Stambha

Stambha (tower in English) is a pillar or column found in India. In the context of Hindu mythology, it 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. In the Atharva Veda, a celestial stambha has been described as an infinite scaffold, which supports the cosmos and material creation.

Kirti Stambha at Chittorgarh fort in Rajasthan, India

A Stambha was and is also used in the context of Indian architecture. Different Stambhas serve different purposes, including the following:

• Dhvaja Stambha (Flagstaff Towers) are placed opposite the main shrine, on an axis with the main deity.
• Kirti Stambha (Glorious Tower) & 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.
• Adi Purana — a huge manastambha — stands in front of the samavasarana of the tirthankaras, which causes entrants to a samavasarana to shed their pride.[1]

Gallery

• 
  Vijay Stambha at Chittorgarh fort
• 
  Kirti Stambh of Hutheesing Jain Temple
• 
  Ashoka Pillar

See also

• Related topics
  • Hutheesing Jain Temple
  • Ashoka's Major Rock Edicts
  • Dhar iron pillar
  • History of metallurgy in South Asia
  • Iron pillar of Delhi
  • Pillars of Ashoka
  • Heliodorus pillar
• Other similar topics
  • Early Indian epigraphy
  • Indian rock-cut architecture
  • List of rock-cut temples in India
  • Outline of ancient India
  • South Indian Inscriptions
  • Tagundaing

References

1. Shah, Umakant Premanand (1987), Jaina-rūpa-maṇḍana: Jaina iconography, Abhinav Publications, ISBN 81-7017-208-X

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

External links

• Media related to Stambhas at Wikimedia Commons