Ghatasthapana Puja Vidhi during Navratri
Ghatasthapana Time
Ghatasthapana is a significant ritual that marks the beginning of Navratri, symbolizing the invocation of Goddess Shakti. Hindu scriptures provide precise guidelines for performing Ghatasthapana at the right time to ensure divine blessings and avoid any inauspicious effects. Performing Ghatasthapana at the wrong time may bring unfavorable outcomes, as forewarned by the scriptures. It is strictly prohibited during Amavasya and nighttime.
The most auspicious time (Shubh Muhurat) for Ghatasthapana is the first one-third of the day while Pratipada Tithi is prevailing. If this time is unavailable, the ritual can be performed during Abhijit Muhurta. While it is advised to avoid Nakshatra Chitra and Vaidhriti Yoga, they are not strictly prohibited. However, the most important rule is that Ghatasthapana should be completed before Hindu midday while Pratipada is still prevailing.
To determine the exact Ghatasthapana Muhurat for a particular location, one should consult a Panchang with city-specific details.
Chaitra Navratri 2025 Ghatasthapana Muhurat
Ghatasthapana Muhurat – 06:13 AM to 10:22 AM (Duration – 04 Hours 08 Mins)
Ghatasthapana Abhijit Muhurat – 12:01 PM to 12:50 PM (Duration – 00 Hours 50 Mins)
Pratipada Tithi Begins – 04:27 PM on Mar 29, 2025
Pratipada Tithi Ends – 12:49 PM on Mar 30, 2025
Read This: https://bharatarticles.com/chaitra-navratri-2025-dates-significance-rituals-and-cultural-importance/
Ghatasthapana Items
To perform Ghatasthapana, the following items are required:
- A wide and open clay pot for sowing Sapta Dhanya (seven types of grains)
- Clean soil for sowing the grains
- Seeds of seven different grains (Sapta Dhanya)
- A small clay or brass pitcher (Kalash)
- Sacred water or Ganga Jal to fill the Kalash
- Sacred thread (Moli or Kalaya)
- Scent (perfume)
- Supari (betel nuts)
- Coins to place inside the Kalash
- Five Ashoka or Mango leaves
- A lid to cover the Kalash
- Raw, unbroken rice (Akshat) to place on the lid
- An unpeeled coconut
- A red cloth to wrap the coconut
- Flowers and garland (preferably marigold)
- Durva grass
Kalash Preparation for Ghatasthapana
Before invoking Goddess Durga, the Kalash should be prepared with utmost devotion.
Step 1: Sowing Sapta Dhanya
- Take a wide clay pot and spread the first layer of clean soil.
- Sprinkle the grain seeds evenly over the soil.
- Add the second layer of soil and spread grains near the edges.
- Add the third and final layer of soil.
- If necessary, sprinkle a little water to moisten the soil and facilitate seed germination.
Step 2: Preparing the Kalash
- Tie a sacred thread around the neck of the Kalash.
- Fill the Kalash with holy water up to the neck.
- Add Supari, scent, Durva grass, Akshat, and coins into the water.
- Place five Ashoka or Mango leaves at the mouth of the Kalash before covering it with a lid.
Step 3: Placing the Coconut
- Take an unpeeled coconut and wrap it in a red cloth.
- Secure the red cloth around the coconut using a sacred thread.
- Place the wrapped coconut on top of the Kalash.
- Finally, place the prepared Kalash at the center of the pot containing the sown grains.
Invocation of Goddess Durga
After preparing the Kalash, devotees should invoke Goddess Durga by chanting prayers and requesting Her divine presence in the Kalash for the nine days of Navratri.
Panchopachara Puja (Fivefold Worship)
Panchopachara Puja is a simplified form of worship using five essential offerings:
- Dipa (Lamp) – Light a lamp and show it to the Kalash and the deities invoked in it.
- Dhoop (Incense Sticks) – Light incense sticks and offer them to the Kalash.
- Pushpa (Flowers) – Offer fresh flowers to the Kalash and Goddess Durga.
- Gandha (Scent) – Apply or sprinkle scented perfume near the Kalash.
- Naivedhya (Food Offering) – Offer fruits, sweets, and other sacred food items to the Kalash as Prasad.
This concludes the Ghatasthapana Puja Vidhi, initiating the sacred nine-day festival of Navratri with devotion and auspiciousness.
