Significance of Stambha

Stambha is a term that primarily refers to stiffness or rigidity, particularly related to joint and muscle mobility issues, commonly associated with various Vata disorders. In Ayurveda, it is a key symptom of conditions like Gridhrasi and provides insight into the severity of movement restrictions, with stiffness often experienced in the lower extremities and lumbar region. The condition is evaluated in clinical assessments, demonstrating how Stambha affects patients' mobility and well-being, highlighting its significance in understanding musculoskeletal disorders.1
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Synonyms: Pillar, Column, Post, Support, Shaft, Prop

In German: Stambha; In Finnish: Stambha; In Dutch: Shtam; In Spanish: Estambha

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

Buddhist concept of 'Stambha'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Stambha symbolizes arrogance, emphasizing the importance of humility for the bodhisattva, who is encouraged to avoid pride and cultivate a sense of modesty in their spiritual journey.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) Arrogance; the bodhisattva is encouraged to maintain humility and not recognize any basis for pride.[1]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Stambha'

Hinduism Books

Stambha in Hinduism signifies stiffness, obstruction, or paralysis affecting bodily faculties, linked to both physical conditions like avabahuka and emotional responses to divine love, representing a significant symptom in various ailments, particularly Gridhrasi.

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

(1) This is a major symptom in Kati-Pristha Trik Graha, along with Shula, located in Kati-Prisha Pradesh, and associated with Vata-Kapha predominance.[2] (2) Stambha or Stabdhata in Janu was manifested as a result of Sthanika Vruddhi of Sheeta Ruksha and Khara Guna of Vata .[3] (3) Stiffness showed 65.40% improvement in Group A and 50% improvement in Group B, both statistically highly significant.[4] (4) Stambha is a symptom associated with Vata-Kaphaja Gridhrasi, along with Gaurava and Aruchi, according to the text.[5] (5) This is a clinical feature of Amavata, and is known as stiffness, along with other symptoms like Angamarda, Aruchi, Trishna, Alasya, Jwara, Apaka, Shunata, and Sandhishula.[6]

From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga

(1) It is a feature of Gridhrasi, also known as stiffness, that was measured to determine the effectiveness of treatment.[7] (2) In the context of Vatavyadhi, it means rigidity and is one of the characteristics of Kampavata, along with Kampa, Chesthahani, and Gativikriti.[8] (3) It is explained as Basti Kathinyam, which means rigidity.[9] (4) A symptom of Manyastambha caused by the localization of vata in Manya and can be relieved by Nasya Karma.[10] (5) It is a symptom also known as stiffness, and therapies provide significant relief from this condition.[11]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu

(1) It is the beginning state of the eight states that arise solely from transformations arising from rati.[12] (2) Stambha is the main pillar, representing a state of being, and is associated with the experience of devotion, specifically as a result of hearing glorifying songs.[13]

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) A state of being stunned, often as a reaction to overwhelming divine love.[14]

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) A specific sattvika-bhava describing a state of being stunned or awestruck in reaction to divine love.[15]

From: Bhajana-Rahasya

(1) A condition of becoming inert or stunned, observed as a response to jubilation, fear, and other emotional stimuli.[16]

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’).

Significance in Vastushastra (architecture):
Vastushastra Books

From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)

(1) Refers to the column or pillar itself, a central architectural component described in various texts.[17]

Vastushastra refers to the ancient Indian science (shastra) of architecture (vastu), dealing with topics such architecture, sculpture, town-building, fort building and various other constructions. Vastu also deals with the philosophy of the architectural relation with the cosmic universe.

The concept of Stambha in scientific sources

Science Books

Stambha, an Ayurvedic term, denotes stiffness or rigidity often observed in conditions like Gridhrasi. It serves as a key symptom indicating reduced mobility, particularly related to Vata doshas and conditions such as Avabahuka and Manyastambha.