A water-holding vessel having a flared aperture to aid correct pouring and a narrowing at the top (so that the vessel may be held in one hand).
The lota is a drinking vessel. Without putting the vessel to one's lips, water may be poured straight into one's mouth, rendering the vessel and its contents unclean.
A lota is also often used for bathing (snana), pouring water
over one's body, and any other purpose that requires holding and pouring water.
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