of moksha all human beings . 10 ) Kirtimukha Patta – Kirtimukha is the embodiment of dedication to his master Mahadev . 11 ) Kumbhika / Purnakumbha – Kalasa – water pot at the top . 12 ) Sirsa – Head / Capital of a pillar – represents how important sirsa is in bearing weight like Head takes care of a human body . Ghata at base is water , Kumbhika at the top is water - is an indication of how life emerges in water and ends in water .