Navratri 2024 Kalash Sthapana at Home: Step-by-Step Guide

Kalash sthapana: Step-by-step guide

Navratri, one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals, will be observed this year starting from Thursday, October 3, 2024. The festival marks the victory of good over evil and is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms. A major ritual that signals the beginning of this nine-day celebration is Ghatasthapana or Kalash Sthapana.

What is Ghatasthapana?

Ghatasthapana, also known as Kalash Sthapana, is the process of invoking the presence of Goddess Shakti in a Kalash (sacred pot). It is considered the most significant ritual to commence the Navratri festivities. According to Vedic scriptures, Ghatasthapana must be done during a specific time frame to ensure its efficacy. Performing it at the wrong time is believed to bring inauspicious results or the wrath of the Goddess.

Kalash Sthapana 2024: Date and Time

Performing Ghatasthapana during the correct Muhurta is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and blessings of Goddess Durga. It sets a positive tone for the rest of the Navratri celebrations. Several factors are considered while determining the right time for Ghatasthapana, including the position of the sun, ascendant, local sunrise, and sunset timings. It is also crucial to factor in Daylight Saving Time (DST), if applicable in your location.

Also Read: Navratri 2024 Kalash Sthapana Date and Time: Navaratri Ghatasthapana Muhurat and Vidhi

Ghatasthapana 2024: Guidelines for Performing Kalash Sthapana

Follow these steps to perform Kalash Sthapana at home:

1. Choose the Right Muhurt: Ensure you have the exact timing for Ghatasthapana. Ideally, it should be done during the first one-third of the day while Pratipada Tithi is active.
2. Prepare the Kalash: Clean a copper or brass pot thoroughly. Fill it with water and place some coins, betel leaves, and grains inside it. Place a coconut on top of the Kalash and wrap it with a red cloth. Secure it with a sacred thread (mouli) to symbolize purity and protection.
3. Set Up the Pooja Area: Select a clean and sacred spot in your house, preferably a prayer room or any designated place where the family gathers for prayers. Spread a fresh cloth or mat on the floor.
4. Sow the Barley Seeds: Take a clay pot or a small earthen container filled with mud. Sow barley seeds in it and sprinkle water. This pot should be placed in the center of the Kalash Sthapana area, as the growing barley symbolizes growth, prosperity, and well-being.
5. Invoke the Goddess: Light a diya (lamp) and some incense sticks. Chant prayers dedicated to Goddess Durga and invoke her presence in the Kalash.

“Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundaye Vichche”

This mantra is believed to invoke the divine energies of the Goddess.

6. Offer Flowers and Sweets: Decorate the Kalash with flowers and offer sweets or fruits as prasad. You can also place nine different grains or pulses in front of the Kalash, symbolizing the nine forms of Durga.
7. Daily Worship: Throughout Navratri, offer fresh flowers, light a diya, and recite Durga Saptashati or other devotional hymns daily. Sprinkle water on the barley pot as needed.

By adhering to these time-honoured traditions and rituals, you invite divine energies into your home, filling it with positivity and spiritual growth throughout the nine days of Navratri. Happy Navratri!

Also Read: Navratri 2024: Akhand Jyot Rules and Significance