Shardiya Navratri 2024: Ghatasthapana Timing, Rituals, Required Items, and Significance
Shardiya navratri, also known as maha Navaratri, is a prominent Hindu festival celebrating Goddess Durga. This festival usually occurs from late september to early october and lasts for nine nights, each dedicated to one of the nine forms of Durga. It involves specific rituals, fasting, and devotion, with activities such as special prayers, Garba and Dandiya dances, and vibrant cultural events. For 2024, Shardiya navratri begins on october 3 and concludes on october 11, with vijayadashami celebrated on october 12. It’s crucial not to omit any puja items during Ghatasthapana, as these are vital for the ceremony.
Pandit Shridhar Shastri explained that traditionally, performing Ghatasthapana in the morning is considered highly auspicious. However, due to the Chitra Nakshatra and Vaidhriti yoga affecting the morning this year, Ghatasthapana will instead occur on october 15 at 11:44 AM, when the Abhijeet Muhurta is favorable.
The Ghatasthapana, or the installation of the Ghat, is a central ritual during Navratri. The Ghat is a sacred setup or platform where devotees conduct religious rites and venerate Goddess Durga.
Significance of Ghatasthapana:
The Ghat symbolizes divine presence and serves as the main focus for worship and celebration. It represents the goddess’s spiritual residence, making the rituals more profound. Setting up the Ghat provides a dedicated, sacred space for worship, enhancing the devotees' spiritual experience and devotion.
Items Needed for Ghatasthapana:
According to Pandit Shridhar Shastri, essential items for Ghatasthapana include:
A clay or copper pot filled with clean water
A red cloth-wrapped coconut tied with thread, placed on top of the pot
The items include, Coconut, red cloth or chunri, thread, sand, incense sticks, doob grass, roli, sesame seeds, barley, cotton, wool, desi ghee, camphor, betel nut, betel leaf, copper glass, sindoor, panchamrit, fruits, flowers, big chunri for Goddess Durga, and Durga chalisa.
By adhering to these rituals and using the necessary items, devotees are believed to receive the blessings of Maa Durga, bringing good fortune and spiritual prosperity.