Stambha

InHindu mythology, a stambha is believed to be a cosmic column that functions as a bond, joining heaven (Svarga) and earth (Prithvi). A number of Hindu scriptures, including the Atharva Veda, feature references to stambhas.^[3] In the Atharva Veda, a celestial stambha has been described as an infinite scaffold, which supports the cosmos and material creation.^{[citation needed]}

In the legend of Narasimha, an avataraofVishnu, the deity appears from a stambha to slay the asura Hiranyakashipu. The stambha has been interpreted to represent the axis mundi in this myth by Deborah A. Soifer.^[4]

Stambhas are popularly employed in Indian architecture. Different stambhas serve different purposes, including the following:

• Adhvaja stambha (flagstaff tower) is placed opposite the main shrine, on an axis with the main deity.
• A kirti stambha (glorious tower) and vijaya stambha (victory tower) are erected to commemorate victories.
• The most well-known stambhas of India are the Ashoka Stambha (Pillars of Ashoka) — erected during the reign of Ashoka, spread across the subcontinent, bearing different types of royal edicts.
• The Adi Purana — a huge manastambha — stands in front of the samavasarana of the tirthankaras, which is regarded to causes entrants to a samavasarana^{[clarification needed]} to shed their pride.^[5]

•  
  Vijay StambhaatChittorgarh fort
•  
  Kirti Stambha of Hutheesing Jain Temple
•  
  Ashoka Pillar
•  
  The stambha of Parshwanath Jain Mandir, Belgachhiya

• Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend (ISBN 0-500-51088-1) by Anna Dallapiccola.

•   Media related to Stambhas at Wikimedia Commons