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Manastambha

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Manastambha

Manastambha "column of honor" is a pillar that is often constructed in front of Jain temples or large Jain statues. In North India, they are topped by four tirthankara images.

According to the Jain texts, a huge manastambha stands in front of the samavasarana (divine preaching hall) of the tirthankaras, which causes someone entering a samavasarana to shed their pride.

A monolithic manastambha is a standard feature in the Jain temples of Moodabidri. They include a statue of Brahmadeva on the top as a guardian yaksha.

Examples

Some of the well known Jain manastambhas are:

  • Kirti Stambh of Chittorgarh. The Vijay Stambha was inspired by this.
  • Manastambhas of Devagarh
  • Manastambhas of Moodabidri
  • Manastambhas of Shravanabelagola
  • Manastambha at Shikharji at Madhuvan
  • Manastambhas in South India are generally monolithic.

    References

    Manastambha Wikipedia