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Parts Of Flag Pole Or Kodimaram In Kerala Temple

A flag pole or kodimaram in a Kerala temple is built strictly according to the architectural norms for temple structures. Here is a look at the different parts of the kodimaram.

The length of the pole is usually eleven times the length of the door of the sanctum sanctorum or sreekovil.

One part of the pole is under the ground and the other ten parts stand perpendicular to the ground.

The flagpole is likened to the backbone of the deity.

The Paras (drum shaped copper structures that cover the pole), the belts holding them, the Padma Peedam (a seat with the shape of a lotus) and the murti of Garuda, the vehicle of Mahavishnu on the top makes it a perfect flag post. Depending on the deity worshipped in the temple the vehicle and the peedam will change.

On the ground, the base consists of different parts like Padukam, Jagathy, Kumudam, Kumudappadi, Galam, Utharam, Valaru, Kapotham, Vedika and Padmam. The flag is made up of the Pancha Varga, the five elements of nature, with the Ashtadikpalakas (the eight keepers of the eight directions) mounted on it.

The flag can be gold plated, copper plated or made of bronze.