Hindus:What is the meaning of the pole close to the temple?

Question

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Answer 1

It is called "Dhvajastambha"

Dhvajastambha is Sanskrit and means "flag tree" or "flag pole". It is situated just in front of the temple to proclaim the presence of the deity. It represents the hub of the universe around which all creation revolves. It represents the spine, the human axis, around which the senses and cosmic energy (Kundalini) sublimate into the Absolute (Sahasrara). Metaphysically, it acts as the complementary pole to the murti. These two together create an energy field to contain the temple’s power.

The dhvajastambha (flagpost) in front of either the garbhagrha or antarala or the mantapa is another common feature. It represents the flagpost of the ‘King of kings’. The lanchana (insignia) made of copper or brass fixed like a flag to the top of the post varies according to the deity in the temple. The figure on the lanchana is invariably that of the vahana (carrier vehicle) of the deity. For instance, in Siva temples it contains Nandi. In Devi temples it is the lion that finds its place. In Visnu temples Garuda gets that honour.

During yearly festivals of the temple first flag will be hoisted in the Dwajastambha as a mark of begining of the festival and then the festival will continue. The flag will be brought down when the festival is over. This is one of the rituals of Hindu temples. -