Ghatasthapana 2018 Date: Muhurat Timings and Puja Vidhi to Begin Chaitra Navaratri Festival

Navratri also spelt as Navaratri meaning nine nights is one of the most celebrated festivals in Hinduism. It takes place four times a year with Sharad Navratri and Chaitra Navratri being the most popular ones. The nine-day festival follows a set of beliefs and puja vidhi (rituals) on shubh muhurat (auspicious puja timings) including Ghatasthapana on the first day to worship the nine forms of Durga Mata, also known as Navadurga. As we will begin with celebrations of Chaitra Navratri taking place near spring equinox usually after Holi in the month of March, devotees must keep few things in mind to attain blessings of Goddess Durga (Maa Parvati). Beginning with the Chaitra Navratri 2018 date, the festivities would begin from Sunday, March 18 (Pratipada) and last until Monday, March 26 (Navratri Parana). This article contains all-important information on Ghatasthapana, one of the most significant rituals during Navratri as it marks the invocation of Goddess Durga.

Ghatasthapana 2018 Date and Shubh Muhurat

Ghatasthapana marks the beginning of the nine-day long festival. It will take place on the first day of Navratri after the no-moon day (the bright forthright) also known as the Pratipada Tithi falling on March 18, Sunday. The holy scriptures claim that fasting worshippers must perform Ghatasthapana Puja at shubh muhurat and rituals or they will end up attracting the wrath of Maa Durga. According to Drik Panchang, most auspicious timings or shubh muhurat to do Ghatasthapana is one-third of the day while Pratipada is prevailing. Ghatasthapana Muhurta on March 18 is 06:31 am to 07:46 am for the duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes.

And if for some reason, devotees cannot do the puja during that time frame, they can do Ghatasthapana Puja in Abhijit Muhurat (March 17, 2018, during midday 12:05 pm to 12:53 pm). Devotees will have a duration of approximately 48 minutes to do the puja. It is advised to avoid Nakshatra Chitra and Vaidhriti Yoga during Ghatasthapana but not prohibited. One should keep in mind to never do this puja post midday. On the day of Ghatasthapana Puja, devotees worship the first form of Goddess Durga, Devi Shailputri. It is called Shailputri Puja.

Ghatasthapana Puja Vidhi

Ghatasthapana is combined of two words - Ghata means "pot or vessel" and sthapana means "to establish". The important feature of this ritual also known as Kalasthapana is about establishing kalash and then proceeding with the invocation of Maa Durga. Ghatasthapana Puja Vidhi will see the devotees assemble necessary items to establish the holy kalash (vessel). Here’s few steps to prepare Kalash, invoking Devi Durga and Panchopachara Puja.

1. Kalasthapana: Bring a wide clay container to sow Sapta Dhanya (seven Grains used for Navratri Ghatasthapana Puja). They are Jau (Barley), Til (Sesame), Dhan (Rice), Moong (Green Gram), Kangani (Foxtail Millet), Chana (Chickpea), and Gehun (Wheat). Take soil and sow all the seeds in three to four layers. Take a brass or clay pitcher, tie a holy mauli dhaga (red-yellow coloured thread) around its neck. Fill the pitcher with water or Ganga Jal, drop a coin, supari (betel nut) and five Ashoka or Mango leaves in it. Place an unpeeled coconut covered in red cloth and tied with mauli dhaga on the pitcher. Take the pitcher and place it on the wide clay vessel with Sapta Dhanya.

2. Invokation of Goddess Durga: Devotees with complete faith and belief invite Goddess Durga to reside in the holy Kalash for the entire time of Navratri festival. They request Durga Mata to accept their prayers and bless them for the festival to be carried on without any hassle. They also ask for forgiveness from Mata if they have made any mistake during puja vidhi.

3. Panchopachara Puja: Fasting devotees will do Panchopachara Puja with five puja items like the name suggests. They will begin with lighting a diya (oil lamp) and show it to the Kalash and all deities invoked in it. It will be followed by showing dhoop sticks, flowers and scent. The last item to worship is by offering Naivedhya (fruits and sweets) to conclude Panchopachara Puja.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 17, 2018 11:53 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).