Kalasha pot on top of the sanctum sanctorum of a Hindu temple represents the roots of the inverted tree concept found in the Upanishads. Kalasha as per Puranas is one of the fourteen precious gems that came out of the milky ocean when it was churned (Samudra Manthan). Some temples have stone block as Kalasha. The significance of the shape of the Kalasha is that it symbolizes the potentialities of life. The bud which is the topmost portion signifies new life and growth.
Some temples have stone block as Kalasha. But most are either made of copper or bronze and in some temples they are gold plated.
The Kalasha has components like the foot-hold, the egg, the neck, the lotus-band, the rid and the bud. The foot-hold is sometimes in the shape of a lotus whose petals open out and egg shaped pot sits on it.
From a distance the shape of the Kalasha looks like that of a flower bud or pot. Cereals and precious stones are placed inside the Kalasha.
Another important hidden component in the Kalasha is the ‘the golden person’ (Suvarna Purusha) who is kept inside the pot. A golden icon which represents ‘Suvarna Purusha’ is kept inside the pot.
Kalasha atop a temple varies from region to region but the symbolic meaning remains the same.
It must be noted here that a small variation of the Kalasha is used in homes during festivals and pujas and it is known as Purna Kumbha or Kalash. This mainly consists of a pot, coconut and betel or mango leaves.
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