Manastambha
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Manastambha (meaning column of honor) is a pillar that is often constructed in front of Jain temples. In north India, it is always topped by four Tirthankara images.
A Jain temple represents the samosharana of the Lord Tirthankara. According to the Jain tradition, a lofty manastambha stands in front of the samosharana, which causes someone entering a samosharana, to shed his pride (Mana).
A monolithic manastambha is a standard feature in the Jain temples of Mudabidri. They include a statue of Brahma on the top as a guardian yaksha.
Sopme of the well known Jain manastambhas are:
- Kirti Stambha of Chittor. The Vijay Stambha was inspired by this.
- Manastambhas of Devagarh
- Manastambhas of Mudabidri
- Manastambhas of Sravanabelagola
- Manastambha at Sammet Shikhar at Madhuvan
[edit] Also see
- Tirthas
- Jain Temples
