Kalash Sthapana Mantras: Step By Step Puja Vidhi

During Kalash Sthapana, devotees recite specific Vedic mantras to invoke divine blessings and sanctify the Kalash. These mantras honor Mother Earth, Lord Varuna, Goddess Lakshmi, and other divine energies while seeking happiness, peace, good health, and prosperity.

Read on to understand the significance of Kalash Sthapana and find the complete collection of Kalash Sthapana mantras in Sanskrit, along with their English translations and meanings.

Kalash Sthapana Mantras: Step-by-Step Guide

The following mantras are traditionally recited during different stages of Kalash Sthapana. Each mantra has a specific purpose, from invoking Mother Earth and purifying the Kalash to inviting Lord Varuna and offering prayers.

Step 1: Invoking Mother Earth (Bhumi Mantra)

Sanskrit Mantra:

ॐ भूरसि भूमिरस्यदितिरसि विश्व-धाया विश्वस्य भुवनस्य धर्त्री।
पृथिवीं यच्छ पृथिवीं दृ ह पृथिवीं मा हि सीः॥

English Translation:

You are the Earth, the foundation of all existence. You are Aditi, the mother of the universe and the sustainer of all creation. May you provide stability and strength to the Earth. May you protect and preserve it without allowing it to be disturbed.

Meaning:

This mantra invokes Mother Earth as the foundation and sustainer of all life. It seeks her blessings for stability, strength, protection, and harmony. During Kalash Sthapana, it represents the importance of establishing a strong and sacred foundation for the worship.

Step 2: Offering Grains and Seeking Nourishment (Dhanya Mantra)

Sanskrit Mantra:

ॐ धान्यमसि धिनुहि देवान् प्राणायत्वोदानाय त्वा व्यानाय त्वा।
दीर्घामनु-प्रसितिमायुषे द्यां देवो वः सविता हिरण्य-पाणिः।
प्रति-गृभ्णात्वच्छिद्रेण पाणिना चक्षुषे त्वा महीनां पयोऽसि॥

English Translation:

You are nourishment and a source of sustenance. May you provide strength for the vital life forces: Prana, Udana, and Vyana. May Lord Savita, with his golden hands, accept you with his protective hand for the blessings of long life and well-being. You are the nourishing essence of the Earth.

Meaning:

This mantra highlights the importance of grains, food, and nourishment in sustaining life. It invokes divine blessings for good health, vitality, longevity, and prosperity. It also symbolizes the role of nourishment in maintaining physical and spiritual well-being.

Step 3: Invoking Abundance and Prosperity (Kalash Mantra)

Sanskrit Mantra:

ॐ आ जिघ्र कलशं मह्या त्वा विशन्त्विन्दवः।
पुनरूर्ज्जा निवर्तस्व सा नः सहस्रं धुक्ष्वोरु-धारा पयस्वती पुनर्मा विशताद् रयिः॥

English Translation:

O sacred Kalash, may the divine drops of nourishment enter you. May you be replenished with strength and vitality again and again. May you provide us with abundant nourishment through your many streams, and may prosperity return to us continually.

Meaning:

This mantra invokes abundance and nourishment into the sacred Kalash. It symbolizes the continuous flow of prosperity, positive energy, and well-being. It is recited to seek blessings for abundance and fulfillment in life.

Step 4: Establishing the Sacred Abode of Lord Varuna (Varuna Mantra)

Sanskrit Mantra:

ॐ वरुणस्योत्तम्भनमसि वरुणस्य स्कम्भ-सर्ज्जनीस्थो।
वरुणस्य ऋत-सदन्यसि वरुणस्य ऋत-सदनमसि वरुणस्य ऋत-सदनमासीद॥

English Translation:

You are the support and foundation of Lord Varuna. You are established as the sustaining force of Lord Varuna. You are the sacred abode of divine order and truth. May you become the dwelling place of Lord Varuna and remain firmly established in divine righteousness.

Meaning:

This mantra invokes Lord Varuna, the deity associated with cosmic waters and universal order. It establishes the Kalash as a sacred place representing purity, truth, discipline, and divine presence.

Step 5: Purifying the Kalash (Pavitra Mantra)

Sanskrit Mantra:

ॐ वसोः पवित्रमसि शत-धारं वसोः पवित्रमसि सहस्र-धारम्।
देवस्त्वा सविता पुनातु वसोः पवित्रेण शत-धारेण सुप्वा काम-धुक्षः॥

English Translation:

You are the sacred purifier of abundance, flowing with a hundred streams. You are the sacred purifier of abundance, flowing with a thousand streams. May Lord Savita purify you through this sacred purification, bringing forth nourishment and the fulfillment of worthy wishes.

