Nidhi Kumbha, also known as Nidhi Kalasha, holds significant importance in Hindu temple construction. In Sanskrit, "Nidhi" means treasure or wealth, and "Kumbha" refers to a pot or vessel. This sacred vessel symbolizes abundance, prosperity, and the essence of creation within the Hindu cosmology.
In the process of building a Hindu temple, the Shadadhara Pratishtha, or the installation of six foundational supports, is a crucial
ritual performed within the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha). The Nidhi Kumbha
is the second of these six supports and is positioned above the adharashila,
the base stone.
The contents of the Nidhi Kumbha typically include nine
precious stones, various metals and minerals, herbs, and soils, each carrying
symbolic significance. These elements represent the diversity of creation and
are believed to imbue the temple with divine energy, auspiciousness, and
blessings of prosperity.
The placement of the Nidhi Kumbha during temple construction
is not merely a ceremonial act; it is believed to infuse the temple structure
with spiritual potency, aligning it with the cosmic principles and inviting
divine presence into the sacred space. Thus, the Nidhi Kumbha holds both
symbolic and ritualistic importance in Hindu temple architecture, embodying the
principles of abundance and spiritual richness inherent in the Hindu tradition.