- By Kashish Rai
- Wed, 02 Oct 2024 01:33 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Shardiya Navratri 2024 Ghatasthapana: In Hindu tradition, Ghatasthapana marks the auspicious beginning of Navaratri or Shardiya Navratri. This sacred ritual involves installing a consecrated Kalasha, symbolising Goddess Durga's invocation and blessings. The ceremony takes place on Pratipada tithi, the first day of Navaratri in the Ashvin month of the Hindu Lunar Calendar. Ghatasthapana signifies the embodiment of divine energy, inviting Goddess Durga's presence into our lives. The ritual sets the tone for the nine-day festivities, seeking spiritual growth, prosperity, and protection. This year, Ghatasthapana will take place on 3rd October 2024.
Check out all the relevant details regarding Navratri Ghatsthapana shubh muhurat, significance and puja vidhi below:
Shardiya Navratri 2024 Ghatasthapana: Date
- Shardiya Navratri 2024 Ghatasthapana Date: 3rd October 2024, Thursday
- Pratipada Tithi Begins: 12:18 AM, 3rd October 2024
- Pratipada Tithi Ends: 02:58 AM, 4th October 2024
Shardiya Navratri 2024 Ghatasthapana: Shubh Muhurat
- Shardiya Navratri 2024 Ghatasthapana Muhurat: 06:15 AM to 07:22 AM, 3rd October 2024
- Shardiya Navratri 2024 Ghatasthapana Abhijit Muhurat:11:46 AM to 12:33 PM, 3rd October 2024
Shardiya Navratri 2024 Ghatasthapana: Significance
Ghatasthapana, or Kalash Sthapana, marks the commencement of the nine-day Navratri celebrations and the Dashain festival, predominantly observed in northeastern India and Nepal. This pivotal ritual invites Goddess Shakti's presence, symbolising her divine energy. Devotees perform Ghatasthapana by placing a sacred pot, filled with holy water, which serves as the primary object of worship for the duration of the festival. This pot represents Goddess Shakti, embodying her power and blessings.
During Navratri, devotees revere the Kalash, urging Goddess Shakti to reside within it until the ninth day. They offer prayers, seeking her acceptance and blessings. The sacred pot remains the focal point of worship, representing the divine feminine. Ghatasthapana holds immense significance, as it invokes Goddess Shakti's presence, guiding devotees toward spiritual growth, prosperity, and protection. Through this ritual, devotees establish a sacred connection with the goddess, seeking her guidance and blessings.
Ghatasthapana invokes Goddess Durga's presence, symbolising divine feminine power, spiritual growth, and protection. (Image Source: Canva)
Shardiya Navratri 2024 Ghatasthapana: Kalash Sthapana Puja Vidhi
Preparations and Purification
Before Ghatasthapana, purify the area and oneself through ritualistic bathing and wearing clean clothes. Gather essential materials: earthen pot, holy water, Ganges water, sand, barley seeds and flowers. Clean and decorate the pot with vermilion, sandalwood paste, and flowers. This preparation symbolises spiritual cleansing and readiness to invoke Goddess Shakti's presence.
Choosing the Auspicious Time
Select an auspicious time for Ghatasthapana, typically during the Pratipada tithi of Ashvin month. Ensure the ceremony takes place during the Shubh Muhurat to maximise spiritual benefits.
Establishing the Kalasha
Fill the earthen pot with sand and make a pit, fill it with some holy Ganga water and add a few barley grains. Decorate the pot with flowers, vermilion, and sandalwood paste. This Kalasha represents the divine feminine, inviting Goddess Durga's blessings and protection. Additionally, take a kalash, fill it with some ganga jal and rice and place some mango leaves over the kalasha. Now, place a coconut above the kalasha and keep it beside the earthen pot.
Invocation and Mantras
Recite sacred mantras, invoking Goddess Durga's presence. Request Goddess Shakti to reside in the Kalasha, granting spiritual growth, prosperity, and protection. Chant the Navarna Mantra or Durga Saptashati to further invoke her blessings.
Worship and Offerings
Offer flowers, fruits, and prayers to Goddess Shakti, seeking her blessings and forgiveness. Perform aarti, waving lamps or camphor to symbolise spiritual illumination. Make offerings to the Kalasha, treating it as the divine presence of Goddess Durga.
Concluding the Ritual
Conclude Ghatasthapana by seeking Goddess Shakti's permission to worship her for nine days. Request her presence until the ninth day, Vijayadashami. This seals the divine connection, ensuring Goddess Durga's blessings throughout Navratri.
Daily Worship and Care
Throughout Navratri, perform daily worship (Puja) and care for the Kalasha: offer flowers, water, and prayers. Maintain the sacred atmosphere, ensuring the continuity of Goddess Shakti's presence.
(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert in the relevant field.)