ebook on Dwaja or Kodimaram

Compiled by Cnu-pne





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
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 Kodimaram
means, here it is gold plated.

Hindu Agama Shastras compare a Temple to the human body. Just as an
individual soul is enveloped by five koas or sheaths - (Annamova,
Prnamaya, Manomaya, Vynnamaya and nandamaya) - the Deity
installed in the Temple (representing the Supreme Spirit) is also enveloped
by 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 or
sanctum Santorum represents the head; the Sanctum is the Soul or the
Jiva of the body; the Vimana over the Sanctum represents the tip of the
nose. Ardhamandap in front of the Sanctum represents the neck; Mah
Mandapam, the chest; Prakaras around the Sanctum represents our five
senses: the palibida where nivedana is offered to the deity represents the
naval; the kodimaram represents the jeevadhara; and the Gopura, the
main 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 top
the deitys vahana as emblem and one can identify the deity
of a temple by seeing it. Shiva temple has Nandi, Vishnu
temple has Garuda, Durga temple has Lion, Kali temple has
Vethala, Sastha temple has Horse, Subrahmanya temple has
Peacock, Ganapathy temple has Mooshika and Saraswathy
temple has Hamsam on top of the dwaja. Ashtadikpalaka
idols 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 of
wood and covered with copper, panchaloha, silver, bronze or
gold. 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 the
Kathopanishad "This body of ours is a temple of the Divine."








1.2-SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DHWAJA STHAMBH:-
Its common to see what is known as the "dhwaja sthambha" or simply
"flag post" in the vicinity of almost all ancient temples, but rarely do we
think about its significance. This post will throw some light on this topic.
The Dhwaja Stambha is a structure present in a straight line from the
deity, 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 of
flags to celebrate that event. It can be noted that the Dhwaja Stambha
gives an idea to a devotee about the idol installed in the temple and about
the Vahana or Vehicle used by the deity. It also announces about a festival
in a temple. An expert in Agama shastra could figure out such details of a
temple merely by looking at the dhwaja sthambh.
Usually, a kingdom is marked by a flag which signifies that, that
place(kshetram) belongs to a particular King. Likewise, ancient temples
which are the abodes of different deities are sometimes called "Sri
kshetram" & as such the dhwaja sthambh demarkates the area as that
which belongs to the deity.
Its customary to hoist a flag on the sthambh before the commencement of
a festival as it serves as an indication for tourists & local people about the
festival.
An interesting argument put forth by certain scientific thinkers is that the
dhwaja sthambh not only serves as a medium with philosophical
significance 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 place
where the idol of the deity is present is the most important structure in the
temple. Hence, it must be protected from all sorts of calamities, even if it
is at the cost of another structure in the temple. Calamities in the form of
invasions were checked by the army of the ruling Kingdom. However, the
same cannot be done in the case of natural calamities, particularly lightning
in our case.
It can be noticed that the top of the Dhwaja Stambha is the highest point
of the temple, and if lightning were to strike, the temple would be saved
from 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 the
Rajagopuram and the Sanctum sanctorum. It is made of wood, cladded
with brass / Copper Sheet and with or without gold coating.
A cloth flag with Nandhi figure for Shiva temple (Garuda for Vishnu) is
hoisted during the temple festival Brahmostavam.
When the temple structure can be compared to a human body, the main
sanctum is the head, Mahamandapam the central portion of the body and
Rajagopuram the feet.
The relevant Sanskrit Verse in Viswakarmyam Vastu Shastra runs thus:
"Garba Gruha Sirahapoktam antaraalam Galamthatha Ardha Mandapam
Hridayasthanam Kuchisthanam Mandapomahan Medhrasthaneshu
Dwajasthambam Praakaram Janjuangeecha
Gopuram Paadayosketha Paadasya Angula Pokthaha Gopuram
Sthupasthatha Yevam Devaalayam angamuchyathe"

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

1.4-What are the Different Parts of Dwajasthambam and residing
devatas?

Panjaratra Agama based: From top to bottom

Yashti - Indra
Rajju - Anandan

Dwajam - Vihakesanan
Valayam - Vasuki

Bhedika - Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra

Mani - Lakshmi
Mala - Saraswathi

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

Pradamavaranam - Sankam, Chakram, Musalam, Katkam, Gadha,
Sarngam, Padmam, Vajram

Dwitiyavaranam - Lokabalakas
Mekalai - Mandalatrayam
Dhandakre Vinatasudam
Dwajasthambam - Flag Pole
Dwajasthambam:

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 spiritual
connector between us earthlings, and the Supreme Being, God.The Sanskrit
word for the flag is dhvaja and it means whatever is raised. In the religious
sense, whatever raises man to a higher level of understanding and activity
is a dhvaja. The flag also suggests hope and desire to overcome ignorance.

There is a widespread belief that the Dwajasthambam gives an idea to a
devotee from a long distance about the idol installed in the temple. A
Dwajasthambam 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 this
principle in order to safeguard the most important place of their social
setting, the temples.

The top portion of the flag staff has three horizontal perches or three
branches 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 beginning
of a festival or other auspicious days and occasions.

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

1.6-Where Dwajasthambam is placed?

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

1.7-Scientific Reasons:

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

It can be noticed that the top of the DhwajaStambha is the highest point of
the 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 "Heaven
to earth" (i.e.) it conducts the charges from the clouds above during
lightning to earth or ground, which is the electrical term for a no-potential
area.

