eBook on Kodimaram or Dwaja Stambam

8/10/2019 eBook on Kodimaram or Dwaja Stambam

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ebook on Dwaja or Kodimaram

Compiled by Cnu-pne


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Contents

1-Why Do We Have Kodimaram( Flagstaff) In Temples?................................. 2

1.1-Dwaja or Kodimaram ............................................................................................ 3

1.2-SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DHWAJA STHAMBH:-............................................. 4

1.3-What's the Meaning / use of Dwajasthambam?....................................... 5

1.4-What are the Different Parts of Dwajasthambam and residing

devatas? ............................................................................................................................. 5

1.5-Cultural Beliefs: ....................................................................................................... 6

1.6-Where Dwajasthambam is placed? ................................................................. 7

1.7-Scientific Reasons: ................................................................................................. 7

1.8-Interesting Facts: ................................................................................................... 7

2-Preparation of kodimaram ......................................................................................... 9

2.1-Teak Wooden Log Before working.................................................................. 9

2.3-Working at Top Portion of Dhajasthambam............................................. 11

2.4-Completed Kodimaram from Bottom to Top Side View ........................ 11

2.5-Completed Kodimaram from Top to Bottom Side View ........................ 12

2.6-Completed Kodimaram Top Side Closeup View....................................... 13

2.7-Completed Kodimaram with Brass Sheet Ornamental Work Before

Installing. ......................................................................................................................... 13

3-DIFFERENT TYPE'S OF DHAJASTHAMBAM......................................................... 14

3.1-Teak Wooden Kodimaram Covered with Copper Sheet ornamental

Work ................................................................................................................................... 14

3.2-Teak Wooden Kodimaram covered with Brass Sheet Ornamental

Work................................................................................................................................... 15

3.4- (22 Caret) Electro Gold Plated Copper Sheet ornamental Work

Kodimaram with Teak wood Inside. ..................................................................... 16

3.5-Teak Wooden Kodimaram with Brass Sheet work (FOR CHURCH) . 16

4-Tamil edition .................................................................................................................. 20

5-Link's to know more about Dhajasthambam................................................... 22

5.1-Bharat Rekha in America.................................................................................. 22

5.2-What is the importance of ''dwajasthambam'' in temples ?............. 22

5.3-He's a Muslim who does gilding work at temples.................................. 22


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5.4-Dwajasthambam - Flag Pole ............................................................................ 22

5.5-Various dwaja stumba........................................................................................ 22

5.6-THE RATIONALE OF TEMPLE WORSHIP...................................................... 22

5.7-Dwajasthambam Installation at Vishwanatha Temple........................ 22

1-Why Do We Have Kodimaram( Flagstaff) In Temples?

This is a photograph from Guruvayoor temple showing, what Kodimarammeans, here it is gold plated.

Hindu Agama Shastras compare a Temple to the human body. Just as anindividual soul is enveloped by five koas or sheaths - (Annamova,Prnamaya, Manomaya, Vynnamaya and nandamaya) - the Deityinstalled in the Temple (representing the Supreme Spirit) is also envelopedby five prkaras

Just as our gross body has five sections - head, neck, chest, legs and feet- a Temple also has five corresponding sections. The Garbhagriham orsanctum Santorum represents the head; the Sanctum is the Soul or theJiva of the body; the Vimana over the Sanctum represents the tip of the

nose. Ardhamandap in front of the Sanctum represents the neck; MahMandapam, the chest; Prakaras around the Sanctum represents our five


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senses: the palibida where nivedana is offered to the deity represents thenaval; the kodimaram represents the jeevadhara; and the Gopura, themain gateway of the temple, represents the feet.

A Dhvaja Stamba usually represents the prosperity and pride of a temple.But some texts do suggest that the bottom of a flag post symbolizes Shiva,middle portion Brahma and the top portion Vishnu.

