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{{Infobox character
| image = GangaTerracottaAhichchhatra.JPG
| alt = Kumbha
| caption = The goddess [[Ganges in Hinduism|Ganga]] shown with a ''kumbha'' (a full vase)
}}
A '''kumbha'''  ({{lang-sa|कुम्भ}}) is a type of [[pottery]] in India. Traditionally, it is made by [[Kumhar|Kumbhar]]s, also known as ''Prajapati''s.

In the context of [[Hindu mythology|Hindu]], [[Jainism|Jain]] and [[Buddhist mythology]], the kumbha symbolises the womb. It represents fertility, life, generative power of human beings and sustenance and is generally associated with [[devi]]s, particularly [[Ganges in Hinduism|Ganga]].<ref name=darian2001-p125>{{Harvnb|Darian|2001|p=125}} Quote: The Kumbha: After the ''Makara'', Ganga's most distinctive sculptural feature is the full vase, first appearing with the river goddess on the same Varaha cave frieze from Udaygiri.  Although not common in the early stages of the Ganga image, the full vase appears more and more frequently as the Ganga theme reaches maturity.</ref>

== Mythological origin ==
According to [[Hindu]] mythology, the first kumbha was created by [[Prajapati]] on the occasion of the marriage of [[Shiva]], so he was first ''kumbhara'' "potter".<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=VfKA9FGPTQoC&pg=PA31&dq=kumbh+Kumbhar&hl=en&ei=ylUCTPOrHISyrAfbkKU8&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8&ved=0CEsQ6AEwBw#v=onepage&q=kumbh%20Kumbhar&f=false The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India, Volume 4] by R. V. Russell</ref> Another myth says that the first pot was created by [[Vishvakarman]] on the occasion of the churning of the ocean for the first [[Amrit Sanchar]].

In Hindu mythology and [[Hindu scriptures|scriptures]], several references are found of human beings born from kumbha. A legend states that [[rishi]] [[Agastya]] was born out of a kumbha. [[Image:prajapatikumbh raw.jpg|thumb|right|240px|Raw Kumbh made by Hans Raj [[Kumhar|Prajapati]] in Punjab : May 2010]]

In several religious ceremonies and rituals, kumbhas or [[kalasha]]s filled with water and leaves and decorated with intricate motifs, sometimes with ornaments, play an important role in ancient India. These rituals still survive in India.

In [[Hindu astrology]], the kumbha stands for the zodiac sign [[Aquarius (astrology)|Aquarius]] and is ruled by 2 important planets that is (Saturn and Rahu). Kumbha is also associated with the [[Kumbh Mela]], which happens when the planet [[Brihaspati]] moves into Aquarius.

In Hindu epic [[Ramayana]], [[Ravana]]'s brother [[Kumbhakarna]] had a son named Kumbha, who was killed by [[Sugriva]].

In the Hindu religion, Kumbha referred to one of the Surname of Schedule tribe Community named [[Yerukala people|Yerukala]] in [[Andhra Pradesh]].

== See also ==
* [[Aquarius (astrology)|Kumbha rashi]], name of zodiac sign Aquarius in sanskrit
* [[Kumbh Mela]]
* [[Kalasha]]
* [[Matki (earthen pot)]]
* [[Bumpa]], a Tibetan Buddhist pot

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

;General
*{{Citation|last=Darian|first=Steven|title=The Ganges in myth and history|publisher=Delhi:Motilal Banarasidass.  Pp. xviii, 219.  Originally published in 1978 by The University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu.|year = 2001|isbn=81-208-1757-5}}
*''Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend'' ({{ISBN|0-500-51088-1}}) by Anna Dallapiccola

{{HinduMythology}}

[[Category:Hindi words and phrases]]
[[Category:Indian pottery]]
[[Category:Hindu symbols]]


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