Ghatasthapana, also known as Kalash Sthapana, is a significant ritual that marks the beginning of Shardiya Navratri. This year it will be celebrated on Thursday, Octoer 3, 2024. This ritual is the invocation of Goddess Shakti and sets the stage for the nine days of festivities.
Kalash Sthapana 2024: Date and Time
| Event | Day/Date |
| Kalash Sthapana Date | Thursday, October 3, 2024 |
|
Ghatasthapana MuhuratDuration | 06:15 AM to 07:22 AM01 Hour 06 Mins |
|
Ghatasthapana Abhijit MuhuratDuration |
11:46 AM to 12:33 PM47 Min |
Ghatasthapana is a detailed process and must be performed under specific conditions to ensure it brings auspiciousness and blessings. Below are some guidelines to be followed:
- Avoid Amavasya and Night Time: Performing Ghatasthapana during Amavasya (New Moon Day) or at night is strictly prohibited.
- Timing: The ritual should be completed within the first one-third of the day while Pratipada is active. If this is not possible, the Abhijit Muhurat can be considered as an alternative.
- Avoid Certain Yogas: While Nakshatra Chitra and Vaidhriti Yoga are not considered ideal for Ghatasthapana, they are not strictly prohibited.
- Perform Before Hindu Midday: The ritual should always be completed before the Hindu midday, while Pratipada is prevailing. Any time beyond sixteen Ghatis (approximately 6 hours 24 minutes) after sunrise is also considered inauspicious for Ghatasthapana.
Also Read: Navratri 2024: Full 9-Day Schedule and Durga Puja Details
Kalash Sthapana 2024: Ghatasthapana Vidhi (Procedure)
The process of Ghatasthapana is quite detailed and should be performed with complete devotion and precision. Below is a step-by-step guide for performing the Ghatasthapana:
1. Preparation of the Kalash:
- Take a clean Kalash (pot) made of either clay, brass, or copper. Fill it with clean water, preferably from a river or other sacred source.
- Place mango leaves around the neck of the Kalash.
- Place a coconut, wrapped in a red cloth, on top of the Kalash.
- The Kalash should be placed on a bed of clean rice or unbroken grains.
- The area should be purified by sprinkling Ganga Jal (holy water) or plain water mixed with a pinch of turmeric.
- Create a small layer of soil, and sow barley or wheat seeds, which are considered auspicious.
- Light an oil lamp and place it near the Kalash.
- Decorate the area with flowers and apply a Swastik symbol on the Kalash using turmeric paste.
- Chant the invocation mantra for Goddess Durga or Shakti. Popular mantras include "Om Dum Durgaye Namaha" or any Navratri-specific mantras like the Durga Saptashati.
- Offer flowers, kumkum, and sandalwood paste to the Kalash.
- Place fruits, sweets, and other offerings before the Kalash.
- Recite the Durga Saptashati or other hymns dedicated to the Goddess to seek blessings and initiate the nine-day celebration.
- Perform the Aarti and seek blessings from the Goddess.
- Ensure the lamp remains lit throughout the nine days of Navratri as a symbol of divine presence in the house.
Also Read: Navratri 2024 Bhog for Each Day: Traditional Offerings to Maa Durga
Ghatasthapana 2024: Muhurat Calculation
It is essential to note that the Muhurat for Ghatasthapana varies depending on the location. Factors like sunrise, sunset, midday, ascendant, and even Daylight-Saving Time (if applicable) need to be considered. Therefore, it is advisable to use tools like the Panchang or consult with an astrologer to find the exact Ghatasthapana Muhurat for your city.
The DrikPanchang.com team takes these variations into account to provide accurate Muhurat timings for over 1,00,000 cities worldwide. While some may suggest using Choghadiya Muhurat for Ghatasthapana, this is not recommended, as it is not supported by Vedic scriptures.
Read: Navratri 2024 Fasting Rules: What to Eat and Avoid
Ghatasthapana 2024: Lagna
Another crucial factor considered during Ghatasthapana is Lagna (Ascendant). During Shardiya Navratri, the Dvi-Svabhava Lagna Kanya (Virgo), which prevails during sunrise, is often considered suitable for this ritual. If all other conditions are met, this Lagna can be used to determine the Muhurat for Ghatasthapana.
Ghatasthapana, or Kalash Sthapana, is an important ritual that invokes the blessings of Goddess Shakti and marks the commencement of the nine-day Navratri festival. Observing this ritual at the right time, as prescribed in our scriptures, ensures that it brings peace, prosperity, and divine blessings. Ensure to perform Ghatasthapana during the auspicious time on 3rd October 2024, and welcome Goddess Durga into your home with devotion and reverence.
Also Read: Navratri 2024: Akhand Jyot Rules and Significance
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