The Concept of Kalash as Explained by Shree Guru Rajan Ji

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The Concept of Kalash as Explained by Shree Guru Rajan Ji

Friday, 04 October 2024 | Gaura Gupta

The Concept of Kalash as Explained by Shree Guru Rajan Ji

Representing the womb (creation) and the energy for life, Kalash is an important part of the Hindu culture.

The circular base of the Kalash signifies the womb, and its narrow neck represents the birth canal. Thus, finding Kalash as a jar of resources and life bestowing energy. Beautifully decorated during rituals (weddings, childbirth, pujas), topped with a coconut and mango leaves, Kalash is revered as a symbol of divine feminine energy and the creative force. Filled with water, grains, and other items that signify good energy, it denotes prosperity and fertility.

Samudra Manthan was the churning of the ocean by the Asuras and Devas in search of Amrit, the elixir of life. In the end, they obtained Amrit in a Kalash, making the Kalash a symbol of immortality as it held the divine nectar.

Asuras and Devas in pursuit of Amrit (the elixir of life) churned the ocean (samudra manthan). Ultimately, they obtained the Amrit in a Kalash, which became a symbol of immortality as it contained the divine nectar.

It is believed that the water in Kalash is akin to the primal water from which the creator formed the entire universe.

When the Kalash is filled with water or rice, it is known as Purna Kumba. It is a representation of our inert bodies, possessing the divine life force.

Amongst Shankh, Chakra and Jalouka, Anrit containing Kalash is held in one of the four arms of Lord Dhanvantarti.

As per Vasthu Shastra, when placed facing the North, Kalash invokes abundance, positivity, and wisdom.

The Kalash is used to create a seat for invoked deities during puja rituals. Filled with water, and adorned with mango or betel vine leaves thar are considered the deity’s seat, Kalash is an integral part of the Hindu culture.

Kalash is traditionally made from soil, brass, or copper, signifying the earth element (prithvi tattva). Our body is likened to this pot of soil, as it is nourished by food that comes from the earth through plants,

Associating the kalash with our physical body as we nourish ourselves with the food that comes of soil (the Earth element) held by the kalash, we fill the pot with water, and grains that symbolize the essential life sustaining energy, wherein water represents prāna :  Satapath Brāhmana: 'apo vai prānāh,' explaining 'water is life-force'. Therefore, we worship the prāna, or life-force, within our body.

Originating from Mahāprāna, the first point of existence with Paramātmā (the Almighty), explained as 'pure existence' in the Prashnopanishad (6:4), "sa prānam asrujatah..." , consciousness initially formulates as prāna of the physical body.

Understanding the symbolic meaning of the water contained in the kalasa from a sacred place (tirtha jal), as though rajasic in nature, prana should be adequately influenced by sattva guna and it should essentially tread towards Mahāprāna, just like a river flows toward the ocean. This exercise revers the Jal devta and is called Varuna pujā.

A betel nut is kept in the kalash meant for puja ritual that  enriches the sattva and raja components in the water of the kalash. Thus, elevating the capacity of the water to emit manifest principle enerfy of the invoked deity.The betel nut contains particles associated with absolute earth element that are useful in binding sattva particle.

The coconut that is placed atop the kalash is quite significant as it signifies the human head. Cerebral fluid is symbolized by the water inside the coconut, while the brain matter is represented by the coconut's pulp. The stem signifying the spine that acts as a link between the conscious world and the subconscious mind, through coconut, we invoke cranial strength.

swastika drawn upon the pot denotes fortune and abundance. Our hands when placed crossed on our chest, a swastika is formed. This position of our retrained hands denotes our conduct that doesn't barge into the ambit of others.

Offering durbā that signifies effortless growth, just as durba abundantly grows, we invoke similar energy for ourselves.

Flowers that we offer, signify our blooming mind and the fruits we place are the result of our actions. The red cloth tied around the kalash is complete surrender to the cosmic energy that sustains our life, signifying faith and security.

The Kalash can be associated with the five elements, or Pancha Bhootas. The metal pot at the base symbolizes Prithvi, or Earth. The center of the Kalash represents the water element, while the neck corresponds to Agni, or fire. The vessel's opening signifies Vayu, or Air. The coconut and mango leaves placed on top represent Akasha, or the ether element.

For a detailed Kundli reading and about treading towards achieving your goals, contact Shri Guru Rajan Ji at : 9266514545, 9266524545

 

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