1.1-Dwaja or Kodimaram

This tall pillar is visible from a distance. It bears on the topthe deitys vahana as emblem and one can identify the deityof a temple by seeing it. Shiva temple has Nandi, Vishnutemple has Garuda, Durga temple has Lion, Kali temple hasVethala, Sastha temple has Horse, Subrahmanya temple hasPeacock, Ganapathy temple has Mooshika and Saraswathytemple has Hamsam on top of the dwaja. Ashtadikpalakaidols were placed at the bottom part of the dwaja.Kodimaram is used for hoisting kodi or flag during festivals. It

is located outside the balikkalpura and is usually made ofwood and covered with copper, panchaloha, silver, bronze orgold. Image shows the Golden Dwaja in Sabarimala Temple.

TEMPLE AND HUMAN BODY

The main parts of a temple are:

1. Garbhagraha (Sanctum Sanctorum) containing the image of God.

2. The Vimana over the Sanctum.

3. Ardhamandap in front of the Sanctum.

4. Prakaras around the Sanctum.

5. The Gopura, the main gateway of the temple.

Indian temple is only a reflection of the physical form of the human body.According to the Tirumular "our body is a temple". According to theKathopanishad "This body of ours is a temple of the Divine."


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1.2-SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DHWAJA STHAMBH:-

Itscommon to see what is known as the "dhwaja sthambha" or simply"flag post" in the vicinity of almost all ancient temples, but rarely do wethink about its significance. This post will throw some light on this topic.

The Dhwaja Stambha is a structure present in a straight line from thedeity, just before the Vahana of the deity, which is also in the same line.During a festival, the Dhwaja Stambha is decorated with several types offlags to celebrate that event. It can be noted that the Dhwaja Stambhagives an idea to a devotee about the idol installed in the temple and aboutthe Vahana or Vehicle used by the deity. It also announces about a festivalin a temple. An expert in Agama shastra could figure out such details of atemple merely by looking at the dhwaja sthambh.

Usually, a kingdom is marked by a flag which signifies that, thatplace(kshetram) belongs to a particular King. Likewise, ancient templeswhich are the abodes of different deities are sometimes called "Srikshetram" & as such the dhwaja sthambh demarkates the area as thatwhich belongs to the deity.

Its customary to hoist a flag on the sthambh before the commencement ofa festival as it serves as an indication for tourists & local people about thefestival.

An interesting argument put forth by certain scientific thinkers is that the

dhwaja sthambh not only serves as a medium with philosophicalsignificance but also contains a scientific one which is that it works as a"lightning arrestor rod".

It is beyond doubt that the "garbha griha"(chief sanctorum), i.e the placewhere the idol of the deity is present is the most important structure in thetemple. Hence, it must be protected from all sorts of calamities, even if itis at the cost of another structure in the temple. Calamities in the form ofinvasions were checked by the army of the ruling Kingdom. However, thesame cannot be done in the case of natural calamities, particularly lightning

in our case.


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It can be noticed that the top of the Dhwaja Stambha is the highest pointof the temple, and if lightning were to strike, the temple would be savedfrom the devastating damage that could have been caused otherwise.

1.3-What's the Meaning / use of Dwajasthambam?

Dwajasthambam literally means "flag pole" This is placed between theRajagopuram and the Sanctum sanctorum. It is made of wood, claddedwith brass / Copper Sheet and with or without gold coating.

A cloth flag with Nandhi figure for Shiva temple (Garuda for Vishnu) ishoisted during the temple festival Brahmostavam.

When the temple structure can be compared to a human body, the mainsanctum is the head, Mahamandapam the central portion of the body andRajagopuram the feet.

The relevant Sanskrit Verse inViswakarmyam Vastu Shastra runs thus:

"Garba Gruha Sirahapoktam antaraalam Galamthatha Ardha Mandapam

Hridayasthanam Kuchisthanam Mandapomahan Medhrasthaneshu

Dwajasthambam Praakaram JanjuangeechaGopuram Paadayosketha Paadasya Angula Pokthaha Gopuram

Sthupasthatha Yevam Devaalayam angamuchyathe"

The Ancient scriptures mention that the Temple is not only a home of Godbut stunningly the form of God Himself, by comparing the structure of theTemple to God as perceived in human form. For this, the Girba-Griha (orwomb chamber) is considered to be the Head of God, Mahamandapa thestomach and Gopuram the feet. (Medhrasthaneshu Dwajasthambam -

Dwajasthambam is male organ)

1.4-What are the Different Parts of Dwajasthambam and residingdevatas?

