Question

Why do temples have cylindrical pillars

Answer 1

Most of the time, a pillar’s purpose is to support something while providing open space below that something. You can think of the support as being provided along the central axis of the pillar. The pillar has thickness to provide strength, provide stability, and to spread the weight over a wider area when it is in cylindrical shape . In fact, most pillars (or columns) have a base (plinth) on the bottom and capital on top that are larger than the shaft in the middle to help spread the weight.