Musical stone pillars in temples
Indian temples are renowned for their unique and exceptional musical stone pillars that emit melodious notes when tapped. These intricately carved pillars are considered audio marvels and provide an enchanting experience to temple visitors.
What are Musical Pillars?
Musical pillars, also known as musical columns, are pillars made of stone that produce musical notes when struck gently. They are usually found in groups within temple courtyards. These pillars are carved into multiple slender sections that resonate to produce different notes.
Types of Musical Pillars
There are four main types of musical pillars:
- Sruthisthamba: Used during Puja rituals along with bells and cymbals.
- Ganasthamba: Dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
- Layasthamba: Helps identify different ragas as each pillar produces distinct notes.
- Pradharasana sthamba: Used to learn and practice ragas.
Origin and History
Musical pillars are believed to have originated during the Vijayanagar empire era with Hampi being the hub for early musical pillars. Skilled sculptors and architects of the time were well-versed in acoustics and carefully handpicked stones that produced unique sounds. They experimented and carved these stones to create the fascinating musical pillars.
Craftsmanship
The musical pillars are praised not just for their acoustic properties but also for their exquisite carvings and sculptures. The sculptors worked with great skill and precision to craft these remarkable pillars that have withstood the test of time.
