The Ancient and Medieval Architecture of India: A Study of Indo-Aryan Civilisation c11.37

c11.37

The explanation of the symbolism of the whole stambha is no doubt that given in the Mahânirvâna Tantra of the Seven Upper Spheres, described as a revelation of Siva. First, rising above the seven nether spheres of Pâtala, the under-world, is the Brahmâ Lotus, with its four petals turned downwards, the fruit of which is "the beautiful circle of earth."