Panjaratra Agama based: From top to bottom

Yashti - IndraRajju - Anandan


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Dwajam - VihakesananValayam - Vasuki

Bhedika - Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra

Mani - LakshmiMala - Saraswathi

Padma Madhyam - East (Garuda), South (Pakshirajan), West (Suparnan),North (Vinatasutan)

Pradamavaranam - Sankam, Chakram, Musalam, Katkam, Gadha,

Sarngam, Padmam, Vajram

Dwitiyavaranam - Lokabalakas

Mekalai - MandalatrayamDhandakre Vinatasudam

Dwajasthambam - Flag PoleDwajasthambam:

The Dwajasthambam is referred to as being a medium for the Heavens to

be connected to the earth, which would refer to it being a spiritualconnector between us earthlings, and the Supreme Being, God.The Sanskritword for the flag is dhvaja and it means whatever is raised. In the religioussense, whatever raises man to a higher level of understanding and activityis a dhvaja. The flag also suggests hope and desire to overcome ignorance.

There is a widespread belief that the Dwajasthambam gives an idea to adevotee from a long distance about the idol installed in the temple. ADwajasthambam usually represents the prosperity and pride of a temple.But some texts do suggest that the bottom of a flag post symbolizes Shiva,

middle portion Brahma and the top portion Vishnu.

1.5-Cultural Beliefs:

It's really wonderful how our ancient Indian Hindus have incorporated thisprinciple in order to safeguard the most important place of their socialsetting, the temples.


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The top portion of the flag staff has three horizontal perches or threebranches pointing towards the Sanctum. It symbolizes righteousness,reputation and propriety or the Trimurtis Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva.Initially, it was temporary and was primarily used to indicate the beginningof a festival or other auspicious days and occasions.

Some flags and banners hoisted in temples act as a message board andgive an idea about the deity worshipped in the temple. It also suggestswhich particular incarnation or manifestation of the God is given importancein the temple.

1.6-Where Dwajasthambam is placed?

This is placed between the Rajagopuram and the main sanctum. Devatasrepresenting "Sankam", "Chakram" and "Yupam reside here. A specialtree, fifteen feet in height, was brought from India, and has been placedand clad with brass decorations. Special flags will be raised during each ofthe festivals that will be conducted for Sri Lakshmi and other sanctums ofthe temple to mark the occasions. Daily pooja will also be performed forthe Dwajasthambam.

1.7-Scientific Reasons:

Whenever lightning strikes, the metal arrestor (A device used to protectequipment from lightning, electrical storms, etc...), placed such that it isthe highest point of the region, and induces the charge to conduct throughit. The Arrestor then conducts the heavy electrical impulse directly toground, thus preventing the building from getting damaged.

It can be noticed that the top of the DhwajaStambha is the highest point ofthe temple, and thus, whenever lightning would strike, the temple would

be saved from the devastating damage that could have been caused.This is what could be meant from the explanation that it connects "Heavento earth" (i.e.) it conducts the charges from the clouds above duringlightning to earth or ground, which is the electrical term for a no-potentialarea.

Dwajastambham is a kind of Antenna like structure which receives thecosmic rays and brings it down to the premise of temple.

1.8-Interesting Facts:


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The following points are the Do's and Donts inside the Temple:

Dwajastambham in temples are the places where you should prostratebefore entering temples. Near Dwajastambham you are supposed to leaveall your bad doshas, attitudes or karmas and purify yourself before entering

inside the temple. When you enter inside, you become one with the god orgoddess with your prayers and the transmutation of energy takes place.Dwajastambham which also symbolizes the spine or Back-Bone. Near theDwajastambham in case of South Indian temples is the Bali Peetam. Riceand other anointments are offered here by the priests, who then progressto all other presiding deities around the temple and subsequently to themain deity. The significance of Garuda in the Dwajastambham is, that he iswaiting eagerly to guide us to the lord.Garuda also removes anysarpadoshas in the body.

