Stambha

Kirti Stambha at Chittorgarh fort in Rajasthan, India

A 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.

Stambhas are also found in 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]