Pure Copper Devi Kalash/Ghot

A traditional Devi ghot, or puja kalash, made of pure copper in a warm reddish-brown finish, in three sizes from 7.5 to 9 inches tall. It has a rounded body on a pedestal foot and a wide, flared rim to hold mango leaves and a coconut. It is made for ghata sthapana during Navratri and Durga Puja, and for daily puja at home or in the temple.

Quick facts

• Material: pure copper
• 9 x 5 inch: 9 inches tall, 5 inches wide, 814 g
• 9 x 4 inch: 9 inches tall, 4 inches wide, 658 g
• 7.5 x 4 inch: 7.5 inches tall, 4 inches wide, 554 g
• Form: rounded body, pedestal foot and wide flared rim
• Colour: reddish brown

A note on the finish: because the kalash 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).

Choosing a size

• 7.5 x 4 inch: the compact size, for a small home mandir or daily puja
• 9 x 4 inch: taller and slender, for a medium altar
• 9 x 5 inch: the largest and heaviest, with the fullest body, for ghata sthapana, a larger altar or the temple

How it is used

• Ghata sthapana: installed on the first day of Navratri and Durga Puja to invoke the Devi
• Purna kumbha: filled with water, crowned with mango leaves and a coconut for pujas, griha pravesh and auspicious ceremonies
• Daily puja: holding water for abhishek and offerings at the home mandir or temple

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 Devi ghot?

Ghot (ghata) is the vessel used to invoke the Devi during Navratri, Durga Puja, Kali Puja and Lakshmi Puja. It is filled with water and crowned with mango leaves, and is worshipped as the seat of the Goddess for the duration of the puja.

Is this kalash pure copper?

Yes, it is made of pure copper, the metal traditionally preferred for puja vessels.

What sizes does the kalash come in?

Three sizes: 9 inches tall and 5 inches wide (814 g), 9 inches tall and 4 inches wide (658 g), and 7.5 inches tall and 4 inches wide (554 g).

Which size is best for Navratri at home?

For ghata sthapana, the 9 x 5 inch kalash gives the fullest presence, with room for mango leaves and a coconut. The 7.5 x 4 inch suits a small home mandir and daily puja.

Why does my kalash look less shiny than in the photos?

Pure copper reacts with air and moisture and forms a natural layer of oxidation, so the kalash 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.