Torana

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For the Australian car, see Holden Torana.
The Northern torana at the Great Stupa in Sanchi.
The Northern torana at the Great Stupa in Sanchi.

A torana is a type of gateway seen in Hindu and Buddhist architecture. Toranas are associated with stupas like the Great Stupa in Sanchi. Symbolic toranas can also be made of flowers and even leaves and hung over the doors of Hindus, particularly in Southern India. They are believed to bring good fortune and signify auspicious and festive occasions.

A Vesak Pandol in Colombo, Sri Lanka
A Vesak Pandol in Colombo, Sri Lanka

During Vesak festival of Sri Lanka it is a tradition to erect electrically illuminated colorful Vesak toranas in public places. These decorations are temporary installations which remain in public display for couple of weeks starting from the day of Vesak

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  • Studies in Medieval Indian Architecture By Ram Nath. Published 1995. M.D. Publications Pvt. Ltd. 172 pages. ISBN 8185880565
  • India By Nick Edwards, Mike Ford, Devdan Sen, Beth Wooldridge, David Abram. Contributor David Abram, Nick Edwards, Mike Ford, Devdan Sen, Beth Wooldridge. Published 2003. 1440 pages. ISBN 1843530899


 This architecture-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.