KALASHA | INDIAN WEDDING CEREMONY
The Kalasha rites
A coconut is a very important object in Hindu worship as it is considered as ‘God’s fruit’. A Hindu temple without a coconut is a rarity because coconuts are commonly offered up as a sacrifice. Smashing a coconut into two halves is believed to be an action of breaking new ground and these pieces are used for offerings in sacrificial fire rituals known as homa rituals, they are then shared as Prasadam or Prasad which translates into God’s blessed offerings.
Importance of the Kalasha
The Kalasha is an important object of sacrifice in Hindu tradition also extends to wedding ceremonies. The Kalasha is place before the fire pit called Havan situated within the Mandap. Turmeric, a garland of mango leaves, and vermillion powers are all used to decorate the bottom of the metal pot in the Havan while the coconut, which would have been blessed by the priest, is placed on top of it all.
Kalasha Symbolism
As it has been mentioned before, the coconut fruit is considered very important and is believed to be the ‘source of life’. Apart from giving life, other desirable qualities like wisdom and immortality are associated with the Kalasha. There are usually images of a God or Goddess carved in silver or brass and tied around the Kalasha, used to indicate the presence of that deity. The constituent components of the Kalasha are all representation of various features. The pot itself is considered to contain fertility, while the leaves are seen as a representation of Kama, the God of Love and the attendant pleasure that accompanies fertility. The coconut which is placed above it represents power and wealth.
Again, the Kalasha may take on different forms and representations depending on the region where it is being used. For example, in Gujurat, a state in India, a religion called Jainism is practiced in which the Kalasha is designed in a unique ways. The images of two eyes are carved around the Kalasha to depict knowledge and faith. Apart from celebrating marriages, the Kalasha is also used during other joyous events such as a house warming, child birth or the purchase of a new car.
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