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Significance of Stronghold

In Hinduism, "Stronghold" represents a sacred space in sacrificial rites where proper rituals must be followed for access, and it serves as a metaphor for protection against demonic forces, particularly for Agni. The term is also described in Vastushastra as fortified locations in ancient settlements and in Arthashastra as secure positions within military formations. Additionally, it refers to inaccessible areas for safety in Puranas, and fortified places targeted for attack in Dharmashastra, while in Theravada, it signifies a place of refuge. Overall, "Stronghold" symbolizes various protective and empowering spaces throughout history and philosophy.1
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Synonyms: Fortress, Citadel, Garrison, Castle, Fort, Bulwark

In Dutch: Bolwerk; In Finnish: Linnake; In Spanish: Fortaleza; In German: Hochburg

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

Buddhist concept of 'Stronghold'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, "Stronghold" symbolizes a refuge or sanctuary, like the birds' home that provided security. However, it also highlights the fragility of safety, emphasizing the impermanence and potential threats to such sanctuaries.

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

From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6

(1) A place of refuge or safety, which in this context refers to the birds' home where they felt secure but was ultimately threatened.[1]

Theravada 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).

Hindu concept of 'Stronghold'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Stronghold" symbolizes protection for deities, sacred spaces for rituals, fortified defenses in battles, and secure positions within military formations, reflecting a blend of spiritual and tactical significance across various contexts.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) The fortified place or fortifications that the enemy occupies and the target for the king's assault.[2] (2) A fortified place where one can reside, which can be in the form of a desert, armed men, fortifications, water, trees, or mountains.[3]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Hinduism (general):

From: Satapatha-brahmana

(1) A representation of a sacred or protected space in sacrificial rites, where successful entry is contingent upon following the correct rituals.[4] (2) Metaphorically indicates protection for Agni, emphasizing feelings of fear among the gods regarding potential harm from demonic forces.[5]

Significance in Arthashastra (politics and welfare):
Arthashastra Books

From: Kautilya Arthashastra

(1) Fortified places or areas that provide defense and security against military incursions.[6] (2) A secure position of strength within the formations of the army that offers a tactical advantage.[7]

Arthashastra literature concerns itself with the teachings (shastra) of economic prosperity (artha) statecraft, politics and military tactics. The term arthashastra refers to both the name of these scientific teachings, as well as the name of a Sanskrit work included in such literature. This book was written (3rd century BCE) by by Kautilya, who flourished in the 4th century BCE.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)

(1) A reference to the inaccessible area where Sugriva thinks he is safe from Bali.[8]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India鈥檚 vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Vastushastra (architecture):
Vastushastra Books

From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)

(1) A fortified place used for defense, mentioned frequently in the context of ancient Indian urban settlements.[9]

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 Stronghold in local and regional sources

History Books

Stronghold signifies a source of empowerment and safety for individuals, emphasizing the methods and tools they utilize in their artistic expression, reflecting their inner strength and resilience.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) Represents a source of strength or safety for the individual, highlighting the methods or tools through which they find empowerment in their art.[10]

Plural form: Strongholds.