Here's a breakdown of the word:
* कुम्भ (kumbha): It literally means "pot" or "jar," reflecting the gourd's shape.
Other Sanskrit names for bottle gourd include:
* कलश (kalasa): This also means "pot" or "jar" and is often associated with rituals and ceremonies.
* अलबु (alabu): This is a more informal and regional name.
It's worth noting that the term "kumbha" is also used to refer to other similar-shaped objects like water pots and even the zodiac sign Aquarius.