Dhvaja and its Role in Bhāratīya Civilisation

Title	Dhvaja and its Role in Bhāratīya Civilisation
Author(s)	Raj Bijalwan
Platform	Bharatiya Jnana Sarita
Categories	Society & Culture/Laukikaśāstra & Śaikṣaṇika
Year	2026
Type of Article	Repurposed Advanced
Difficulty Level	Advanced

+-Summary

The dhvaja has held a crucial place in the Bhāratīya civilisation. It has represented identity, sovereignty and even divine presence.… The dhvaja has held a crucial place in the Bhāratīya civilisation. It has represented identity, sovereignty and even divine presence. In the battlefields, it has served as a powerful symbol. The dhvaja is not merely a piece of cloth. It bears specific features carrying meanings. The dhvaja, as a sacred entity, involves specific rituals with its installation. The Dhvaja encompasses timeless values of Bhārata while representing strength, valour, courage and divine grace at different times. Dhvaja was part of rituals and ceremonies. It also remains an element of memory that tends to remind of the civilisation's unwavering spirit and its foundation rooted in dharma.

Introduction

Civilisations across the world have found themselves under one identity, memory and aspiration through their flags or dhvaja. The different placements of dhvaja involved different connotations. From gathering armies on the battlefield and declaring sovereignty on forts to marking divine presence in temples, flags have held a sacred, significant position in Bhāratīya itihāsa, carrying a meaning more than words could communicate.

In the Mahābhārata for example, Arjuna's chariot has been known widely because of the symbol of Hanumān on the dhvaja atop the chariot. This represents strength, valor, courage and divine companionship. It was through this dhvaja, Arjuna's chariot turned into a chariot of dharma, courage and divine presence.

The article explores the role of dhvaja in Bhāratīya culture. Bhāratīya civilisation did not view the dhvaja as a mere piece of cloth; it entailed the identification, protection, proclamation and consecration of an entire community, state, civilisation or a rāṣṭra.

Purpose and Scope

The article focuses on the role of the dhvaja in Bhāratīya tradition. It invites readers on a journey that helps them understand its origin, meaning and timeless nature. While the article identifies the sacred features associated with dhvaja, it also describes the two types of dhvaja, their colors, symbols, rituals associated with the dhvajārohaṇa and the consequences pertaining to the violation of the dhvaja's sanctity.

+-Historical Background

The word ‘dhvaja’ originates from the Saṃskṛta word ‘dhvaja’, which means to flutter or wave. The dhvaja is often understood as a flag or a banner, symbolising identity, unity, and heritage While the word captures the essence of elevation through the banner, it also symbolises the banner raised from ordinary ground, or that is visible from afar. Historically, the dhvaja is related to three main things encompassing the patākā (the cloth), the ketu (the emblem) and the yaṣṭi (the pole or staff [1].

In Mahābhārata, a strong symbolism is portrayed with the help of the image of Viṣṇu and Garuḍa. In the following śloka from Mahābhārata’s Ādiparva, Garuḍa, the vāhana of Śrī Viṣṇu becomes the emblem of his dhvaja:

तं वव्रे वाहनं कृष्णो गरुत्मन्तं महाबलम् ।

ध्वजं च चक्रे भगवानुपरि स्थास्यसीति तम् ॥ १६ ॥ (महाभारत १.२९.१६) [2]

taṃ vavre vāhanaṃ kṛṣṇo garutmantaṃ mahābalam |

dhvajaṃ ca cakre bhagavānupari sthāsyasīti tam || 16 || (Mahābhārata 1.29.16 )

भगवान श्री कृष्ण (भगवान विष्णु) ने गरुड़ को केवल अपना वाहन ही नहीं चुना बल्कि यह घोषणा भी करी की गरुड़ उनके ध्वज पर भी विराजमान रहेंगे!

Śrī Kṛṣṇa selected the mighty Garuḍa as his vehicle and declared that Garuḍa would stand above as his emblem on the flag. [3]

The śloka presents Garuḍa not only as the vāhana of Śrī Viṣṇu but his turning into Śrī Viṣṇu's dhvaja emblem, marking divine presence.

Measurements of the Dhvaja and Daṇḍa

The dhvaja rests on the daṇḍa or the pole. In the absence of a daṇḍa, the banner would not rise. The dhvaja needs to rise in order to communicate. It was this daṇḍa that made the dhvaja complete in structure. Several texts like the Hayaśīrṣa-Pañcarātra present the specifications pertaining to the dhvaja staff or the daṇḍa; details for daṇḍa’s sturdy nature is also mentioned so as to make it flawless in structure. A copper disc is also prescribed to be placed at the top. Bamboo, palm, teak, campaka wood etc., were some preferred materials for the staff. The length of staff for the royal standard differed from other commonly used staffs. The length of the staff and the height of the ruler had a direct link. In the case of installations in temples, there were a different set of rules.

