Stambha

In the context of Hindu mythology, stambha, also spelt as Skambha, is believed to a cosmic column. It is believed that the stambha functions as a bond, which joins the heaven (Svarga) and the earth (prithvi). A number of Hindu scriptures, including the Atharva Veda, have references to stambha. In the Atharva Veda, a celestial stambha has been mentioned, and that has been described as a scaffold, which supports the cosmos and material creation.

In Indian architecture, different types of Stambhas have been mentioned and they serve different purpose, including the following:

*Flagstaffs, called dhvaja stamnhas, are placed opposite the main shrine, on an axis with the main deity.
*Kirttistambhas, erected to commemorate victories.
*Most well known stambhas of India are the ones erected during the reign of Ashoka the Great, and they bear different types of royal edicts.

References

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