Kamandalu is an elliptical vessel, which looks like a Kalash with a handle and/or with a spout. A Kamandalu with a spout looks like a teapot. It is generally made up of metal such as brass or copper but it can also be made up of pumpkin, coconut, or wood. It is mainly used to store water by Hindu ascetics. Hence, it is used as a Hindu symbol for asceticism. It is also known as Kamandalam or Kamandal.

It is also shown in the pictures of some Hindu deities such as Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma, Lord Dattatreya, etc. In Hindu mythology when the ascetics used to curse the culprits, they used to sprinkle the water from it on the culprit’s body with their right hand before cursing him/her. A Kamandalu with a spout is always kept in a Hindu temple to distribute Tirtham, the holy water. The water or milk stored in it is considered holy and Hindus drink it with devotion.

Kamandalu tree or calabash tree is a tree which grows oblong-shaped fruits that look like a kamandalu.

There are many stories associated with it in Hindu scriptures. According to a legend, the river Karha in Maharashtra originated from Lord Brahma’s Kamandalu.

Image Credit: Roger Culos