Kalasam

Kalasam above the Amalaka at the top of the Lingaraj temple in Bhubaneswar

Hindu temples typically have Kalasam at the top of temple towers. These Kalasams in the form of inverted pot, with pointed head facing the sky, is one of the prominent symbol of temples. Periodic renewal of temple is called Samprokshanam or Kumbhabishekam (held as a festival) centers around Kalasams, when elaborate rituals are performed along with renewing the temple's physical structures.

Most Kalasams are made of metal and some of stone. View of Gopuram (temple tower) is one of the important rituals of Hindu worship along with view of Dwajasthambam or Kodimaram (temple flag mast). These Gopurams were topped with ornamental Kalasams.

Some temples have 4 entrance towers which protect about 75,000 sq meters on all four sides. However, this is approximate numbers.

Once in 12 years, the grains in the temple Kalasams are refilled and changed during the festival.

It is believed that this Kalasam will act as a lightning conductor. It can be noted that the Kalasams are pointed heads, facing the sky, like the modern lightning conductor.

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