A kumbha ( sa, कुम्भ) is a type of pottery in India. Traditionally, it is made by Kumhar, Kumbhars, also known as ''Prajapati''s.
In the context of Hindu mythology, Hindu, Jainism, Jain and Buddhist mythology, the kumbha symbolises the womb. It represents fertility, life, generative power of human beings and sustenance and is generally associated with devis, particularly Ganges in Hinduism, Ganga.
[ Quote: The Kumbha: After the ''Makara'', Ganga's most distinctive sculptural feature is the full vase, first appearing with the river goddess on the same Varaha cave frieze from Udaygiri. Although not common in the early stages of the Ganga image, the full vase appears more and more frequently as the Ganga theme reaches maturity.]
Mythological origin
According to Hindu mythology, the first kumbha was created by Prajapati on the occasion of the marriage of Shiva, so he was first ''kumbhara'' "potter".
The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India, Volume 4
by R. V. Russell Another myth says that the first pot was created by Vishvakarman on the occasion of the churning of the ocean for the first Amrit Sanchar.
In Hindu mythology and Hindu scriptures, scriptures, several references are found of human beings born from kumbha. A legend states that rishi Agastya was born out of a kumbha.
In several religious ceremonies and rituals, kumbhas or kalashas filled with water and leaves and decorated with intricate motifs, sometimes with ornaments, play an important role in ancient India. These rituals still survive in India.
In Hindu astrology, the kumbha stands for the zodiac sign Aquarius (astrology), Aquarius and is ruled by 2 important planets that is (Saturn and Rahu). Kumbha is also associated with the Kumbh Mela, which happens when the planet Brihaspati moves into Aquarius.
In Hindu epic Ramayana, Ravana's brother Kumbhakarna had a son named Kumbha, who was killed by Sugriva.
With time professions turned in to last names e.g. the last name Kumbha refers to one of the surnames of Schedule tribe Community named Yerukala people, Yerukala in Andhra Pradesh.
See also
* Aquarius (astrology), Kumbha rashi, name of zodiac sign Aquarius in sanskrit
* Kumbh Mela
* Kalasha
* Matki (earthen pot)
* Bumpa, a Tibetan Buddhist pot
References
;General
*
*''Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend'' () by Anna Dallapiccola
Hindi words and phrases
Indian pottery
Hindu symbols
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