Kalasha is a metal pot, brass, silver, copper or gold with a large base and small mouth. During puja it is filled with water and topped with mango leaves like a coronet and its tips touch the water inside the pot. The coconut is placed on top of these mango leaves with its head up, this is called purna-kalasha. A red or white thread is tied around its neck or sometimes all around in a diamond pattern. The kalasha plays a significant role in most of our rituals and pujas. Turmeric and Kumkum is applied around the pot.

According to mythology, when Devas (Gods) and Asuras (demons) churned the milky ocean, God appeared bearing a pot of nectar, which gave immortality. For this reason, the kalasha represents immortality.

During the puja ritual, the kalasha is used for creating seat for the invoked deities. It is said that the coconut attracts the deity from the atmosphere and works as a conductor to the body of water in the kalasha.

Also, kalasha is placed during important auspicious occasions like weddings, grahapravesh (housewarming) and pujas.

Importance of Coconut

The coconut fruit is a symbol of human ego.  The breaking of coconut is symbolic of breaking of one’s ego and being humble before God. The offering and breaking of a coconut signify that “I offer myself at your feet.” Coconut is considered as a satvik fruit; sacred, healthy, pure and clean.

During puja offering coconut is the most important ritual honoring the deity. The same can be performed at home or at the temple. After the puja the coconut is distributed to the devotees as prasad.