Chaitra Navaratri 2017 begins with Amavasya on March 28th. The nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga culminates with Rama Navami, a day referred to as the birth date of Lord Rama. The celebrations and prayers of Navaratri are initiated after Ghatasthapana which symbolises Devi Durga.
What is Ghatasthapana?
Ghatasthapana is a ritual that establishes the feminine power.
It is assembled using a number of Puja items that are symbolic and holy. Here’s how it is put together:
A shallow pan like utensil with a wide mouth made of clay is often used as the base. Three layers of each of mud and seeds of Sapta Dhanya / Navadhanya (seven or nine different grains) are scattered in the pan. Sprinkle water so that the seeds get enough moisture to thrive and germinate.
A Kalash (made of brass/copper or silver) smaller than mouth of the clay pan is filled with Ganga jal or normal clean water. A few currency coins, supari, Akshat ( Raw rice mixed with turmeric powder) and Durva grass are put in the water. Then five leaves of the mango tree are placed around the neck of the Kalash. And finally, the neck of the Kalash is covered by placing a coconut with its fibre protruding upward.
This Kalash is then kept right in the middle of the pan with the mud and Navadhanya.
Some people put raw rice, coins, dried turmeric fruit and kumkum in the Kalash instead of water.
Then a Haldi-kumkum tika is put on the Kalash.
You can even cover the Kalash with a fresh piece of coloured cloth and put a small garland around it.
Once the Ghata is prepared, place it in your Puja room on a wooden platform. Then you need to invoke in the Kalash and thus invite her to your home to accept your offerings and prayers.
After invoking the Goddess (which is similar to Prana Pratishthan), you need to perform the Panchopachara Puja wherein you would be required to greet her with chandan, flowers, incense, an oil lamp and fruits or Prasad.
Check out the Ghatasthapana Timings here:
According to Drikpanchang.com, Ghatasthapana Muhurta begins at 8:26 AM and ends at 10:26 AM on March 28. In this month, the first day merges with Amavasya.
Pratipada Tithi Begins on 8:26 AM on March 28 and ends at 5:44 AM on the following day.
