--> Skip to main content


How To Keep Kalash

By

How to Keep Kalash in Hinduism: A Comprehensive Guide

The Kalash (sacred pot) holds a revered position in Hindu rituals, symbolizing prosperity, abundance, and the divine presence of deities. Its proper placement and use in worship enhance its spiritual significance. Here's a detailed guide to keeping a Kalash in your home or during a puja.

Components of a Kalash

  1. The Vessel: Usually made of copper, brass, or silver.
  2. Water: Filled with pure water or sacred water from a river.
  3. Mango Leaves: Placed in the mouth of the Kalash.
  4. Coconut: Positioned on top, covered with a red or white cloth.
  5. Decorations: Often adorned with turmeric, kumkum, and flowers.
  6. Mantras: Chanting appropriate mantras while setting up the Kalash is crucial.

How to Prepare and Place the Kalash

  1. Selection of the Kalash:

    • Use a clean and untarnished pot.
    • Ensure the pot is free from dents and cracks.

  2. Purification:

    • Wash the Kalash thoroughly.
    • Sprinkle holy water or Gangajal inside and outside.

  3. Filling the Kalash:

    • Fill with clean water up to three-fourths.
    • Add a few grains of rice, turmeric, betel leaves, and a coin to symbolize abundance.

  4. Placing Mango Leaves:

    • Arrange five or more mango leaves in a circular pattern around the rim.

  5. Placing the Coconut:

    • Wrap the coconut in a red or white cloth and secure it with a thread.
    • Place the coconut on top of the Kalash with the pointed end upward.

  6. Direction for Placement:

    • Place the Kalash in the northeast or east direction of the altar.
    • Ensure the coconut tip points upwards, symbolizing the connection to higher energies.

Daily Routine and Maintenance

  • Morning Rituals:

    • Light a diya (oil lamp) and offer fresh flowers daily.
    • Sprinkle water around the Kalash as a purification gesture.

  • Evening Prayers:

    • Reignite the diya and offer incense sticks.
    • Chant mantras or slokas of the presiding deity.

  • Periodic Cleaning:

    • Replace the water and decorations weekly or during major pujas.

Benefits of Keeping a Kalash

  1. Spiritual Connection:
    • Acts as a medium to invoke the presence of deities.
  2. Prosperity:
    • Symbolizes abundance and removes financial obstacles.
  3. Purity and Positivity:
    • Brings a sense of sanctity and peace to the home.
  4. Focus and Discipline:
    • Encourages a structured spiritual routine.

Prayers and Mantras for Deities

  1. Shiva:

    • Chant "Om Namah Shivaya" while offering bel leaves and water on the Kalash.
    • Perform abhishekam (ritual bathing) with water from the Kalash.

  2. Vishnu:

    • Recite "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya."
    • Use Kalash water for Tulsi plant worship, symbolizing Lord Vishnu.

  3. Devi/Durga:

    • Chant "Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu" or "Om Dum Durgaye Namah."
    • Decorate the Kalash with red cloth and sindoor.

  4. Lakshmi:

    • Recite "Om Shreem Mahalakshmiye Namah."
    • Offer flowers, coins, and turmeric-infused water from the Kalash.

  5. Hanuman:

    • Chant "Om Shri Hanumate Namah."
    • Use the Kalash water to sprinkle around the puja space for purification.

  6. Ganapathi:

    • Recite "Om Gam Ganapataye Namah."
    • Place a small Ganesh idol near the Kalash for added blessings.

Practical Suggestions for Discipline

  • Always maintain the Kalash and puja area in a clean and sacred state.
  • Avoid placing the Kalash near areas prone to impurities like kitchens or bathrooms.
  • Perform pujas and rituals with full devotion and mindfulness.

Lesser-Known Facts

  1. Connection to the Panchabhoota: The Kalash represents all five elements – earth (pot), water (content), fire (diya), air (coconut fiber), and ether (mantras).
  2. Symbol of the Universe: The Kalash symbolizes the cosmos, with the pot as the earth, water as life, and the coconut as the head of the universe.
  3. Use in Auspicious Occasions: Seen in weddings, housewarmings, and festivals, the Kalash marks the beginning of sacred events.

Mantras and Rituals

  • Kalash Mantra:

    Om Ganga Cha Yamuna Chaiva Godavari Saraswati
Narmada Sindhu Kaveri Jale Asmin Sannidhim Kuru

    This mantra invokes holy rivers into the Kalash.

  • Pran Pratishtha Mantra:

    Om Bhoorbhuvah Swaha Tatsavitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi
Dhiyo Yonah Prachodayat

    Used to invite divine energy into the Kalash.

By incorporating these practices, you ensure that the Kalash becomes a source of divine energy, fostering spiritual growth, positivity, and well-being in your home or ritual space.