Meaning:

This mantra represents the Kalash as a source of purity and countless blessings. It seeks the blessings of Lord Savita for purification, abundance, prosperity, and the fulfillment of righteous desires.

Step 6: Invoking the Blessings of Plants and Vegetation (Vanaspati Mantra)

Sanskrit Mantra:

ॐ याः फलिनीर्या अफला अपुष्पा याश्च पुष्पिणीः।
बृहस्पति-प्रसूतास्ता नो मुंचंत्वं हसः॥

English Translation:

May all plants that bear fruit and those that do not, those that blossom and those that do not flower, which have been brought forth by the blessings of Brihaspati, protect us and free us from difficulties.

Meaning:

This mantra acknowledges the importance of all forms of vegetation in nature. It seeks blessings for protection, nourishment, growth, and well-being through the divine grace associated with Lord Brihaspati.

Step 7: Invoking the Supreme Creator (Hiranyagarbha Mantra)

Sanskrit Mantra:

ॐ हिरण्य-गर्भः सम-वर्त्तताग्रे भूतस्य जातः पतिरेक आसीत्।
स दाधार पृथिवीं द्यामुतेमां कस्मै देवाय हविषा विधेम॥

English Translation:

In the beginning, Hiranyagarbha, the Golden Embryo, came into existence. He was the one supreme Lord of all that was born. He sustained this Earth and the heavens above. To which divine being shall we offer our oblation and prayers?

Meaning:

This mantra describes Hiranyagarbha as the primordial source of creation and the origin of the universe. It praises the divine power that sustains the Earth, heavens, and all living beings. It expresses devotion and reverence toward the supreme creator.

Step 8: Invoking Goddess Lakshmi (Shri Sukta Mantra)

Sanskrit Mantra:

ॐ गन्ध-द्वारां दुराधर्षां नित्य-पुष्टां करीषिणीं।
ईश्वरीगं सर्व-भूतानां तामिहोपह्वये श्रियम्॥

English Translation:

I invoke Goddess Shri Lakshmi, who is the source of fragrance and prosperity, who is invincible and eternally nourished, and who is associated with abundance and fertility. She is the divine ruler of all living beings. May Goddess Lakshmi bless us with her presence.

Meaning:

This mantra invokes Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and abundance. It seeks her blessings for material well-being, nourishment, happiness, and prosperity in the household.

Step 9: Invoking the Healing Powers of Medicinal Herbs (Aushadhi Mantra)

Sanskrit Mantra:

ॐ या ओषधीः पूर्वा जाता देवेभ्यस्त्रियुगं पुरा।
मनैनु बभ्रूणा मह शतं धामानि सप्त च॥

English Translation:

May the sacred medicinal herbs, which came into existence in ancient times and have been blessed by the divine, bestow their nourishing and healing qualities upon us. May their countless forms and sacred powers bring us strength and well-being.

Meaning:

This mantra recognizes the healing and nourishing qualities of medicinal herbs and plants. It seeks blessings for good health, vitality, healing, and protection through the gifts of nature.

Step 10: Seeking Protection and Stability from Mother Earth (Prithvi Mantra)

Sanskrit Mantra:

ॐ स्योना पृथिवि! नो भवान्नृक्षरा निवेशिनी।
यच्छा नः शर्म स-प्रथाः॥

English Translation:

O Mother Earth, may you be gentle and kind to us. May you provide a safe and comfortable place to live, free from harm and disturbance. May you bless us with peace, protection, and happiness.

Meaning:

This mantra is a prayer to Mother Earth for stability, safety, and peace. It seeks her blessings for a secure home, a harmonious environment, and protection from difficulties.

Step 11: Invoking Growth and Longevity (Durva Mantra)

Sanskrit Mantra:

ॐ काण्डात् काण्डात् प्ररोहन्ती परुषः परुषस्परि।
एवानो दूर्वे! प्रतनु सहस्रेण शतेन च॥

English Translation:

O sacred Durva grass, you grow from every stem and spread from every joint. May you also spread and flourish abundantly for us, multiplying by hundreds and thousands.

Meaning:

This mantra invokes the blessings of Durva grass, which symbolizes growth, longevity, and prosperity. Just as Durva continues to grow and spread, the prayer seeks continuous progress, strength, and abundance in life.

Step 12: Invoking the Blessings of Sacred Trees and Leaves (Ashvattha Mantra)

Sanskrit Mantra:

ॐ अश्वत्थे वो निषदनम्पर्णे वो वसतिष्कृत।
गोभाज इत्किलासथ यत्स नवथ पूरुषम्॥

English Translation:

Your dwelling is beneath the Ashvattha tree, and your resting place is among its leaves. You are associated with the nourishment and sustenance of living beings. May your presence bring nourishment, protection, and abundance.

