Kamandalu (Sanskrit: कमण्डलु, kamaṇḍalu[1]), kamandal, or kamandalam is an oblong water pot, originating from the Indian subcontinent, made of a dry gourd (pumpkin) or coconut shell, metal, wood of the Kamandalataru tree,[2] or from clay, usually with a handle and sometimes with a spout. Hindu ascetics or yogis often use it for storing drinking water.[3] The water-filled kamandalu, which is invariably carried by ascetics, is stated to represent a simple and self-contained life.
The kamandalu also used in Hindu iconography, in depiction of deities related with asceticism or water. It is, thus, viewed as a symbol of ascetism in Hinduism. The kamandalu is also used by Jain monks and in depictions of some bodhisattvas.[4]
- ^ Monier Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary (2008 revision)
- ^ http://sanskritdocuments.org/all_sa/shankara108m_sa.html, Shankarachrya's ashtotaram)
- ^ Radha, Swami Sivananda (1992). Kundalini Yoga. Motilal Banarsidass. p. 357. ISBN 9788120808126. Retrieved 2008-08-20. p.40
- ^ http://www.hindudharmaforums.com/archive/index.php?t-448.html, Sanatana Dharma for Kids: Hindu Trinity: Brahma - Sarasvati