[Peptobismol]

About Kalash on Top of the Sanctum of a Hindu Temple
Kalasha on top of the sanctum sanctorum of a Hindu temple represents the roots of the inverted tree concept found in the Upanishads. Kalasha as per Puranas is one of the fourteen precious gems that came out of the milky ocean when it was churned (Samudra Manthan). Some temples have stone block as Kalasha. The significance of the shape of the Kalasha is that it symbolizes the potentialities of life. The bud which is the topmost portion signifies new life and growth.




Some temples have stone block as Kalasha. But most they are either made of copper or bronze and in some temples they are gold plated.




The Kalasha has components like the foot-hold, the egg, the neck, the lotus-band, the rid and the bud. The foot-hold is sometimes in the shape of a lotus whose petals open out and egg shaped pot sits on it.




From a distance the shape of the Kalasha looks like that of a flower bud or pot. Cereals and precious stones are placed inside the Kalasha. Another important hidden component in the Kalasha is the ‘the golden person’ (Suvarna Purusha) who is kept inside the pot. A golden icon which represents ‘Suvarna Purusha’ is kept inside the pot.




Kalasha atop a temple varies from region to region but the symbolic meaning remains the same.




It must be noted here that a small variation of the Kalasha is used in homes during festivals and pujas and it is known as Purna Kumbha or Kalash. This mainly consists of a pot, coconut and betel or mango leaves.

About Kalash on Top of the Sanctum of a Hindu Temple ~ Hindu Blog



Kalash or Kalasha Symbol in Hinduism
Kalash or Kalasha is a coconut circled by mango leaves on a pot and is an important accompaniment in various rituals in Hindu religion. A kalasha when filled with water, rice or other grains is known as ‘Purnakumbha.’


The pot for the Kalasha can be made of clay, brass or copper. Nowadays a pot made of any metal is used. Mango leaves are arranged in the mouth of the pot. A coconut – outer green covering removed – is placed over the mouth of the pot. The neck of the pot is tied with a white, yellow or red colored thread or cloth. Some people draw a swastika on the side of the pot. Depending on their artistic skill, some draw various designs using natural products. Today, various designer types of pots are used as Kalasha.




The Kalasha symbolically represents creation. The vacant pot, symbolizes earth, and the water filled symbolizes the primordial water from which life began on earth. Life began in water and nothing can exist in this world without water.




In Hindu Mythology, Lord Vishnu reclines on the ocean and a lotus with the creator Brahma emerges from Him. This indicates that life began in water.




The mango leaves represent the life forms. And coconut a product from the life forms is again filled with water symbolically representing endless cycle and the single thread that runs in all of us.




When devas and asuras churned the ocean to obtain the immortality nectar, it is said that the nectar appeared in a kalasha. Thus it also symbolizes immortality. The water in the kalasha is also used during the consecration of temples and is known as kumbabhisheka and it involves pouring water from several kalashas.




A kalasha is an important accompaniment in Hindu rituals conducted during housewarming or Grihapravesa, wedding, while receiving important dignitaries, during festive occasions and as a welcome sign at the entrance of houses.

Kalash or Kalasha Symbol in Hinduism ~ Hindu Blog