Sthalavriksha, Sthalavṛkṣa, Sthala-vriksha: 3 definitions
Introduction:
Sthalavriksha means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. 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.
The Sanskrit term Sthalavṛkṣa can be transliterated into English as Sthalavrksa or Sthalavriksha, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
Images (photo gallery)
In Hinduism
Shilpashastra (iconography)
Source: Google Books: The Illustrated Dictionary of Hindu IconographySthalavṛkṣa (स्थलवृक्ष) refers to the “sacred tree (vṛkṣa) associated with a temple, or deity, of a particular place”.
Source: Shodhganga: The significance of the mūla-beras (śilpa)Sthalavṛkṣa (स्थलवृक्ष) refers to the “tree of the temple” and represents one of the several “attributes” (āyudha) or “accessories” of a detiy commonly seen depicted in Hindu iconography, defined according to texts dealing with śilpa (arts and crafs), known as śilpaśāstras.—The śilpa texts have classified the various accessories under the broad heading of āyudha or karuvi (implement), including even flowers, animals, and musical instruments. The fruits found in connection with the deities or held in the hands of the deities are, for example, [the trees found in the temples, as] Sthalavṛkṣa.
Shilpashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, śilpaśāstra) 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.
General definition (in Hinduism)
Source: DUE Research Archive: A study of Reṇukā-Māriyammaṉ and her myths in and around KanchipuramSthalavṛkṣa (स्थलवृक्ष) refers to the “temple tree” (indigenous to each temple standing in the courtyard).—These trees are indigenous to each temple. They are considered holy, and people make prayers by them. The tree expresses powers of fertility and growth as well as decay, and it connects the sky, earth and netherworld, representing the axis mundi. The pipal tree (Ficus religiosa) is considered especially holy, but e.g. the Cantaveliyamman temple had a nīm tree as their sthalavṛkṣa, since this tree is considered Mariyamman’s tree.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Vriksha, Sthala.
Full-text: Pulam, Pulan, Arunachaleshvara.
Relevant text
Search found 6 books and stories containing Sthalavriksha, Sthalavṛkṣa, Sthala-vriksha, Sthala-vṛkṣa, Sthalavrksa, Sthala-vrksa; (plurals include: Sthalavrikshas, Sthalavṛkṣas, vrikshas, vṛkṣas, Sthalavrksas, vrksas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
The Siva Linga: Conceptual, Iconographical and < [January – March, 1996]
A Fine Vijayanagar < [April – June, 1983]
Middle Chola Temples (by S. R. Balasubrahmanyam)
Temples in Tiruchchengattangudi (Sri Uttarapatisvarar Temple) < [Chapter II - Temples of Rajaraja I’s Time]
Temples in Tirunelveli < [Chapter II - Temples of Rajaraja I’s Time]
Temples in Gangaikondan < [Chapter II - Temples of Rajaraja I’s Time]
Early Chola Temples (by S. R. Balasubrahmanyam)
Temples in Tiruppappuliyur (Cuddalore N.T.) < [Chapter X - Historical Survey]
Later Chola Temples (by S. R. Balasubrahmanyam)
Temples in Nidur < [Chapter II - Temples of Kulottunga I’s Time]
Temples in (Ten-) Tiruvalangadu < [Chapter XII - Temples of Kulottunga III’s Time]
Lakulisha-Pashupata (Philosophy and Practice) (by Geetika Kaw Kher)
Historicity (of the term linga) < [Chapter 6 - Siva-linga: an Iconological Study]
Preceptors of Advaita (by T. M. P. Mahadevan)