Kalasam

Hindu temples typically have Kalasam at the top of temple towers. These Kalasam in form of inverted pot is one of the prominent symbol of temples. Periodic renewal of temple is called kumbabishekam centers around Kalasams, when elaborate rituals are performed along with renewing the temple's physical structures.

Most Kalasam 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 Kodimaram (Temple flag mast). Elaborate Gopurams were built as worship of sky above, these Gopurams were topped with ornamental Kalasams.

There used to be rule during ancient days, that no building should be built, which towers over the height of the temple ‘gopurams’. Have we ever wondered why? We would have seen these templegopurams and the ‘Kalasam’ on top. But, do we know scientific knowledge these towers are based on?

The kalasam that is on top of these gopurams are made of an alloy of 5 metals including gold, silver, copper and tin. These metals give these kalasams an electro-magnetic reception.