Kalash Is an Essential Accessory for Hindu Puja

The Sacred Pitcher Is a Symbol of Creation, Divinity and Immortality

Nov 2, 2009

The Kalash is worshiped in every Hindu ritual, be it marriage or consecration of a home. Its significance has been explained in different ways.

The English translation of "kalash" would be "pot" or "pitcher." But given the variety of pots and pitchers, the translation does little to convey the precise nature of a kalash.

The kalash (see accompanying photo) is a pot with a largish belly and a narrow neck that opens out into a slightly larger mouth. However the mere utensil cannot be said to form the kalash. Certain other ingredients have to be added and processes carried out before the utensil becomes an object of reverence.

The Construction of the Kalash

The kalash is first filled with water. The water should be very pure and usually water from the river Ganga, known as Ganga Jal, is used. The leaves of the mango tree or the betel plant are then arranged around the mouth of the kalash.

Five, seven or eleven leaves are used and are so arranged that they just touch the water inside the kalash. Betel nut and some coins are put inside the kalash. Copper coins are preferred. Those who can afford it also place five precious stones like pearl, diamond, emerald, blue sapphire, ruby and gold in the kalash. Grains are also added.

Finally, a coconut is placed on the mouth of the kalash with the pointed end facing upwards. Some worshippers wrap the coconut in a red cloth. The red and yellow sacred thread known as moli is tied round the kalash.

The Kalash as a Symbol of Creation

Often the Kalash is used to symbolize the cosmos. The water inside the kalash represents the primordial water present in the universe during creation. The grain and other components inside the kalash represent the elements and life formed during creation.

The kalash resembles a womb and therefore is also a symbol of creation in a more conceivable manner. It represents the womb of the Mother Goddess, which is believed to nurture life. The water in the kalash is the placental fluid. The mango leaves are traditionally associated with the demi-god Kama, the deity of love. They thus represent the pleasure side of the process of procreation.

During any Hindu ritual worship, it is customary to invite all the deities to attend the event and bless the devotees. These deities have to be provided a place to be seated. This place is the kalash. The leaves around the mouth of the kalash are referred to as the deities’ seats.

In some scriptural hymns the kalash has been described as the seat of the trinity of the Hindu supreme Gods, Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma. The mouth is the seat of Vishnu, the throat is the seat of Shiva and the base is the seat of Brahma. In this sense the kalash embodies the unity of the Hindu trinity.

The Nectar of Immortality

The kalash is associated with a very popular mythological event, the churning of the ocean or Samudra Manthan. The objective of this exercise was to acquire the nectar of immortality that lay within the ocean depths. The churning of the ocean ended with the emergence of Dhanvantri with a kalash that contained the nectar. Therefore, the kalash is also worshiped as a symbol of immortality.

There is a prescribed method of disposing the water in the kalash after the completion of the worship. A part of the water is sprinkled on the premises and this has the effect of purifying the premises. The remainder is used for watering a tulasi plant so that the plant absorbs the sanctified water and enriches itself.

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