Shardiya Navratri, also known as Maha Navaratri, is a major Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. It typically takes place in late September to early October, spanning nine nights. Each night of the festival is dedicated to one of the nine forms of Durga, with specific rituals, fasting, and devotional practices. During Navratri, devotees participate in various religious activities including special prayers, dances like Garba and Dandiya, and vibrant cultural performances. This year, Shardiya Navratri starts from October 3 and ends on October 11 on the day of Navami. At the same time, the festival of Vijayadashami will be celebrated on October 12. Maa Durga will be angry if any puja item is missing; as these materials are very important for Ghatasthapana.
Pandit Shridhar Shastri claimed that, according to religious belief, Ghatasthapana in the morning during Navratri is considered as extremely fruitful and auspicious, but this time due to Chitra Nakshatra and Vaidhriti Yoga in the morning, Ghatasthapana won’t be done in the morning. Instead, it would be done on October 15 at 11:44 am in the morning because Abhijeet Muhurta fell on this auspicious day.
Pandit Shridhar Shastri claimed that Navratri Ghat or Ghatasthapana is a significant ritual during Navratri. The Ghat refers to a sacred setup or platform where devotees perform religious rites and worship the Goddess Durga.
Significance of Ghatasthapana:
The Ghat symbolises the divine presence and serves as a focal point for worship and festivities. It represents the spiritual abode of the goddess, making the rituals more meaningful. Setting up the Ghat helps the devotees focus their worship and prayers in dedicated, sacred space, enhancing their spiritual experience and devotion.
Items necessary for Ghatasthapana:
Pandit Shridhar Shastri mentions that while installing the Ghat, it is necessary to fill a clay or a copper pot with clean water and wrap a red cloth on a coconut and tie the coconut with a thread and place it on top of the pot at the place of worship.
Before the puja begins, it is necessary for the devotees to collect some important items to worship and please Maa Durga. 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.
If devotees perform the puja of Goddess Durga by following the important rules and rituals mentioned above, then they will receive the blessings of Maa Durga as it will bring good fortune.
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