Kalasam Radio
A kalasam is a finial typically placed atop the towers of Hindu temples. These kalasams, in the form of an inverted pot with a point facing the sky, are prominent elements of temple architecture. Periodic renewal of the temple is called ''samprokshanam'' or ''kumbhabishekam'' (when held as a festival) and focuses on the kalasams. Elaborate rituals are performed along with renewing the temple's physical structures. Most kalasams are made of metal and some of stone. The view of the gopuram (temple tower) is one of the important rituals of Hindu worship along with view of ''dwajasthambam'' or ''kodimaram'' (temple flag mast). These ''gopurams'' are usually topped with ornamental kalasams. Some temples have four entrance towers which protect about 75,000 sq meters on all four sides. However, these are approximate numbers. The kalasams are traditionally filled with grains; this was an old tradition to ensure that in times of floods or disaster, grain could be planted using the stores ...
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Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar (4) - Oct 2010
Lingaraja Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar, the capital of the Indian state of Odisha, India. The temple is the most prominent landmark of Bhubaneswar city and one of the major tourist attractions of the state. The Lingaraja temple is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar. The central tower of the temple is tall. The temple represents the quintessence of the Kalinga architecture and culminating the medieval stages of the architectural tradition at Bhubaneswar. The temple is believed to be built by the kings from the Somavamsi dynasty, with later additions from the Ganga rulers. The temple is built in the ''Deula'' style that has four components namely, ''vimana'' (structure containing the sanctum), ''jagamohana'' (assembly hall), ''natamandira'' (festival hall) and ''bhoga-mandapa'' (hall of offerings), each increasing in the height to its predecessor. The temple complex has 50 other shrines and is enclosed by a large com ...
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