Significance of Platform

The concept of Platform varies across different contexts in South Asian traditions. In Jainism, it signifies raised areas for public assemblies, particularly during Sita's trial. In broader South Asian context, it refers to an elevated place where a jackal receives food. Shilpashastra calls it 'vedika', essential for architectural height and flat surfaces for raised structures. In Vaishnavism, it denotes flat bases for activities. Meanwhile, Kavya describes it as vitardikastambha, indicating elevated pillars in courtyards.1
gallery thumb

Synonyms: Stage, Base, Foundation, System, Medium, Structure, Infrastructure

In Dutch: Platform; In Finnish: Alusta; In Spanish: Plataforma; In German: Plattform

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Platform'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Platform" encompasses raised flat surfaces for architectural purposes, foundational elements like 'vedikah' used in construction, and structures such as vitardikastambha, which are elevated pillars in courtyards.

Significance in Shilpashastra (iconography):
Shilpashastra Books

From: Manasara (English translation)

(1) A horizontal structure typically used as a base for other elements in the building.[1] (2) Known as 'vedika', this is a foundational element in the construction of the buildings, contributing to their overall height.[2]

Shilpashastra represents the ancient Indian science (shastra) of creative arts (shilpa) such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vastushastra (architecture), they often share the same literature.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) Flat structures used as a base for activities, referred to as 'vedikah' in the text.[3]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Jain concept of 'Platform'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, "Platform" signifies elevated spaces where kings and citizens gather, symbolizing the civic aspect of Sita's trial and emphasizing communal involvement in justice and decision-making processes.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) The raised areas where kings and citizens assemble, highlighting the public nature of Sita's trial.[4]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Platform in local and regional sources

History Books

The term "Platform" in this context signifies an elevated location where the Jackal is situated to accept milk-rice from the Cat, illustrating a physical space that facilitates their interaction.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) This is where the author previously worked and from which the author feels their mission is finished.[5] (2) This was the location where Mrs. Potter Palmer and Mrs. Charles Henrotin were seated, surrounded by representatives of the women of the East.[6]

Significance in South Asia:
South Asia Books

From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3

(1) The elevated place where the Jackal stands to receive milk-rice from the Cat.[7]

Plural form: Platforms.