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In Sanatan Dharma, Ganesh Chaturthi, the sacred festival of the birth anniversary of Lord Shri Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the giver of Riddhi-Siddhi, is celebrated with immense devotion and enthusiasm in the entire country. On the Chaturthi date of Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month, new idols of Ganpati Bappa are consecrated in homes, pandals and business establishments. During Ganesh Utsav, devotees remain engrossed in the preparations for installing the idol of Bappa, but many times they remain unaware of the subtle rules of the most essential part of the puja i.e. ‘Mangal Kalash Sthapana’. According to Vedic scriptures, any great puja is considered incomplete without establishing the Kalash. Kalash is considered a symbol of thirty-three crore gods and goddesses and the entire universe. If you are also welcoming Gajanan at home on this Ganesh Chaturthi, then while installing the Kalash, make sure to understand the complete information about the sacred items to be put in it and the correct method.
In the scriptures, Kalash has been said to be the source of nectar and happiness and prosperity. According to Rigveda and mythological beliefs, Lord Vishnu resides in the mouth of the Kalash, Devadhidev Mahadev in the neck, Brahma, the creator of the universe, resides in the root (bottom) and all the maternal powers and goddesses reside in the central part. Along with this, the water filled inside the Kalash is considered a symbol of the holy seven rivers (Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Saraswati, Narmada, Indus and Kaveri). When the Kalash is ritually installed near the idol of Lord Ganesha, it eliminates all the negative energy of the place of worship and spreads satvik waves. The presence of Kalash with Bappa ensures wealth, health, positivity and lasting peace in the home.
Before placing the Kalash, it is important to select the right metal vessel. According to the scriptures, only copper, brass, bronze or pure clay kalash is considered best for worship. Even by mistake, steel, iron, aluminum or plastic pots should not be used in worship, because these metals are considered impure in worship.
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Determining Location: Install the post of Lord Ganesha in the north-east direction (Ishaan Kon) or east direction in the puja house.
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Position of the urn: According to scriptural rules, Mangal Kalash should always be installed on the left side of the idol of Lord Shri Ganesha (i.e. on the right hand side of the worshipper).
The Kalash is not kept filled with just plain water. Along with Vedic mantras, specific natural and auspicious substances are poured into it, without which the energy of the Kalash does not awaken:
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1. Pure Ganga water and Akshat (rice): First of all, fill the copper pot with pure water and add some Ganga water to it. After this add a pinch of unbroken whole rice (Akshat). Akshat is considered a symbol of integrity and completeness.
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2. Betel nut: It is mandatory to put a whole betel nut in the water of the Kalash. Betel nut is considered to be the embodiment of Lord Ganesha and Varun Dev, which brings stability and determination in life.
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3. Turmeric Lump or Kumkum: Put a whole lump of dry turmeric inside the pot. If lump is not available, add a pinch of ground turmeric and kumkum. Turmeric symbolizes the planet Jupiter and increases good fortune by removing Vaastu defects from the house.
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4. Coin or Silver Piece: Put a coin of copper, brass or silver (or a normal coin) in the water of the Kalash. Putting a metal coin in water invokes the permanent residence of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and financial prosperity.
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5. Durva (Doob Grass) and Perfume: Durva is very dear to Lord Ganesha. Put 5 or 7 lumps of Durva in the water of the Kalash and also offer two drops of pure perfume (rose or sandalwood). The water of the Kalash is filled with divine medicinal energy due to the fragrance and Durva.
After adding the ingredients the kalash is given its complete shape:
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Swastika marking: Make a pure ‘Swastika’ symbol with roli or vermilion on the outer part of the pot and place four dots on its four corners. Wrap Kalava (Mauli) around the neck at least three times.
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Pallava (leaves) adornment: Place 5 or 7 fresh mango leaves (you can also take ashoka or betel leaves) on the mouth of the Kalash in such a way that the tip of the leaves is above and the stalk remains immersed in water.
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Purnapatra and Coconut: Place a small bowl (purnapatra) filled with whole rice or wheat on top of the leaves. Now take a dry coconut with a coir, wrap it in a red cloth or Kalava.
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Correct direction of coconut: Place the coconut on the Purnapatra in such a way that its face (the side where the matted hair and three eyes are) is towards the seeker or forward. The coconut should never face upwards or backwards.
Spread a new red or yellow cloth on the puja platform. First of all, make a heap of some whole grains or wheat at the place where the Kalash is installed, which is called ‘Ashtadal Kamal’. After this, take water and flowers in your hand and call upon Lord Varun and all the pilgrims to come and reside in this ghat. After this, respectfully install the Kalash on that heap of grains.
After installing the Kalash, carrying the fragrance, Akshat and flowers in hand. “Om Apan Pataye Varunay Namah” And “Om Kalashay Namah” While chanting the mantra, dedicate it on the Kalash. Only after this, start the Shodashopachar puja (bath, clothes, sacred thread, sandalwood, durva, modak, laddu and aarti) of Lord Shri Ganesha.
Let the water in the Kalash remain there till Anant Chaturdashi or for all the days when Bappa resides in your house. After Bappa’s immersion, sprinkle the water from the Kalash with mango leaves in the rooms and corners of the entire house. Offer the remaining water to the Tulsi plant at home or the roots of any sacred tree. Keep the coin kept in the Kalash safe in your safe or purse, it maintains blessings throughout the year. Leave the betel nut in the puja room or immerse it, and feed the grains to the birds.