Meaning:

This mantra refers to the sacred Ashvattha tree and its leaves, highlighting their connection with nature and nourishment. It symbolizes shelter, sustenance, and the importance of nature in maintaining the balance of life.

Step 13: Seeking Divine Purification (Pavitra Mantra)

Sanskrit Mantra:

ॐ पवित्रेस्थो वैष्णव्यौ सवितुर्वः प्रसव उत्पुनाम्यच्छिद्रेण पवित्रेण सूर्यस्य रश्मिभिः।
तस्य ते पवित्र-पते पवित्र-पूतस्य यत् कामः पुनेतच्छकेयम्॥

English Translation:

You are the sacred purifying instruments associated with Lord Vishnu. By the divine impulse of Lord Savita, I purify you through this flawless purifier and the rays of the Sun. O Lord of Purification, may we become purified and worthy of having our righteous wishes fulfilled.

Meaning:

This mantra invokes the purifying powers of Lord Vishnu and Lord Savita. It represents spiritual cleansing and the removal of impurities before worship. It seeks divine grace to make the ritual pure and worthy of offering.

Step 14: Seeking Fullness and Abundance (Purnata Mantra)

Sanskrit Mantra:

ॐ पूर्णादर्वि परापत सु-पूर्णा पुनरापत।
वस्नेव विक्रीणा वहा इष मूर्ज्ज शत-क्रतो॥

English Translation:

O vessel of abundance, may you depart in fullness and return again filled with abundance. May you bring us nourishment, strength, and prosperity, like a generous source of wealth and sustenance.

Meaning:

This mantra symbolizes completeness, abundance, and the continuous return of prosperity. It seeks blessings for nourishment, wealth, strength, and the fulfillment of life's needs.

Step 15: Establishing the Kalash and Seeking Divine Blessings (Pratishtha Mantra)

Sanskrit Mantra:

ॐ मनो जूतिर्जुषतामाज्यस्य बृहस्पतिर्यज्ञमिमं,
तनो त्वरिष्टं यज्ञ समिमं दधातु।
विश्वे-देवा स इह मादयन्ताम् ॐ प्रतिष्ठ॥

English Translation:

May the divine mind accept this sacred offering of ghee. May Lord Brihaspati extend and protect this sacrifice, ensuring that the ritual is completed without obstacles. May all the gods rejoice in this sacred ceremony. Om, may this Kalash be firmly established.

Meaning:

This mantra seeks divine acceptance and protection for the worship. It invokes Lord Brihaspati and all the gods to bless the ceremony and ensure its successful completion. The concluding word, Pratishtha, signifies the establishment of the sacred Kalash.

Step 16: Invoking Lord Varuna (Avahanam Mantra)

Sanskrit Mantra:

ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः वरुण! इहागच्छ, इह तिष्ठ, मम पूजां गृहाण।

English Translation:

Om, O Lord Varuna, who pervades the Earth, the intermediate realm, and the heavens, please come here and take your place. Kindly accept my worship.

Meaning:

This mantra invites Lord Varuna, the deity associated with water and cosmic order, to reside in the sacred Kalash. Devotees recite it to invoke his divine presence and seek his blessings for purity and the successful completion of the puja.

Step 17: Offering Ten Sacred Items to Lord Varuna (Dashopachara Pujan Mantras)

Sanskrit Mantras:

1. Offering water for washing the feet (Padya)

ॐ वरुणाय नमः पादयोः पाद्यं समर्पयामि।

English Translation: Om, salutations to Lord Varuna. I offer sacred water for washing your feet.

2. Offering ceremonial water (Arghya)

ॐ वरुणाय नमः शिरसि अर्घ्यं समर्पयामि।

English Translation: Om, salutations to Lord Varuna. I offer Arghya, a ceremonial offering of water as a mark of respect.

3. Offering sandalwood paste and sacred rice (Gandha-Akshata)

ॐ वरुणाय नमः गन्धाक्षतं समर्पयामि।

English Translation: Om, salutations to Lord Varuna. I offer sandalwood paste and sacred rice grains.

4. Offering flowers (Pushpa)

ॐ वरुणाय नमः पुष्पं समर्पयामि।

English Translation: Om, salutations to Lord Varuna. I offer flowers with devotion.

5. Offering incense (Dhoop)

ॐ वरुणाय नमः धूपं घ्रापयामि।

English Translation: Om, salutations to Lord Varuna. I offer fragrant incense.

6. Offering a sacred lamp (Deep)

ॐ वरुणाय नमः दीपं दर्शयामि।

English Translation: Om, salutations to Lord Varuna. I offer the light of a sacred lamp.

