Dwadasha Lakshna Sthambha: Do you think this is just a Temple Pillar? Chandra This “Dwadasha Lakshna Sthambha” – 12 Elements Pillar is of “Vishnu Kanta” (Octagonal) class of Hindu temple pillars from Surya Mandir, Modhera, Gujarat. 1) Ghata/Ahvaana Patta – Base Water pot like Kalasa or Welcome Band generally contains Sri Ganesha or Sri Maha Lakshmi. 2) Simhamukha Patta – Lion Band – represents the Valor & Courage. 3) Dwarapala Patta – Guardian Band – Guardians of the presiding deity in the temple are present. 4) Vadaka/Vadaki Patta – Musicians Band singing in reverence of the god. 5) Avatara Patta – Manifestation Band – different Avataras of presiding deity. 6) Kalika Patta – Lotus Bud Band – indicates the potentiality of everybody to attain moksha. 7) Khandika/Ghanta Patta – Bell band – signifies the impermanence, transient creation of this universe through s ound. 8) Deva Gana Patta – Embodiments of divine features – resembles all good characters of divinity. 9) Gandharva Patta – Geometrical Band basically Vajra or Padma Kulika are present. Vajra indicates indestructibility. Padma Kulika indicates – probability of moksha all human beings. 10) Kirtimukha Patta – Kirtimukha is the embodiment of dedication to his master Mahadev. 11) Kumbhika/Purnakumbha – Kalasa – water pot at the top. 12) Sirsa – Head/Capital of a pillar – represents how important sirsa is in bearing weight like Head takes care of a human body. Ghata at base is water, Kumbhika at the top is water - is an indication of how life emerges in water and ends in water. A TO Z INDIA ● FEBRUARY 2022 ● PAGE 14