Dhvaja
Encyclopedia
Dhvaja meaning banner or flag. The Dhvaja is comprised amongst the Ashtamangala
, the 'eight auspicious symbols'.
ic cults, takes on the appearance of a high column (dhvaja-stambha
) erected in front of temples.
Dhvaja, meaning a Flag
banner, was a military standard of ancient Indian warfare.
an tradition a list of eleven different forms of the victory banner is given to represent eleven specific methods for overcoming 'defilements' (Sanskrit: klesha). Many variations of the dhvaja's design can be seen on the roofs of Tibet
an 'monasteries' (Gompa
, Vihara
) to symbolyze the Buddha's victory over four maras. In its most traditional form the victory banner is fashioned as a cylindrical ensign mounted upon long wooden axel-pole. The top of the banner takes the form of a small white 'parasol' (Sanskrit: chhatra
), which is surrounded by a central 'wish granting gem' (Sanskrit: cintamani
). This domed parasol is rimmed by an ornate golden crest-bar or moon-crest with makara
-trailed ends, from which hangs a billowing yellow or 'white silk scarf' (Sanskrit: khata
) (see top right). As a hand held ensign the victory banner is an attribute of many deities, particularly those associated with wealth and power, such as Vaiśravaṇa
, the Great Guardian King of the north. As roof-mounted ensign the victory banners are cylinders usually made of beaten copper
(technique similar to Toreutics
) and are traditionally placed on the four corners of monastery and temple roofs. Those roof ornaments usually take the form of a small circular parasol surmounted by the wish-fulfilling gem, with four or eight makara heads at the parasol edge, supporting little silver bells (see the Jokhang Dhvaja on the left). A smaller victory banner fashioned on a beaten copper
frame, hung with black silk, and surmounted by a flaming 'trident
' (Sanskrit: trishula
) is also commonly displayed on the roofs (see the Dhvaja on the roof of the Potala Palace below)..
Ashtamangala
Ashtamangala or Zhaxi Daggyai are a sacred suite of Eight Auspicious Signs endemic to a number of Dharmic Traditions such as Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. The symbols or 'symbolic attributes' are yidam and teaching tools...
, the 'eight auspicious symbols'.
In Hinduism
Dhvaja in the BrahmanBrahman
In Hinduism, Brahman is the one supreme, universal Spirit that is the origin and support of the phenomenal universe. Brahman is sometimes referred to as the Absolute or Godhead which is the Divine Ground of all being...
ic cults, takes on the appearance of a high column (dhvaja-stambha
Stambha
In the context of Hindu mythology, stambha, also spelt as Skambha, is believed to be a cosmic column. It is believed that the stambha functions as a bond, which joins the heaven and the earth . A number of Hindu scriptures, including the Atharva Veda, have references to stambha...
) erected in front of temples.
Dhvaja, meaning a Flag
Flag
A flag is a piece of fabric with a distinctive design that is usually rectangular and used as a symbol, as a signaling device, or decoration. The term flag is also used to refer to the graphic design employed by a flag, or to its depiction in another medium.The first flags were used to assist...
banner, was a military standard of ancient Indian warfare.
Tibetan architecture
Within the TibetTibet
Tibet is a plateau region in Asia, north-east of the Himalayas. It is the traditional homeland of the Tibetan people as well as some other ethnic groups such as Monpas, Qiang, and Lhobas, and is now also inhabited by considerable numbers of Han and Hui people...
an tradition a list of eleven different forms of the victory banner is given to represent eleven specific methods for overcoming 'defilements' (Sanskrit: klesha). Many variations of the dhvaja's design can be seen on the roofs of Tibet
Tibet
Tibet is a plateau region in Asia, north-east of the Himalayas. It is the traditional homeland of the Tibetan people as well as some other ethnic groups such as Monpas, Qiang, and Lhobas, and is now also inhabited by considerable numbers of Han and Hui people...
an 'monasteries' (Gompa
Gompa
Gompa and ling are Buddhist ecclesiastical fortifications of learning, lineage and sadhana , located in Tibet, India, Nepal, and Bhutan...
