Navratri is one of the prominent festivals of the Hindu religion. Throughout the year, we observe four Navratri. Out of those four, Chaitra Navratri and Sharadiya Navratri are celebrated the most among the devotees. It is the celebration of nine forms of Maa Durga and her victory over the Demon King Mahishasura. The commencement of Navratri is done by the ritual of Ghatasthapana, and therefore it is one of the most significant solemn ceremonies to be followed. When done right, it bestows you with luck and prosperity. Here is all you need to know:
Significance of Ghatasthapana:
Ghatasthaphana or Kalashsthatpna is done on the first of the nine days of Navratri. This ritual marks the beginning of Navratri. During this festival, a Pot or Kalash is one of the most salient things to worship. In this pot, Maa Shakti is invoked, and she is worshipped for nine days. Navdurga, the nine forms of Maa Durga is offered prayers by her devotees for luck & abundance and to receive blessings from her. The Victory of Maa Durga over Mahishasura is also described in Durga Saptashati Puja, a well-defined process from Markandeya Purana with 700 verses. An accurately performed Durga Saptashati Puja by our adept Pandits can help you neutralize the negativity from your life and bring you success and fortune.
For Sharad Navratri 2023, the Ghatasthapana Date falls on the 15th of October, Sunday. Along with the date of Ghatasthapana, there are some timings and guidelines one needs to follow while performing the ritual. It should not be done in the time of the night or on Amavasya, as our ancient scriptures warn us of the wrath of Maa Shakti if Ghatasthapana is performed at the wrong time.
Ghatasthapana 2023 Date and Right Time for Sharad Navratri
As Ghatasthapana is performed on the day one of Navratri, it is done on the day of ‘Pratipada’ (the first day of the lunar fortnight).
The vidhi or ritual of Ghatasthapana should be done in the first third of the pratipada tithi, in the morning. If for some reason, that time is not available, Ghatasthapana can also be done in Abhijit Muhurat. Abhijit Muhurat is considered one of the most auspicious times of the day, strong enough to mitigate all the doshas. It is a good time for new beginnings and bringing fortunes.
For Ghatasthapana 2023, here are the auspicious Muhurats:
Ghatasthapana Muhurat: 11:44 AM to 12:32 PM (Duration – 00 Hours 48 Mins)
- Chitra Nakshatra Begins: 04:24 PM on Oct 14, 2023
- Chitra Nakshatra Ends: 06:13 PM on Oct 15, 2023
- Vaidhriti Yoga Begins: 10:25 AM on Oct 14, 2023
- Vaidhriti Yoga Ends: 10:25 AM on Oct 15, 2023
The Vedic scriptures do not advise to take choghadiya muhurat for the ritual of Ghatasthapana during Navratri. However, we can try to include the dwi-swabhav lagna into the already mentioned muhurat. During Sharad Navratri, the dwi-swabhav lagna prevails during the time close to sunrise. If it is convenient, Ghatasthapana can be done at that time.
First Consultation with 100% Cashback, so don’t miss the chance to get consult of expert astrologers.
How to Perform Navratri Ghatasthapana Vidhi?
To perform the Ghatasthapana Vidhi, you will need an earthen pot with a wide mouth, copper or brass pot (Kalash), clean soil, seven grains, gangajal, sacred thread, betel nuts, rice grains, mango leaves, red cloth, unpeeled coconut, durva grass, scent, coins.
Here is how to perform Ghatasthapana vidhi:
- Fill the base of the earthen pot with clean soil to invoke the Goddess and press the grains into it. Follow this process until the earthen pot is filled to the brim.
- In the Copper or Brass Pot (Kalash), take a little amount of Gangajal along with betel nuts, rice grains, durva grass, coins, scent.
- Cover the mouth of Kalash with six mango leaves.
- Tie the unpeeled coconut in the red cloth with the help of the sacred thread, and put the coconut on top of mango leaves covering the mouth of the Kalash.
- Finally, put the prepared Kalash in the earthen pot filled with clean soil, and you are good to go.
The literal meaning of Ghatasthapana translates to placing the pot in a propitious way. Once the Ghatasthapana puja vidhi is observed, you can worship the Maa Shakti for nine days to come.
The Grand Beginning:
Ghatasthapana is indeed a grand beginning to the grand festival of Navratri. At the same time, it is a sacred manifestation of the spiritual connection between Maa Durga and her devotees. May the Goddess bless you and your loved ones with all the positivity this Navratri!
To Get Your Personalized Solutions, Talk To An Astrologer Now!
With Ganesha’s Grace,
GaneshaSpeaks.com