This column is dedicated to god Narayan (Lord of the universe). The architectural design and concept of month in this art however is based on Buddhism.
Tortoise at the base represent tortoise king (Kurma raja), listed second incarnation of Vishnu or Narayan supporting the world. Beside, tortoise is also related to the legend of the churning of the Ocean of Milk, referred to as the Samudra manthan. Above the tortoise is Sheshanaga (King of Snakes/ Nagas). Above it is Varah sculpture, third incarnation of Narayan the anthropomorphic form with a boar's head and the human body. Varaha is most commonly associated with the legend of lifting the Earth (personified as the goddess Bhudevi) out of the cosmic ocean. When the demon Hiranyaksha stole the earth and hid her in the primordial waters, Vishnu appeared as Varaha to rescue her. Varaha slew the demon and retrieved the Earth from the ocean, lifting it on his tusks, and restored Bhudevi to her place in the universe.