If you have Navgrahas inside the temple, you have to do pradakshina andofferings and then enter the temple. In most of the temples there are rulesput that you cannot prostrate inside the temple complex. You have to donamaskaram near the Dwajastambham and then enter the inside of thetemple

The temple complex is a sacred place where you can access the divineenergy according to ones requirement. You can see Bhairavar at theentrance in some temples.He is the guardian of the temple. You have totake permission and then enter inside the temple. Likewise if Ganapathy is

there at the entrance then you have to prostrate and then enter inside. IfHanuman or Garudan is in the entrance prostrate there and nearDwajastambham prostration is done before entering inside the temple. Allthese deities are placed according to the temples rules and regulation andthere practices.

The number of prostrations also varies and depends on the main deity orcustom of the temple architecture. Before visiting the main deity(moolavar) inside generally pradakshina is done with number varying from1, 3 5, etc. The broad significance of pradakshina in a clock wise direction

is: By doing the pradakshina main deity is always in the center and wemaintain equidistant from the center. The energy and grace which entersinside the human soul is immeasurable. When you do pradakshina you arefaithfully and sincerely winding divinity around you. We are supposed to dothe pradakshina of desired numbers and then enter inside to be with maindeity. Of course all this is not possible in a temple like Tirupathi or in othercrowded temples. In such case one has to be satisfied by doingatmapradakshina.

In case of Sivan Temple / Samadhi:


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First you pray to Nandi that is Rishabam.Rule number one before goinginside the Shiva temple you should offer prayers to Nandi and chant Shivamantra in Nandis (Rishabams) ear Right or left ear. The choice is yours.Suppose as you are telling that you want to chant in right ear of Nandi thatis on the other side then you must go from the Back side of Nandi only.Then touch Nandis feet and then pray in his ears and come back fromback side of Nandi only. Generally you should not stand in between Nandiand Shiva lingam and pray. You can see Shiva lingam in between Nandishorn. Again Kindly Note You are not supposed to stand in front of Nandiand pray to Shiva.

Chandishwararsanadhi in many temples on the way to Gomuki you can findthe Idol. This is the place where you clap your hands .The Significance ofclapping hands in front of Chandishwarar is , you announce your presenceby clapping and Lord Chandishwarar will acknowledge your presence in the

temple

Gomuki is the place where abhishekkam water comes out from Shivalingam. After Praying to Chandishwarar you proceed towards the Gomuki.After praying near Gomuki you retrace your path and come back nearNandi .Note when you are praying near Gomuki you are not supposed tocross the Gomuki. In some old temples of Tamil Nadu they haveconstructed a wall so that you cannot go beyond gomuki.

2-Preparation of kodimaram

2.1-Teak Wooden Log Before working


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2.2-Working at Bottom Part of Dhajasthambam


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2.3-Working at Top Portion of Dhajasthambam

2.4-Completed Kodimaram from Bottom to Top Side View


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2.5-Completed Kodimaram from Top to Bottom Side View


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2.6-Completed Kodimaram Top Side Closeup View

2.7-Completed Kodimaram with Brass Sheet Ornamental WorkBefore Installing.


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3-DIFFERENT TYPE'S OF DHAJASTHAMBAM

3.1-Teak Wooden Kodimaram Covered with Copper Sheetornamental Work


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3.2-Teak Wooden Kodimaram covered with Brass SheetOrnamental Work

3.3-Teak Wooden Kodimaram with Brass Sheet Ornamental Work

(KERALA TYPE)


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3.4- (22 Caret) Electro Gold Plated Copper Sheet ornamental WorkKodimaram with Teak wood Inside.

3.5-Teak Wooden Kodimaram with Brass Sheet work (FORCHURCH)


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Brihadeeswara Temple


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TEAK WOODEN SWING / OONGAL

TEAK WOODEN SHIMMA AASANAM / DARBAR CHAIR


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Dwajasthambam

You are at SIES Sri Bhaktha Aanjaneya:Bhaktha Aanjaneya Trust :

Dwajasthambam

A 52 feet tall Dwajasthambam in front of the33ft.height Bhaktha Aanjaneya idol wasinstalled on May26, 2006. InSanskrit dwajameans whatever is raised,therefore has the connotation of hope, desire,pride and will. Whatever raises man to higherlevel of understanding and activity is dwaja.

