---
title: "Amalaka: Temple Architecture Feature | Model Diplomat"
description: "The āmalaka is a ribbed stone disc on Nāgara temples, resembling the amla fruit. It's key in North Indian temple design, used by architects."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/amalaka"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The āmalaka is the ribbed, cushion-like stone disc crowning the śikhara of a Nāgara temple, named for its resemblance to the amla (myrobalan) fruit.
- How does the āmalaka help distinguish Nāgara from Drāviḍa temples?
- What is the correct vertical sequence of elements at the top of a Nāgara śikhara?
- What does the term āmalaka mean and symbolize?
- Name temples notable for prominent āmalakas.?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The āmalaka is the ribbed, cushion-like stone disc crowning the śikhara of a Nāgara temple, named for its resemblance to the amla (myrobalan) fruit.

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Example

The Chandella rulers crowned the Kandariya Mahādeva temple at Khajurāho (c. 1030 CE) with a ribbed āmalaka surrounded by clustered āmalasārikās at the apex of its śekharī śikhara.

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