Navratri, a nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Durga, commences with Ghatasthapana, also known as Kalash Sthapana. This ritual marks the installation of a sacred pot, symbolising the presence of the goddess in the home. Ghatasthapana is a significant and auspicious ceremony, and adhering to certain dos and don'ts is essential for a proper and blessed beginning to this festive period. Navratri 2023 Date and Ghatasthapana Shubh Muhurat: Know the Significance of the Auspicious Hindu Festival Dedicated to Maa Durga.

Dos for Navratri 2023 Ghatasthapana

  • Adhere to the Shubh Muhurat: On October 15, 2023, Abhijeet Muhurta will be from 11:44 am to 12:30 am. During this time, you can do Ghatasthapana. Ghatasthapana should be performed during a specific period known as the "shubh muhurat," considered the most auspicious time to initiate this ceremony.

  • Clean and Prepare the Space: Ensure the area where Ghatasthapana will take place is thoroughly cleaned and purified. This reflects the readiness to invite the goddess into your home.

  • Use a Suitable Clay Pot (Kalash): The clay pot or Kalash you choose should be clean and preferably made of clay, copper, or silver. It should be filled with holy water and covered with a lid.

  • Decorate the Kalash: Adorn the Kalash with coconut, mango leaves, and red cloth. The coconut symbolizes Lord Shiva, and the mango leaves represent prosperity and growth.

  • Place the Kalash Correctly: Position the Kalash in the Puja area, facing east or north, and ensure it remains undisturbed throughout the nine days of Navratri.

  • Perform Panchopachara Puja: Invoke the goddess by performing Panchopachara Puja, which involves offering five symbolic items – flowers, incense, a lamp, water, and food.

  • Recite Mantras and Chants: Chanting of specific mantras and hymns dedicated to Goddess Durga is a crucial part of Ghatasthapana.

Don'ts for Ghatasthapana

  • Avoid Using a Broken or Damaged Kalash: The Kalash should be in pristine condition. A broken or damaged pot is considered inauspicious.

  • Don't Place the Kalash in the Wrong Direction: Ensure the Kalash faces east or north to receive the goddess's blessings. Placing it in the wrong direction is discouraged.

  • Do Not Move the Kalash: Once the Kalash is placed, avoid moving it during the nine days of Navratri. This is to maintain the sanctity of the ritual.

  • Avoid Non-Veg Food & Alcohol: On the auspicious day, avoid non-vegetarian food and alcohol.

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Ghatasthapana is the initiation of a sacred and spiritually charged period, and adhering to these dos and don'ts ensures that the ritual is conducted with the utmost reverence. The goddess Durga is believed to bless devotees during Navratri, and Ghatasthapana sets the stage for a successful and harmonious nine days of worship, fasting, and celebration.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 13, 2023 11:33 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).