DHVAJA

DHAVAJA

The banner or sign of victory is known as the ‘dhvaja’. This was a military standard carried in ancient Indian warfare and bore the insignia of its champion. In the Mahabharata, Krishna's chariot was adorned with a banner showing the image of the monkey-god Hanuman. The victory banner was adopted by Buddhism as an emblem of the Buddha's enlightenment, heralding the triumph of knowledge over ignorance. It is said to have been placed on the summit of Mount Meru by Buddha himself, symbolizing his victory over the entire universe. Mount Meru here is believed to be the central axis supporting the world. The flag of victory also denotes Buddha's triumph over Mara, who personifies hindrances on the path to spiritual realization. Specifically, there said to be four types of Maras: The Mara of Emotional Defilement, Mara of Passion, Mara of the Fear of Death and Mara of Pride and Lust It was only after conquering these four negative traits that Buddha could proclaim victory over ignorance, and achieve nirvana. Cylindrical victory banners made of beaten copper are traditionally placed at the four corners of monastery and temple roofs. These signify the Buddha's victorious dharma radiating in four directions and also his triumph over the four Maras mentioned above.