Hindu Architecture - What Is An Amalaka?



The amalaka is a stone disk with ridges on the rim that stands on top of the temple's main tower in the Nagara style of Hindu temple construction. 






  • The amalaka, according to one view, resembles a lotus and therefore serves as a symbolic seat for the god adored below. 
  • Another theory is that it represents the sun and therefore serves as a portal into the celestial realm. 
  • The amalaka is topped with a kalasha (finial), which is often used to hang a temple banner. 







~Kiran Atma


Discover more about Hindu Art, Architecture, and Iconography here.

You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.

Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.