Kuṁ' denotes the earth, and 'bhāvayati' means to nurture or illuminate. Therefore, 'Kumbha' implies that which nurtures or illuminates the earth by enhancing its splendor.कु कुत्सितं
उम्भति दूरयति जगद्धितायेतिवा कुम्भ:
The term 'Kumbha' is derived from the Sanskrit roots 'ku' meaning 'evil' or 'sinful' and 'umbh' meaning 'to remove' or 'to destroy'. Thus, 'Kumbha' signifies that which removes or dispels evil for the welfare of the world. This etymology reflects the belief that the Kumbh Mela, a grand religious gathering, serves to purify individuals and society by eliminating negativity and promoting universal well-being.
The mantra you've referenced, "चतुरः कुम्भांश्चतुर्धा ददामि" from Atharva Veda 4.34.7, translates to:
"I place four jars in four directions."
This mantra is part of the Atharva Veda and pertains to the description of 'Brahmodana'. The term 'Brahmodana' refers to a Vedic ritual or offering associated with the Brahman, the ultimate reality or universal consciousness in Vedic tradition. In this context, the placement of four jars (kumbhas) in four directions symbolizes the encompassing nature of the ritual, representing completeness and the pervasiveness of the Brahman in all directions.
The use of 'kumbha' (pot or jar) in Vedic rituals often signifies abundance, fertility, and the sustenance of life. Placing these jars in the four cardinal directions during the 'Brahmodana' ritual underscores the intent to harmonize and sanctify the environment in its entirety, invoking blessings and prosperity from all quarters.
This practice reflects the Vedic emphasis on rituals that align the individual and the community with the cosmic order, promoting balance, prosperity, and spiritual well-being.In Vedic literature, the term 'Kumbha' is commonly used to denote a 'kalasha' or sacred pot. In the Kāla Sūkta of the Atharva Veda, there is a reference to a 'full Kumbha' (complete pot). This Kumbha is described as existing in various forms and is identified with time (kāla). Another mantra states that it is the protector of the three worlds, pervades the universe, and that there is no greater brilliance than it. From this mantra, it is understood that the time cycle (kāla chakra) pervading the universe is itself a complete Kumbha, which completes its course through the 12 zodiac signs. Therefore, the period of a complete Kumbha is determined to be 12 years. This time-like Kumbha exists in various forms such as seasons, years, and months, and this time cycle is the protector of the world.
The verse from the Atharva Veda (19.53.3) is as follows:
"pūrṇaḥ kumbho'dhikāla ahitastaṃ vai paśyāmo bahudhā nu santaḥ | sa imā viśvā bhuvanāni pratyaṅ kālaṃ tamāhuḥ parame vyoman ||"
Translation:
"The full vessel of time, imperishable, we behold in many forms among beings. He, time, is said to pervade all these worlds in the supreme space."
This verse emphasizes the concept of time as an all-encompassing entity, symbolized by a full vessel (Kumbha), which manifests in various forms and pervades the entire universe.कं पृथिवीं उम्भति पूरयति मङ्गलसम्मानादिभिरिति कुम्भः । कुं पृथिवीं भावयति दीपयति तेजोवर्द्धनेनेति वा कुम्भः ।
'Kaṁ' refers to the earth, and 'umbhati' means to fill or enrich. Thus, 'Kumbha' signifies that which fills the earth with auspiciousness, honor, and other virtues.
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