Kalasha

(“pitcher”) In the Nagara style of temple
architecture predominantly found in
northern India, the kalasha is an inverted
vase-shaped piece that crowns the temple towers (shikharas). In many cases,
kalashas were made of gold to provide a
decorative contrast above the stone. The
kalasha on the highest tower typically
has a banner fluttering from it. The
332
Kajari Teej
architectural symbolism in Hindu
temples corresponds to the structure
of human body, so the kalashas stand
for the crown of the head, the highest
and purest part of the body. They are
also a symbol of the highest human
religious potential.