Kalasha

Among several holy symbols of Hindu religion is one-Kalash Establishment of Kalash is done on every occassion of worship and custom in Hindu religion this Kalash could be constructed of Soil or other kinds of metals. It may have large or big size but it symbolisez as God.

TheKalsh is known with several names of gods and have religious imp;ortance and is called as Purna Kalsh which is well decorated. Beside it other names of Purna Kalash are Som Kalsh, Chandra Kalash, Indra Kumbh, Purna Ghat, Mangal Kalash, Bhadraghat, Purna Kumbh etc.

Purna Kalash has been considered as and important source of life in Vedic text. Rigveda also contains its importance worship mantras and performance methods. In ancient religious text its symbolishes properity knowledge and immortality. Puranas also describe its holyness.

The Kalash was originated firstly from Samudra Manthan. It is belived that Dhanwantri had come out of ocean with this Amrit Ghat (Kalash). This Amrit had given immortality to gods and they could only then defeat demons. The different Kumbh Festivel is related with this Amrit Kumbh (ghat) being organised at different four places in India-Haridwar, Prayag, Ujjain and Nasik. Lord Vishnu had to take Mohini roop for the safety of this Kalash.

Different god had been shown with this Kalash in their hand. In Purana it has been described in the hands of Brahama – the generator of universe, as a first guru Lord Shiva and also in the hand of goddess Lakshmi. Thus this Kalash becomes the symbol of life, knowledge and prosperity (worldly pleasures).

Some times foed grains, coins, gems and other precious metals are also poured in the Purna Kalash and ideal Kalash is filled with pure water and is covered with Mango leaves which are normally five in numbers. A coconut bounded in red cloth piece and threads is kept on these mango leves a raw cotton thread is bounded all around the Kalash, Some-times swastik mark is also drawn on it.

Each part of this purna Kalash has religious and decoratives significance. The pot is the symbol of mother earth who is the mother of all on this earth. The mango leaves are the symbol of Kamdeo and is the source of physical pleasures where as coconut marks power and prosperity. Similarly the pot water symbolises the elements of elixir. Thus this Kalash is the symbol of the life giving form of nature in its totality.

Few famous religious shcolars consider Poorna Kalash as the symbol of five basic elements. the middle part of kalash marks earth. The water in it symbolishes elixir. The neck of Kalash is the place of fire while its mouth marks the place of air. Similarly mango leaves and coconut are considered as symbol of sky.

Basically Purna Kalash represents Lord Vishnu however other religious text considers its symbol of Vighneshwar ganesh, Adishakti, Kuber etc. Likewise Kalash establishment is done on many holy occassion like worship, custom, house enty ceremony, marriage, birth occassion and in this way Kalash is considered as symbol of prosperity and welfare.

Ancient Vedic and religious text describe methods and philosphy regarding Kalash worship which is prosperous from every aspect. According to it Lord Vishnu resides at the mouth of Kalash while Lord rudra in the neek. Lord Brahama reside at the bottom of Kalash where as female god in the middle part of it. Water of seven occeans in the abdomen of it resides with four vedas, up vedas and commentry text according to it original Kalash was established by Lord Brahama.

The beautiful form of Kalash has been depicted in Indian art of drawing, painting and sculpture. the Kalash Shape has been widely used in ancient temples. The Kalash painting is a popular theme in Madhubani paintings. Kalash has began to be used in vastu demerits and for properity in modern times.

The Kalash has been given important in other Indian religions. In jain religion it is one of the eight good sign. the Shwatambar and Digambar both considered its holy good and for welfare. A Jain follower marks two eyes on the Kalash which represents right faith and right knowledge. The marwari peoples and business related men makes Kalash sign on their door steps which shows the meaning of welcome.