Kamandalu or kamandal is an belong water pot which yogis often use for storing drinking water. The water-filled kamandalu, which is invariably carried by ascetics, is stated to represent a simple and self-contained life. It is viewed as a symbol of ascetism. The kamandalu is often depicted in hands of gods, who appear as ascetics, like Shiva, Krishna and Brahma and also water deities like Varuna, Ganga and Sarasvati. Several legends refer to the kamandalu. Vamana the dwarf avatar of god Vishnu, requests demon king Mahabali for three feet of land. The donation of the land is sanctified through pouring water through a kamandal.