Kalasam

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.

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

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, these are approximate numbers.

The Kalasams are filled with grains. This was an old tradition to ensure that in times of floods or disaster, grains could be planted using the stores in the Kalasams. Once in 12 years, the grains in the temple Kalasams are refilled and changed during the festival.