What is "manastambha"

Manastambha "column of honor" is a pillar that is often constructed in front of Jain temples or large Jain statues. In North India, they are topped by four tirthankara images.

According to the Jain texts, a huge manastambha stands in front of the samavasarana (divine preaching hall) of the tirthankaras, which causes someone entering a samavasarana to shed their pride.

A monolithic manastambha is a standard feature in the Jain temples of Moodabidri. They include a statue of Brahmadeva on the top as a guardian yaksha.