For the dhvaja, the texts prescribed measurements in terms of hasta, a traditional unit of length in which the forearm was used from the elbow to the tip of the longest finger. The measurements underline the significance given to the dhvaja in Bhāratīya society.

Features of Dhvaja

The dhvajas, apart from carrying symbolism, valor, and courage, also carried richness that added to its aesthetic element. In the Yuktikalpataru text, there are eight colors mentioned for the dhvaja:

रक्तः श्वेतोऽरुणः पीतश्चित्रो नीलोऽथ कर्वुरः ।

कृष्णश्चेति पताकानां वर्णरूपप्रकाशितः। (युक्तिकल्पतरु, ध्वजयुक्ति, श्लोक 9) [4, p. 105]

raktaḥ śveto’ruṇaḥ pītaścitro nīlo’tha karvuraḥ |

kṛṣṇaśceti patākānāṁ varṇarūpaprakāśitaḥ | (Yuktikalpataru, Dhvajayukti, 9 )

लाल, श्वेत, अरुण, पीत, बहुरंगी, नीला, चित्तीदार एवं कृष्ण, यह पताकाओं के रंग बताए हैं।

Red, white, reddish-brown, yellow, variegated, blue, speckled, and black- thus are the colour forms of banners proclaimed.

The symbols placed upon dhvajas depended on the devatā, ruler, or the person being represented. While the elephant suggested majestic royalty and strength, the lion hinted at courage and valor. The horse signified movements and actions, while the tiger suggested power's fierce form.

In the temples or for divine standards, the vāhanas were a regular feature in the dhvaja. A horse for Sūrya, bull for Śiva, Garuḍa for Viṣṇu and lion for Devī Durgā. It was believed that only after the installation of a dhvaja was a divine abode deemed complete. The dhvaja rests on the daṇḍa or the pole. In the absence of a daṇḍa, the banner would not rise.

Dhvaja and its Types

Historically, dhvajas have been understood to be of two types- Sapatāka and Niṣpatāka. The Sapatāka dhvaja was the one with a banner while the Niṣpatāka did not have a banner. The Yuktikalpataru, a treatise attributed to Rājā Bhoja, states:

सेनाचिह्नं क्षितीशानां दण्डो ध्वज इति स्मृतः ।

सपताको निष्पताकः स ज्ञेयो द्विविधो बुधैः ॥ (युक्तिकल्पतरु, सपताकध्वज युक्तिः, श्लोक ४९२)[4, p. 105]

senācihnaṁ kṣitīśānāṁ daṇḍo dhvaja iti smṛtaḥ |

sapatāko niṣpatākaḥ sa jñeyo dvividho budhaiḥ ||

(Yuktikalpataru, Sapatākadhvajayuktiḥ, 492)

ध्वजदंड, जो राजा की सेना का पहचान–चिह्न होता है, वह ध्वज कहलाता है। यह दो प्रकार का होता है, एक सपताक और दूसरा निष्पताक।

The staff Dhvaja is known as the sign of the kings’ army. The wise should know it to be of two kinds: Sapatāka (with banner) and Niṣpatāka (without banner).

The śloka is significant because it does not just define the dhvaja but it also presents the dhvaja's diverse roles in warfare, forts, rituals and as representation of the divine.

Sapatāka Dhvajas

The Sapatāka dhvaja was the one with a cloth banner attached to the staff. There were specifications prescribed for it as well. Several texts suggested that the banner should be about one and a half times the length of the staff. The texts also described eight kinds of banners that symbolised valor. These included Jayā, Vijayā, Bhīmā, Capalā, Vaijayantikā, Dīrghā, Viśālā, and Lolā. The Jayā dhvaja was five hastas long and carried a circumference of one hasta, while the others increased by one hasta each. This places dhvaja as a carrier of intent and not just symbolism. Jayā and Vijayā dhvaja signified victory. While Bhīmā indicated force, Vaijayantikā symbolised glory. The Sapatāka’s dhvaja daṇḍa was always adorned with ornaments made of gold, silver and copper. The symbols of moon, mirror, lotus bud and even water pot adorned the ornaments.

Niṣpatāka Dhvajas

The Niṣpatāka dhvaja's significance was not limited to the movement of the fabric. The components of Niṣpatāka dhvaja included various elements including the staff, wings, lotus, water-pot, bird, and gem.

