kamandalu

Kamandalu, from the Sanskrit kamandalu, is a small water vessel traditionally carried by Hindu ascetics and by certain deities in iconography. It is typically a curved, pot-shaped container with a spout, designed to hold drinking water or water for ritual purification. Construction varies and it can be made from wood, metal (bronze or brass), clay, or gourds, often with a simple handle or strap for carrying.

In practice, the kamandalu serves both practical and symbolic roles. Renunciates use it to fetch and store water for personal purification, for offering to guests, or to perform ablutions before prayer. Its presence in monastic imagery and ritual contexts signals renunciation, self-discipline, and reliance on minimal possessions.

Iconography and cultural significance: The kamandalu is a common attribute in Hindu art and temple sculpture. It is frequently associated with sages and is sometimes depicted with Brahma, who may hold a kamandalu in one of his hands. In various ascetic traditions, such as the Dashnami sannyasis, the kamandalu is carried together with other items like a danda (staff) as part of the ascetic’s distinctive kit.

Overall, the kamandalu is a recognizable symbol of renunciation and spiritual practice in Hindu culture, reflecting both everyday utility and religious symbolism.