Based on the significance of Kalash in Hinduism, it is a sacred vessel adorned with mango leaves and a coconut on top, placed in a clean space with a swastik symbol, which plays an important role in Hindu hawan, childbirth, Kumbh Vivah, weddings, housewarming, festivals and other ceremonies. Also known by other names: Purna Kalasha, Purna Kumbha, and Purna Ghata; in Vedic literature, Kalash is described as the source of life and creation.
Welcoming abundance in every home, Kalash is said to be an auspicious pot carrying positivity and divine energy. Coconut and leaves placed atop it, together herald positivity, prosperity, and invoke auspiciousness. As per the Rig Veda, Kalash is an embodiment of abundance and eternal happiness.
A Kalash is kept near the entrance of the home and temples, which symbolises that a space is ready for any auspicious event or social gathering by transforming the entire region into a pure one. Actually, the water of the Kalash acts as a protection against obstacles and evil forces.
In auspicious events like weddings, housewarmings, and festivals, Kalash invokes prosperity, health & generational blessing. Its round opening suggests completeness and fulfilment. Placing Kalash in hawan & pujan promises blessings that last longer.
In Hindu rituals, the Kalash is filled with water, with a coconut on top, kept in a clean space. Additionally, the Kalash is adorned with betel vine and mango leaves, and filled with coins and gold, to worship the Gods. In some idols, Goddess Lakshmi is also depicted holding Kalasha. Purna Kalasha pujan is done in Griha Pravesh, Vishnu pujan, Navratri, child naming, vastu dosha rectification, etc.
Did you know that Kalash and the divine feminine energy are connected? Kalash holds immense spiritual importance in the Navratri Pujan; the Kailash Sthapana or Ghatsthapana is done by covering the coconut on top of it with red cloth, which marks the onset of the 9-day festival and invokes the blessings of the 9 goddesses.
Metal Pot (Earth), water represents Apas (water), pot’s neck (fire), opening (air), coconut and mango leaves (Space), are the Panch bhootas of Kalash. Moreover, the top of the coconut symbolises Sahasarara Chakra (crown chakra), and the base of Kalasha, Muladhara Chakra (root chakra).
Kalash is connected with Lord Ganesha and Gauri Devi, the remover of obstacles and household happiness. Kalash is worshipped with an idol of Goddess Durga during childbirth, marriage, and other auspicious events. Kalash in Hindu rituals is placed in the north direction, which brings peace and stability.
Poured on the Tulsi plant and used for Kumbh Abhisheka, Kalash water holds great spiritual significance in puja, hawan, and festivals, as a vital element for shuddhi (purification and cleansing).
As per popular beliefs, Kalash stands for fertility, the earth, and the womb, which nurture life and creation; while coconut symbolizes prosperity, the water is primordial: the origin of creation, which is the cosmic womb, and mango leaves represent Kama, the god of love.