Chaitra Navratri 2023: Here's all about Ghatasthapana during Navratri. Learn about its significance, rituals and shubh muhurat

The holy month of Chaitra Navratri is about to begin, and people across India are preparing for this auspicious festival with zeal and devotion. Navratri is a significant Hindu festival celebrated four times a year, but the two most widely celebrated Navratris are Chaitra Navratri, which occurs in March or April, and Sharad Navratri, which occurs in September or October. This year, Chaitra Navratri will begin on March 22 and end on March 30, culminating with Ram Navami.

One of the essential rituals of Navratri is Ghatasthapana or Kalash Sthapana, which involves setting up a Kalash or a vessel filled with water and decorated with mango leaves, coconut, and other auspicious items in the puja room of one's home. It is believed to be an invitation to Goddess Durga to bless the house with good luck and prosperity. According to popular beliefs, performing this ritual during Navratri brings auspiciousness, good luck, and blessings.

As per Drik Panchang, Ghatasthapana is carried out at a specific time at the start of Navratri. It is considered the invocation of Goddess Shakti, and performing it at an incorrect time may incur the wrath of Goddess Durga. The ideal time for Ghatasthapana Muhurat is during Abhijit Muhurat, which falls on Pratipada Tithi.

The Pratipada Tithi commences on March 21, 2023, at 10:52 PM and concludes on March 22, 2023, at 8:20 PM. Meena Lagna starts on March 22, 2023, at 06:24 AM and ends at 07:33 AM on the same day.

The Ghatasthapana ritual requires various puja samagri, including a statue or picture of Goddess Durga, incense sticks, vermilion, saffron, camphor, bangles, scented oil, mango leaves, red flowers, durva, rosemary, bindi et cetera.

During Navratri, people fast for nine days and worship different forms of Goddess Durga each day. The festival is marked by devotional songs, dances, and various cultural activities. On the ninth day, people offer prayers to Goddess Durga and break their fast, culminating the festival. Chaitra Navratri is a time for introspection, purification, and seeking blessings from the divine, bringing peace and prosperity to one's life.

FAQ

Q1. When is Chaitra Navratri 2023?
A: It starts on March 22 and ends on March 30

Q2. What is another name for Ghatasthapana?
A: Kalash Sthapana.