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

1.8-Interesting Facts:
The following points are the Do's and Donts inside the Temple:

Dwajastambham in temples are the places where you should prostrate
before entering temples. Near Dwajastambham you are supposed to leave
all your bad doshas, attitudes or karmas and purify yourself before entering
inside the temple. When you enter inside, you become one with the god or
goddess with your prayers and the transmutation of energy takes place.
Dwajastambham which also symbolizes the spine or Back-Bone. Near the
Dwajastambham in case of South Indian temples is the Bali Peetam. Rice
and other anointments are offered here by the priests, who then progress
to all other presiding deities around the temple and subsequently to the
main deity. The significance of Garuda in the Dwajastambham is, that he is
waiting eagerly to guide us to the lord.Garuda also removes any
sarpadoshas in the body.

If you have Navgrahas inside the temple, you have to do pradakshina and
offerings and then enter the temple. In most of the temples there are rules
put that you cannot prostrate inside the temple complex. You have to do
namaskaram near the Dwajastambham and then enter the inside of the
temple

The temple complex is a sacred place where you can access the divine
energy according to ones requirement. You can see Bhairavar at the
entrance in some temples.He is the guardian of the temple. You have to
take permission and then enter inside the temple. Likewise if Ganapathy is
there at the entrance then you have to prostrate and then enter inside. If
Hanuman or Garudan is in the entrance prostrate there and near
Dwajastambham prostration is done before entering inside the temple. All
these deities are placed according to the temples rules and regulation and
there practices.

The number of prostrations also varies and depends on the main deity or
custom of the temple architecture. Before visiting the main deity
(moolavar) inside generally pradakshina is done with number varying from
1, 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 we
maintain equidistant from the center. The energy and grace which enters
inside the human soul is immeasurable. When you do pradakshina you are
faithfully and sincerely winding divinity around you. We are supposed to do
the pradakshina of desired numbers and then enter inside to be with main
deity. Of course all this is not possible in a temple like Tirupathi or in other
crowded temples. In such case one has to be satisfied by doing
atmapradakshina.

In case of Sivan Temple / Samadhi:

First you pray to Nandi that is Rishabam.Rule number one before going
inside the Shiva temple you should offer prayers to Nandi and chant Shiva
mantra 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 that
is 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 from
back side of Nandi only. Generally you should not stand in between Nandi
and Shiva lingam and pray. You can see Shiva lingam in between Nandi
shorn. Again Kindly Note You are not supposed to stand in front of Nandi
and pray to Shiva.

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

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


2-Preparation of kodimaram
2.1-Teak Wooden Log Before working




2.2-Working at Bottom Part of Dhajasthambam




2.3-Working at Top Portion of Dhajasthambam


2.4-Completed Kodimaram from Bottom to Top Side View



2.5-Completed Kodimaram from Top to Bottom Side View





2.6-Completed Kodimaram Top Side Closeup View



2.7-Completed Kodimaram with Brass Sheet Ornamental Work
Before Installing.



3-DIFFERENT TYPE'S OF DHAJASTHAMBAM

3.1-Teak Wooden Kodimaram Covered with Copper Sheet
ornamental Work











3.2-Teak Wooden Kodimaram covered with Brass Sheet
Ornamental Work



3.3-Teak Wooden Kodimaram with Brass Sheet Ornamental Work
(KERALA TYPE)


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






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





Brihadeeswara Temple












TEAK WOODEN SWING / OONGAL




TEAK WOODEN SHIMMA AASANAM / DARBAR CHAIR





Dwajasthambam


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


A 52 feet tall Dwajasthambam in front of the
33ft.height Bhaktha Aanjaneya idol was
installed on May26, 2006. In
Sanskrit dwajameans whatever is raised,
therefore has the connotation of hope, desire,
pride and will. Whatever raises man to higher
level of understanding and activity is dwaja.

The Pancharathra text insists that a temple
without a flag would be in vain and gives some
interesting details about the position and
height of the mast and the wood or banner
etc. It is an image, which is at once relevant
to human aspirations and persistent in human
thought and actions. The benefit of a flag-
mast in temples is obtainment of all that is
desired by the devotees.

Another text 'Sivasarvaswa" says it is an
indication of the insignia of the deity of the
vehicle of the icon that is inside the sanctum.
The ceremoniously installed dwajasthambam with its flag hoisted as per the
prescribed rituals, would enable Gods and Manes to shower happiness and
prosperity, as they would be delighted. Otherwise the demons and goblins
would sneak in and make the temple their abode.
The dwaja-sthambam symbolises the kundalini-sakthi. Its base is considered
asmoolaadhara and its top the sahasraara. The log (dwaja) represents the
vertebral column and spinal column of the human body. Similarly the
coverings of dwaja by copper, bell-metal etc. arc symbolic of the other bones
and ribs around the vertebral column. The vaahana at the top of the dwaja
represents the sahasraara chakra through which, it is considered, the
ultimate consciousness leaves. The general belief, therefore is that the deity
is seated above the vaahana and hence the dwaja is worshipped.
Worshipping of dwaja itself equals to worshipping the main idol of the
temple. When a devotee sights the flag-staff and bows, he resolves to rise
higher like the tall sthamba






4-Tamil edition

.
, ,

.

.
, , , ,
. ,

. , ,

.


.
.
, .
.
. .
.

.
.
. .

.


. ;
; ;
.
, ,

.

.


.


.



.

.

, ,
,
, ,

.


,

.

,
.
,
. ,
.



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