THE HISTORY THAT PILLARS HOLD UP

When we visit a temple, one of the first structures we usually see outside the sanctum is a pillar.

- NANDITHA KRISHNA

Many pay obeisance to the pillar before venturing in. The Atharva Veda says the pillar separates heaven and earth. Little does the devotee realize that his veneration of the pillar is an ancient form of worship in India.

Some of the earliest pillars in the world are found in Egypt—the obelisks placed before temples. The earliest political pillars were probably built by the Persians. But the erection of pillars independent of any structure originated in India, according to archaeologist and epigraphist D.R. Bhandarkar. Worship of the pillar was an ancient practice that continued into historical times. There have been various uses attributed to them. The Vedic yupa was a sacrificial pillar. R.P. Chanda linked the pillar with animal standards or emblems, described in epic literature as dhvaja or skambha that was carried into battle. V.S. Agrawala said that two stone pillars found near Vishrant ghat on the Yamuna were probably pillars to commemorate a yajna.

The free-standing kirtistambha was generally associated with rock-cut caves. The Vedic skambha was identified with Brahman and a support of the universe. The cult of stambha worship glorified the pillar as an object to be venerated.