The Niṣpatāka relied on form, structure and ornaments, thereby, focusing on stability and intricacies:

स्थिरता चित्रता चेति निष्पताकध्वजे गुणौ । (युक्तिकल्पतरु, निष्पताक ध्वजः, श्लोक 29) [4, p. 107]

sthiratā citratā ceti niṣpatākadhvaje guṇau | ((Yuktikalpataru, Niṣpatāka dhvaja, 29)

स्थिरता और चित्रता निष्पताक ध्वज के दो प्रमुख गुण हैं।

Stability (sthiratā) and intricate drawing (citratā) are the two qualities in a Niṣpatāka Dhvaja.

While this highlighted the need for stability and trust, it also controlled grandeur and power.

+-Rituals Associated with Dhvaja

The rituals associated with the dhvaja encompassed not just its symbolic significance but also acted as a marker of the divine presence. The raising of dhvaja, or the dhvajārohaṇa, is more than just hoisting of a flag. It is a signal of the divine presence and denotes the sacred nature of the space brought alive through rituals.

Installation of the Dhvaja

The installation of the dhvaja takes place with an elaborate series of rituals. The process of hoisting the flag called the ‘dhvajārohaṇa’, commands precision, sanctity and respect. The ceremony also involves rituals such as painting and preparation of the banner with auspicious materials, and giving food to the brāhmaṇas and the kanyās. At the most auspicious muhūrta, the dhvaja is raised.

The placement of the dhvaja is also prescribed in the texts, stating that experts should install the dhvaja staff either in the northeast direction or in the northwest direction. The dhvaja was not just a piece of cloth but a part of the larger ritual framework that depended on factors such as direction, time, and imagery.

Violations of Dhvaja

Several texts recommend caution while attending to the dhvaja and its requirements. It was believed that violations or moments of neglect would lead to obstacles in one's life. Several consequences were associated with the violation of the sanctity of the dhvaja. The warnings urged people to treat the dhvaja as sacred and as one inviting divinity and not just as a casual piece of cloth. The dhvaja symbolised active, potent and consequential elements:

यो दम्भादथवाज्ञानाद्विलङ्घयति मानवः ।

स विषीदति नश्येत तस्य कीर्त्तिः कुलं बलम् ॥ (युक्तिकल्पतरु, ध्वजयुक्ति, श्लोक ३२ ) [4, p.109]

yo dambhādathavājñānādvilaṅghayati mānavaḥ |

sa viṣīdati naśyeta tasya kīrttiḥ kulaṁ balam || (Yuktikalpataru, Dhvajayukti, 32 )

जो मानव अहंकार या अज्ञान के कारण विधानों का उल्लंघन करता है, वह दुःख प्राप्त करता है और उसके कीर्ति, बल एवं कुल का नाश होता है।

The person who violates [these rules] out of arrogance or ignorance suffers misfortune, and his fame, family, and power perish.

Merits of Donating Dhvaja

It was believed that installing as well as donating a dhvaja brought significant religious merit. Donating the dhvaja of Brahmā, Rudra, Viṣṇu, Indra, Sūrya and other deities was considered auspicious. It was also believed that donating the dhvaja to a temple burned away pāpa and other doṣas. Therefore, dhvaja was related directly to prosperity and protection and invited divinity everywhere.

Conclusion

As the timeless messenger of Bhārata's tradition, the dhvaja encompassed meaning and divinity together. In the temple, it symbolised sacred architecture as it rose above the ordinary field of vision. In political and military contexts, the dhvaja symbolised the ruler, their army, lineage etc. In rituals, the dhvaja suggested a space of sanctity and divinity. Despite the differences in colour, symbols, imagery and ornaments, the dhvaja has remained within the core of aesthetic experience in Bhāratīya jñāna parampara. From time immemorial to the present, dhvajas have communicated more than the words could do. They have carried identity, meaning, space, belongingness, memory and sanctity.

References:

1. Singh, K. (n.d.-b). Flags of Ancient & Epic India. In Proceedings 25th International Rotterdam, the Netherlands 4-10 August 2013 of the Congress of Vexillology. https://fiav.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ICV2511-KV-Singh-Flags-of-Acient-and-Epic-India.pdf

2. Vyasa. Mahabharata (Sanskrit text). Wisdom Library. https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/mahabharata-sanskrit/d/doc966384.html

3. Incredible wisdom of Bharat! (n.d.). https://iwisdom.in/mahabharata_01/mahabharata_01_029e.html

4. Yukti-kalpataru : Sastri, Isvara Chandra Ed. : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (1917). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.513517/page/n5/mode/2up

Original Article Information

• Original Article Link: https://www.brhat.in/dhiti/the-sacred-dhvaja
• Original Article Details: Bhārata’s Divine Standard