=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya
The kalash (kalasha) and deepak (dipaka) are prominent Vedic symbols
that symbolize respectively the manifestations of Gayatri and Yagya. As Gayatri and Yagya are revered to be the origin
of the Vedas and Vedic Science and Culture, the presence and worship of kalash
and deepak in every sacrament, on every auspicious occasion is quite natural in
the Vedic Culture and hence in the Indian System of life. Both are essential
parts of all the important Hindu rituals and also, in varied forms, in the holy
celebrations of other religions - for example, deepak (as fire or candle) in
case of Zarathustric and Christian and kalash in case of Jain and Buddhist
worships. The symbol of kalash is physically represented by a metal or earthen
pitcher or urn. It is filled with water (preferably the water of holy Ganga,
any sacred river or clean, running water). Its top open end holds betel or
mango leaves and a red-yellow sanctified thread (kalawa or mauli) is tied
around its neck. This kalash is placed on the pujavedi (worship dais or table)
near the idols or pictures of the deity.
It is placed facing the
North, in the center. This positioning signifies balance; balance that one
needs to achieve success in every walk of life. Often it is topped by a coconut
or a deepak and kept on the sacred Vedic swastika symbol or a Vedic swastika is
drawn on it by using wet vermillion, sandal-wood powder and turmeric. The
kalash has many symbolic meanings and teachings associated with it as described
below. During worship or rituals, leaves from some select trees are used as
essential accessories, but among them all the betel leaf (pana) enjoys a place
of pride in India. In Hindu weddings, a betel leaf is tucked into the headgears
of the bride and the groom. The betel leaf is symbolic of freshness and
prosperity.
The Skanda Purana says that the betel leaf was obtained by Gods
during the grand ocean-churning. The use of betel leaf in India is mentioned in
the great epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, as well as in Buddhist and
Jain literatures. Paan (betel leaf) has rich herbal properties as well. It is
invigorating and energizing, it kills germs and bacteria, and is an anti-cold
chewable recipe. The blackish variety is said to be constipating and the
whitish green one eliminates cold and is a laxative and helps in digestion.
Mango leaf also has many medicinal properties, as cited in Ayurvedic
scriptures. Mango is regarded as the king of all fruits in India and its wood
is used in the holy fire of yagya. Mango leaves are described as sacred and are
also used in making toradoor-string) which is
tied on the entrance of the house as an auspicious sign. The coconut (Nariyala)
is a symbol of the Godhead - the three eyes symbolic of the eyes of Lord Shiva.
In India, for success in an important undertaking, the beginning is done with
the breaking of a sanctified coconut. All religious functions and rituals start
with the worship of the coconut, along with the kalash, since it is regarded as
symbolic of Lord Ganesha, the deity who helps in the successful completion of
any undertaking.
Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru,
Shiv Sharma
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