Introduction

Navratri is just around the corner! In this auspicious time, devotees enthusiastically engage in worshiping the Mother Goddess. Ghatasthapana has a very important place in Navratri. Performing Ghatasthapana in the correct manner is considered very auspicious. Let us know how Ghatasthapana is done at home and what things need to be kept in mind.

Importance of Ghatasthapana:

• Ghatasthapana is considered to symbolize the arrival of Goddess Durga.
• It is the starting point of worship of nine forms of Goddess Durga.
• Ghatasthapana brings happiness, prosperity and positive energy in the house.

Chaitra Navratri 2024 Ghatasthapana auspicious time

Auspicious time for performing Ghatasthapana during Navratri has great importance. Performing Ghatasthapana at the right time gives full results of the puja. Here we are telling about the auspicious time of Ghatasthapana for Chaitra Navratri 2024:

• Ghatasthapana Date:  Tentatively April 10, 2024 (Please confirm the exact date from the Panchang.)
• Ghatasthapana auspicious time:  06:11 am to 07:51 am (total duration approximately 1 hour 40 minutes)
• Ghatasthapana Abhijeet Muhurta:  11:48 pm to 12:36 pm (total duration approx 48 minutes)

Important information:

• Ghatasthapana is performed on Pratipada tithi as per Hindu calendar.
• Ghatasthapana Puja should always be performed in the first one-third of the day, i.e. as soon as possible after sunrise.
• If for some reason you are not able to do it before the auspicious time, then you can do Ghatasthapana during Abhijeet auspicious time also. Abhijeet Muhurat is considered auspicious for all works.
• According to the Panchang, consult an astrologer or Pandit for the correct time of Ghatasthapana in your area.

Please note: Ghatasthapana Muhurat may vary slightly depending on the location.

Necessary Pujan Samagri

The following materials are required for the worship of Ghatasthapana:

• clay or copper pot
• earthen pot with wide mouth
• Kumkum, Roli
• Holy water
• 8 mango leaves
• Ashtadal (lotus flower with eight petals)
• a clean, red cloth
• whole betel nut
• Cardamom
• coins
• Rice
• a lid
• a coconut
• Kalava (Mauli)

Rules of reduction:

• It is important to choose an auspicious time for Ghatasthapana.
• Ghatasthapana should be done in the north-east direction of the place of worship.
• While worshiping, wear clean clothes and keep your mind calm.
• The puja material includes earthen pot, barley, coconut, mauli, betel leaves, mango leaves, fruits, flowers, roli, akshat, lamp, incense sticks, etc.

Reduction Method:

1. Purify the place of worship by sprinkling Ganga water.
2. Cover the post with red cloth and install it in the north-east direction.
3. Install the idol or picture of Mata Durga at the post.
4. Make an octagon on the left side of Mata Durga.
5. Put Ganga water, milk, coins, betel nut, Akshat, coconut etc. in an earthen pot.
6. Install the Kalash on Ashtadal.
7. Sow barley around the urn.
8. Light the lamp and put incense sticks.
9. Perform Aarti of Mata Durga.
10. Worship Kalash and barley regularly for nine days of Navratri.

Method of Worship

• First of all worship Lord Ganesha.
• Then offer Roli, rice, flowers, incense, lamp etc. to Maa Durga.
• After this, worship the Kalash and invoke all the Gods and Goddesses.

Some additional comments :

• If you want, you can use flowers and garlands to decorate the kalash.
• You can change the water in the Kalash for nine days of Navratri.
• On the last day of Navratri, the Kalash should be immersed.

Ghatasthapana is an important ritual in Navratri which is a way to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga.

Things to keep in mind while doing Ghatasthapana :

1. Take special care of the auspicious time for Ghatasthapana.
2. Always install the Kalash at a pure and clean place.
3. If there are cracks in the earthen pots or there is any defect in the urn, then do not use them.
4. The upper part of the coconut is a symbol of Maa Durga, hence do not break it.
5. Have full devotion and faith in your mind while worshiping.

Best wishes for Chaitra Navratri! May Mother fulfill all your wishes!

Do you have a different way of doing Ghatasthapana at home? Let us know below!