Akalasha (Sanskrit:कलश,romanized: kalaśa) is a finial, generally in the form of metal or stone spire, used to top the domes ofHindu temples.^[2] Kalashas as architectural feature has been used at least before the first millennium BCE and were made of terracotta and wood during this early period. They were used as decorative element placed on top of various types of buildings.^[1] They are mainly restricted to temple architecture in the contemporary period.

Present in the form of an inverted pot with a point facing the sky, kalashas are prominent elements of temple architecture. According to theAitareya Brahmana, a golden kalasha is regarded to represent a sun upon the summit of a deity's dwelling, the temple.^[3]

Most kalashams are made of metal and some of stone. The view of thegopuram (temple tower) is one of the important rituals of Hindu worship along with view of thedhvaja stambha (temple flag mast). These gopurams are usually topped with ornamental kalashas. Kalashas are consecrated during thekumbhabhishekam ceremony and are venerated duringpujas.^[4]

There are four types ofkalashas:^{[citation needed]}

• Singakalasha: It is shaped like the horn of a bull.
• Trikalasha: This is a group of three long kalashas. It is mostly used on gopurams and main gates.
• Matakakalasha: This kalasha is shaped like pitchers and earthenware pots. It appears as if pots have been placed on top of one another.
• Golakalasha: This kalasha is round and has a very small and fine tip on top.

Kalashas are mostly made of metal. The main metals used arebronze andcopper. In famous temples likeTirupati, noble metals likegold andsilver are used.^[5]

In ancient times, temples carved out of stone had stone kalashas. Many temples likeEllora Caves,Hampi andMahabalipuram still have these stone kalashas. In parts of South India, kalashas made of wood are common.

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  Conjectural reconstruction of the wooden 'Temple 40' atSanchi, burnt down in the 2nd century BCE.
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  Bhima Ratha temple with rows of kalasha (now damaged) at Mahabalipuram, 600s CE.
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  Ganesha temple at Mahabalipuram, 600s CE.
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  Golden roof tiles with rows of kalashas atNataraja temple, Chidambaram, 907–955 CE.
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  Thajavur Brihadeeswara, 1010 CE
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  Jagannath temple, 1112-1216 CE
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  Trikalasha (three kalashas) on a gopuram inMeenakshi Temple,Madurai
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  A metal matakakalasha
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  Stone carved kalasha, Kailasha Temple,Ellora Caves
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  Trikalasha,Badrinath Temple
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  Singa kalasha,Chennakeshava Temple, Belur
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  Matakakalasha, Shree Samadhi Mandir,Shirdi
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  Golakalasha,Jagannath Temple, Puri
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  Singa kalasha,Abu Ambaji Temple, Gujarat