Matsya Kosha Kushi - Pure Copper

A hand-hammered pure copper Matsya Kosha Kushi: the fish-form kosha, with its fluted spout, and the small kushi that takes water from it. Made in West Bengal, the pair at the heart of every Bengali puja holds and pours the water for achaman, sankalpa, arghya and tarpan, at daily worship and in Durga, Kali and Lakshmi Puja.

What is a kosha-kushi?

The kosha-kushi (কোশাকুশি) is the pair of copper vessels used in the Bengali puja tradition. The kosha is the larger vessel that holds the water of worship, often with flowers, durva, sandal paste and akshata. The kushi is the small spoon used to take water from it, a little at a time, for each step of the ritual. Together they are among the first things set out on a Bengali altar, from daily puja to the great festivals of the Devi.

This style is known as the Matsya (fish) kosha-kushi, for its form: the fluted end of the kosha opens like a fish’s tail, and the kushi is shaped like a small fish. The fish is an auspicious sign in Bengal, and recalls Matsya, the first avatar of Vishnu.

Quick facts

• Material: pure copper
• Style: Matsya (fish-form) kosha-kushi
• In the set: 1 kosha and 1 kushi
• Kosha: 9.5 inches long, 4.5 inches wide
• Kushi: 4.5 inches long
• Weight: 390 g, kosha and kushi together
• Finish: hand-hammered copper
• Made in: West Bengal
• Origin: India

A note on the finish: because the kosha-kushi is pure copper, it begins to oxidise as soon as it meets air and moisture. The piece you receive may look less shiny, or a little darker, than in the photographs. This natural patina is a sign of pure, untreated copper rather than a defect, and the shine can be brought back at any time (see Care below).

How it is used in puja

• Achaman: water taken with the kushi and sipped to purify before worship begins
• Sankalpa: water held in the kushi while the intention of the puja is stated
• Arghya: water, with flowers and durva, offered to the deity from the kosha
• Tarpan: water, with til, offered to the ancestors, as at Mahalaya and in shraddha
• Festivals: Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Saraswati Puja and daily worship at the home mandir

Care

• Pure copper naturally darkens over time. To restore its shine, rub it with lemon and salt, or tamarind, then rinse.
• Dry it fully after washing to prevent water spots.
• Avoid harsh detergents and steel scrubbers, which scratch the surface.

Frequently asked questions

What is a kosha-kushi used for?

It holds and pours the water of worship in Bengali puja: for achaman, sankalpa, arghya to the deity and tarpan to the ancestors.

Why is it called Matsya Kosha Kushi?

Matsya means fish. The kosha’s fluted end opens like a fish’s tail and the kushi is shaped like a small fish, so this style is known as the Matsya kosha-kushi.

What is the difference between a kosha and a kushi?

The kosha is the larger vessel that holds the water; the kushi is the small spoon that takes water from it. This set includes both.

Is this kosha-kushi pure copper?

Yes. Both pieces are pure copper, hand-hammered, the metal traditionally used for vessels that hold the water of worship.

What size is the kosha-kushi?

The kosha is 9.5 inches long and 4.5 inches wide, and the kushi is 4.5 inches long. Together they weigh 390 g.

Can it be used for tarpan at Mahalaya?

Yes. Kosha-kushi is the traditional vessel for tarpan in Bengal, offering water and til to the ancestors at Mahalaya and in shraddha.

Why does my kosha-kushi look less shiny than in the photos?

Pure copper reacts with air and moisture and forms a natural layer of oxidation, so it can look darker or less shiny than in the photographs, and will keep darkening with time. This is normal for pure copper; lemon and salt, or tamarind, will bring back its shine whenever you like.