Dharanighara, Dhāraṇīghara, Dharani-ghara: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Dharanighara means something in Buddhism, Pali, the history of ancient India. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Buddhism

Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)

[«previous next»] — Dharanighara in Theravada glossary
Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

A building in Pulatthipura erected by Parakkamabahu I. for the recital of incantations by brahmins. Cv.lxxiii.71.

context information

Theravāda is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

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India history and geography

Source: archive.org: Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society 1963

Dhāraṇīghara was a building for “recitation of magic incantations” and existed within Citadel (royal enclosing) of Polonnaruva (Polonnaruwa), Ceylon (Sri Lanka).—Appurtenant to the Palace, Parakkamabāhu I built:—(i) the Hemamandira, for carrying out the ceremonies of expiation by Brāhmaṇas; (ii) the Dhāraṇīghara, for recitation of magic incantations; (iii) the Maṇḍalamandira, for listening to Jātaka stories; (iv) the Pañcasattatimandira, for reception of magic water and magic thread; (v) a Sermon House, adorned with golden Images; (vi) the Sarassatīmaṇḍapa, with golden pillars and paintings, for music and dancing; (vii) the Rājavesibhujaṅga-maṇḍapa, 3-storeyed, surrounded by vedikās and decorated with coloured paintings: the ruins of this handsome structure survive; and (viii) the Ekatthamba Pāsāda (‘One-pillar Pāsāda’), tall, ending in a makara spire and adorned with a golden chamber.

India history book cover
context information

The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

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