Amalaka

In the Nagara style of Hindu temple
architecture, the amalaka is a stone
disk, usually with ridges on the rim, that
sits on top of the temple’s main tower.
According to one interpretation, the
amalaka represents a lotus and is thus
the symbolic seat for the deity worshiped below. Another interpretation is
that it symbolizes the sun and is thus the
gateway to the heavenly world. The
amalaka itself is crowned with a kalasha
(finial), from which a temple banner is
often hung. See also heavens.