Garuḍa Stambha — The Pillar of the Lord's Vehicle
Garuḍa Stambha (Sanskrit: Garuḍa = the divine eagle + stambha = pillar; 'Garuḍa's pillar') is a sacred pillar in the temple courtyard, typically in line with the main axis of the sanctum, featuring an image or icon of Garuḍa at the top — often in a posture of reverence with folded hands, facing the Lord.
Garuḍa's Significance: Garuḍa (Tārkṣya) is Bhagavān Śrīman Nārāyaṇa's divine vehicle (vāhana) and most devoted servant. He is also the ensign (dhvaja) of Bhagavān. In Viśiṣṭādvaita, Garuḍa is a nitya-sūri (eternally free soul) who serves the Lord with total dedication. The Garuḍa stambha embodies this perfect devotion — always facing the Lord, perpetually in service.
Garuḍa and Vinatā: Garuḍa's mother is Vinatā; he freed his mother from servitude through supreme courage. This narrative, told in the Āzhvārs' pāsurams and in the Mahābhārata, underscores the devotee's complete reliance on Bhagavān for liberation.
Ritual Use: Devotees circumambulate the Garuḍa stambha as part of pradakṣiṇa. During major festivals, Garuḍa-vāhana-sevā (procession with Garuḍa as the vehicle) is performed — Utsavar rides atop a Garuḍa platform, reenacting Bhagavān's divine journeys.