7. Offering food (Naivedya)

ॐ वरुणाय नमः नैवेद्यं समर्पयामि।

English Translation: Om, salutations to Lord Varuna. I offer food as Naivedya.

8. Offering water for purification (Achamaniya)

ॐ वरुणाय नमः आचमनीयं समर्पयामि।

English Translation: Om, salutations to Lord Varuna. I offer water for ritual purification.

9. Offering betel leaves and nuts (Tambool)

ॐ वरुणाय नमः ताम्बूलं समर्पयामि।

English Translation: Om, salutations to Lord Varuna. I offer betel leaves and betel nuts.

10. Offering a monetary gift (Dakshina)

ॐ वरुणाय नमः दक्षिणां समर्पयामि।

English Translation: Om, salutations to Lord Varuna. I offer Dakshina as a mark of respect and devotion.

Meaning:

Dashopachara refers to the traditional worship of a deity through ten sacred offerings. Each offering represents respect, gratitude, and devotion toward Lord Varuna. Through these offerings, devotees seek his blessings for purity, peace, protection, and prosperity.

Step 18: Offering Prayers to the Sacred Kalash (Kalash Sthapana Prarthana Mantra)

Sanskrit Mantra:

ॐ सरितः सागराः शैलास्तीर्थानि जलदा नदाः।
आयान्तु मम भक्तस्य दुरित-क्षय-कारकाः॥१॥

कलशस्य मुखे विष्णुः कण्ठं रुद्रः समाश्रितः।
मूले तस्य स्थितो ब्रह्मा मध्ये मातृ-गणाः स्मृताः॥२॥

कुक्षौ तु सागराः सप्त सप्त-द्वीपा वसुन्धरा।
ऋग्वेदोऽथ यजुर्वेदः साम-वेदोप्यथर्वणः॥३॥

अङ्गैश्च सहिताः सर्वे कलशं तु समाश्रिताः।
देव-दानव-सम्वादे मथ्यमाने महोदधौ॥४॥

उत्पन्नोऽसि तदा कुम्भ! विधृतो विष्णुना स्वयं।
त्वत्तः सर्वाणि तीर्थानि देवाः सर्वे त्वयि स्थिताः॥५॥

त्वयि तिष्ठन्ति भूतानि त्वयि प्राणाः प्रतिष्ठिताः।
शिवः स्वयं त्वमेवासि विष्णुस्त्वं च प्रजापतिः॥६॥

आदित्या वसवो रुद्रा विश्वेदेवाः स-पैतृकाः।
त्वयि तिष्ठन्ति सर्वेऽपि यतः काम-फल-प्रदाः॥७॥

त्वत्-प्रसादादिमं कर्म कर्तुमीहे जलोद्भव!
सान्निध्यं कुरु मे देव! प्रसन्नो भव सर्वदा॥८॥

English Translation:

Verse 1:

May all sacred rivers, oceans, mountains, pilgrimage sites, clouds, and flowing waters come together in this Kalash. May their divine presence help remove our sins, difficulties, and misfortunes.

Verse 2:

Lord Vishnu resides at the mouth of the Kalash, Lord Rudra resides at its neck, and Lord Brahma resides at its base. The divine Mother Goddesses are believed to reside in its middle.

Verse 3:

The seven oceans and the seven continents of the Earth reside within the Kalash. The four Vedas, Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda, are also present within it.

Verse 4:

Along with all their sacred branches and divisions, the Vedas reside within this Kalash. O sacred vessel, you came into existence during the great churning of the cosmic ocean by the gods and demons.

Verse 5:

O sacred Kalash, you emerged during the churning of the cosmic ocean and were held by Lord Vishnu himself. All holy pilgrimage sites and divine beings reside within you.

Verse 6:

All living beings and life forces are established within you. You yourself represent Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Prajapati, the divine lord of creation.

Verse 7:

The Adityas, Vasus, Rudras, Vishwadevas, and ancestral divine beings all reside within you. They are the divine powers that bless devotees and help fulfill their wishes.

Verse 8:

O sacred vessel born of the waters, through your blessings, may I successfully perform this worship. O divine one, please remain present here, bless me with your grace, and always be pleased with my devotion.

Meaning:

The Kalash Sthapana Prarthana Mantra describes the divine significance of the sacred Kalash. It is believed to contain the presence of all sacred rivers, oceans, pilgrimage sites, Vedas, and divine powers.

The mantra explains that Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva (Rudra), and Lord Brahma reside in different parts of the Kalash, while the divine Mother Goddesses and other celestial beings are also present within it.

By reciting this prayer, devotees invite divine energies into the Kalash and seek blessings for the successful completion of the puja, spiritual purification, protection, prosperity, and well-being.