, Vihara
Vihara
Vihara is the Sanskrit and Pali term for a Buddhist monastery. It originally meant "a secluded place in which to walk", and referred to "dwellings" or "refuges" used by wandering monks during the rainy season....
) to symbolyze the Buddha's victory over four maras. In its most traditional form the victory banner is fashioned as a cylindrical ensign mounted upon long wooden axel-pole. The top of the banner takes the form of a small white 'parasol' (Sanskrit: chhatra
Chhatra
The 'Jewelled/Precious Parasol' is an auspicious symbol in the Dharmic traditions.According to Hindu mythology, it is the emblem of Varuna, also considered an embodiment of kingship. Chhatra is also a deity, yidam and ishta-devata. In various Dharmic traditions it is an accoutrement of chakravartin...
), which is surrounded by a central 'wish granting gem' (Sanskrit: cintamani
Cintamani
Cintamani also spelled as Chintamani is a wish-fulfilling jewel within both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, equivalent to the philosopher's stone in Western alchemy....
). This domed parasol is rimmed by an ornate golden crest-bar or moon-crest with makara
Makara (Hindu mythology)
Makara is a sea-creature in Hindu mythology. It is generally depicted as half terrestrial animal and in hind part as aquatic animal, in the tail part, as a fish tail or also as seal...
-trailed ends, from which hangs a billowing yellow or 'white silk scarf' (Sanskrit: khata
Khata
A khata, khada, khadag, or hada is a traditional ceremonial scarf common in Tibetan and Mongolian culture. It symbolizes purity and compassion. It is usually made of silk. Tibetan khatas are usually white symbolising the pure heart of the giver, though it is quite common to find yellow gold khatas...
) (see top right). As a hand held ensign the victory banner is an attribute of many deities, particularly those associated with wealth and power, such as Vaiśravaṇa
Vaisravana
' or ' also known as Jambhala in Tibet and Bishamonten in Japan is the name of the chief of the Four Heavenly Kings and an important figure in Buddhist mythology.-Names:...
, the Great Guardian King of the north. As roof-mounted ensign the victory banners are cylinders usually made of beaten copper
Copper
Copper is a chemical element with the symbol Cu and atomic number 29. It is a ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. Pure copper is soft and malleable; an exposed surface has a reddish-orange tarnish...
(technique similar to Toreutics
Toreutics
Toreutics is a term, relatively rare in English, for artistic metalworking, by hammering gold or silver , engraving, Repoussé and chasing to form minute detailed reliefs or small engraved patterns. Toreutics can include metal-engraving - forward-pressure linear metal removal with a...
) and are traditionally placed on the four corners of monastery and temple roofs. Those roof ornaments usually take the form of a small circular parasol surmounted by the wish-fulfilling gem, with four or eight makara heads at the parasol edge, supporting little silver bells (see the Jokhang Dhvaja on the left). A smaller victory banner fashioned on a beaten copper
Copper
Copper is a chemical element with the symbol Cu and atomic number 29. It is a ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. Pure copper is soft and malleable; an exposed surface has a reddish-orange tarnish...
frame, hung with black silk, and surmounted by a flaming 'trident
Trident
A trident , also called a trishul or leister or gig, is a three-pronged spear. It is used for spear fishing and was also a military weapon. Tridents are featured widely in mythical, historical and modern culture. The major Hindu god, Shiva the Destroyer and the sea god Poseidon or Neptune are...
' (Sanskrit: trishula
Trishula
A trishula is a type of Indian trident but also found in Southeast Asia. It is commonly used as a Hindu-Buddhist religious symbol. The word means "three spear" in Sanskrit and Pali....
) is also commonly displayed on the roofs (see the Dhvaja on the roof of the Potala Palace below)..