Manasara Series (I. A Dictionary of Hindu Architecture; II. Indian Architecture according to Manasara-Shilpashastra; III. Manasara on Architecture and Sculpture: Sanskrit Text; IV. Architecture of Manasara: Translation; V. Architecture of Manasara: Illustrations; VI. Hindu Architecture in India and Abroad; VII. An Encyclopaedia of Hindu Architecture) v1.c6.s9.198

v1.c6.s9.198

(16) "The pinnacle (kalaśa) of a ruined temple in the fort of Bellur, in Nāga mañgala Taluq shows exactly what the finial ornament of this style of temple was, which Fergusson, from its appearance in photographs, mistook for a lantern and though unable to account for so incongruous a feature introduced it into his picture of Halebid temple restored (Hist. of Ind. and East. Arch. p. 400). The crowning ornament is really a Kalaśa or sacrificial vase, such as is used at the final consecration ceremonies, round the rim of which is tied a cloth in narrow folds and knotted into a bunch at each of the four cardinal points. In later ornamentation the cloth was replaced by wreaths of leaves and flowers with a cluster or bouquet at the four points the sprays and flowers depending from which went down as far as the foot of the vase, and thus produced the appearance which in the picture suggested a lantern."