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Significance of Amalaka

Amalaka is a significant architectural feature in Vastushastra, primarily found atop Hindu temples' Shikharas. It serves as a decorative motif or circular stone symbolizing a connection to the divine and is particularly associated with Nagara temple design. Amalaka is distinguished from the Stupi in Southern texts and represents cosmic significance, similar to the Harmika in stupas. Additionally, in Shaivism, Amalaka signifies a fruit size reference akin to Dhatri Phala, relevant for determining the ideal size of Rudraksha beads.1
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Synonyms: Amla, Indian gooseberry, Phyllanthus emblica

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Amalaka'

Hinduism Books

Amalaka in Hinduism represents a prominent architectural feature of Nagara temples, often depicted as a finial or crowning element that symbolizes divine support and cosmic significance, enhancing both aesthetic and spiritual dimensions of temple design.

Significance in Vastushastra (architecture):
Vastushastra Books

From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)

(1) The crowning part of a temple that symbolizes cosmic significance, akin to the Harmika in a stupa.[1] (2) The finial element often found in the architecture of later temples, contributing to the overall aesthetic of temple design.[2] (3) A crowning element of Hindu temples, typically a circular stone or decorative motif at the top of the Shikhara, representing the connection to the divine.[3] (4) The architectural motif resembling a crown, significant in the design of Nagara temples and symbolizing the essence of divine support.[4] (5) A crowning feature referenced in Northern texts, contrasting with the Stupi found in Southern texts.[5]

From: Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary)

(1) The chief ornamentation of Nagara temples, recognized for its prominence in temple design.[6]

Vastushastra refers to the ancient Indian science (shastra) of architecture (vastu), dealing with topics such architecture, sculpture, town-building, fort building and various other constructions. Vastu also deals with the philosophy of the architectural relation with the cosmic universe.

The concept of Amalaka in local and regional sources

History Books

Amalaka, or Indian gooseberry, is a significant substance in Ayurvedic literature, particularly noted in the rasayana sections of classical texts like Carakasamhita, illustrating its importance in traditional healing and rejuvenation practices.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) Amalaka, also known as Emblic myrobalan or Indian gooseberry, is a substance mentioned in the rasayana sections of classical Ayurvedic texts, and it is included in the Vivarana gloss.[7] (2) A plant, usually identified with the Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.), repeatedly mentioned in the Carakasamhita in its account of rasayana.[8]