The Pancharathra text insists that a templewithout a flag would be in vain and gives someinteresting details about the position andheight of the mast and the wood or banneretc. It is an image, which is at once relevantto human aspirations and persistent in humanthought and actions. The benefit of a flag-mast in temples is obtainment of all that isdesired by the devotees.

Another text 'Sivasarvaswa" says it is anindication of the insignia of the deity of thevehicle of the icon that is inside the sanctum.

The ceremoniously installed dwajasthambam with its flag hoisted as per theprescribed rituals, would enable Gods and Manes to shower happiness andprosperity, as they would be delighted. Otherwise the demons and goblinswould sneak in and make the temple their abode.

The dwaja-sthambam symbolises the kundalini-sakthi. Its base is consideredasmoolaadharaand its top the sahasraara. The log (dwaja) represents thevertebral column and spinal column of the human body. Similarly thecoverings of dwaja by copper, bell-metal etc. arc symbolic of the other bones

and ribs around the vertebral column. The vaahanaat the top of the dwajarepresents the sahasraara chakra through which, it is considered, theultimate consciousness leaves. The general belief, therefore is that the deityis seated above the vaahana and hence the dwaja is worshipped.Worshipping of dwaja itself equals to worshipping the main idol of thetemple. When a devotee sights the flag-staff and bows, he resolves to risehigher like the tall sthamba
http://www.siestemple.net/bhaktha_aanjaneya_trust/bhaktha_aanjaneya.html?exp=1http://www.siestemple.net/bhaktha_aanjaneya_trust/bhaktha_aanjaneya.html?exp=1


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4-Tamil edition

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5-Link's to know more about Dhajasthambam

5.1-Bharat Rekha in America

http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/features/07

5.2-What is the importance of ''dwajasthambam'' in temples ?

http://in.answers.yahoo.com/question/ind

5.3-He's a Muslim who does gilding work at temples

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/

5.4-Dwajasthambam - Flag Pole

http://theancientindia.blogspot.com/2012/08/dwajasthambam-flag-pole.html

5.5-Various dwaja stumba

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Dwajasthambam

5.6-THE RATIONALE OF TEMPLE WORSHIP

http://www.srimatham.com/uploads/5/5/4/9/5549439/rationa

l_for_temples.pdf

5.7-Dwajasthambam Installation at Vishwanatha Temple

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fl2cGQxlRw
http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/features/07-06/features370.htmhttp://www.harekrsna.com/sun/features/07-06/features370.htmhttp://in.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100607094309AAROio8http://in.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100607094309AAROio8http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/Hes-a-Muslim-who-does-gilding-work-at-temples/articleshow/1191442.cmshttp://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/Hes-a-Muslim-who-does-gilding-work-at-temples/articleshow/1191442.cmshttp://theancientindia.blogspot.com/2012/08/dwajasthambam-flag-pole.htmlhttp://theancientindia.blogspot.com/2012/08/dwajasthambam-flag-pole.htmlhttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Dwajasthambamhttp://www.srimatham.com/uploads/5/5/4/9/5549439/rational_for_temples.pdfhttp://www.srimatham.com/uploads/5/5/4/9/5549439/rational_for_temples.pdfhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fl2cGQxlRwhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fl2cGQxlRwhttp://www.srimatham.com/uploads/5/5/4/9/5549439/rational_for_temples.pdfhttp://www.srimatham.com/uploads/5/5/4/9/5549439/rational_for_temples.pdfhttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Dwajasthambamhttp://theancientindia.blogspot.com/2012/08/dwajasthambam-flag-pole.htmlhttp://theancientindia.blogspot.com/2012/08/dwajasthambam-flag-pole.htmlhttp://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/Hes-a-Muslim-who-does-gilding-work-at-temples/articleshow/1191442.cmshttp://in.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100607094309AAROio8http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/features/07-06/features370.htm

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