He stepped up onto the podium and began his speech.
A large platform was prepared for the ceremony.
ceremonial mound
A raised earthen mound used in ceremonies or rituals. Less common in everyday language; often seen in historical or religious contexts.
In ancient rituals, they built a mound to worship the gods.
world; circles
Used as a suffix to indicate a particular field or community, such as 文壇 (literary world) or 画壇 (art circles).
He is a writer highly regarded in literary circles.
An exhibition was held gathering leading figures of the art world.
mandala
Archaic Buddhist term for a mandala or sacred platform. Not used in modern Japanese outside of historical or religious texts.
In old scriptures, there are examples where 壇 is used to mean mandala.
They set up a platform in the hall for the ceremony.
He stood on the platform for the first time to give a speech.
teacher's platform; podium; dais
tiered doll stand (for hina dolls) · tiered platform; tiered gallery
forum for debate; world of criticism; rostrum
ordination platform
literary world; literary circles
rostrum; platform; podium
art world; painting circles
platform; stylobate; foundation
haiku circles; the haiku world
theatrical world; the stage
dirt mound; earthen platform · dirt walls inside a sunken hearth (tea room) · execution platform (Edo period)
stage; platform; dais
musical world; music circles
poetry circles; the world of tanka poetry
altar
altar
ikebana world; ikebana circles
poetic circles; world of poetry