Navratri 2023: Kalash Sthapana Time

Categories: OTHERS

Every year, when Navratri begins, an atmosphere of piety, celebration, and spiritual renewal permeates the atmosphere. Millions of people around the world have a special place in their hearts during Navratri, a nine-night event that is celebrated with fervour and reverence. These nine days, which commemorate the victory of good over evil, are devoted to the worship of Goddess Durga and all of her incarnations. The auspicious Kalash Sthapana, a crucial ceremony that establishes the mood for this exciting celebration, will take place on October 15th, 2023, and worshippers are anxiously getting ready for it.

Understanding Navratri: A Celebration of the Divine Feminine

The celebration of Navratri, which derives from the Sanskrit words "Nava" (nine) and "Ratri" (night), represents the triumph of light over darkness. The worship of the divine feminine is the focus of this festival, which is observed in various ways throughout India. A distinct manifestation of Goddess Durga is worshipped on each day of Navratri, including Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. The festival comes to a close with the celebration of Dussehra, which represents Lord Rama's victory over the demon king Ravana.

The Significance of Kalash Sthapana

A significant ceremony performed during Navratri is Kalash Sthapana, also referred to as Ghatasthapana. It entails summoning Goddess Durga's heavenly power into a sacred pot called the Kalash. This ceremony ushers in the official start of the Navratri celebration and is thought to welcome the divine into one's house or place of worship. The Kalash is worshipped with the deepest dedication and reverence throughout the whole Navratri season because it is revered as a symbol of fertility and abundance.

Navratri 2023: Kalash Sthapana Time

In 2023, Navratri begins on October 15 and lasts through October 24. The Kalash Sthapana time is determined according to the precise Muhurat, or auspicious hour, which varies every year. The Pratipada Tithi of the Ashwin month is thought by Hindus to be the most auspicious period for Ghatasthapana. The auspicious period for Kalash Sthapana, or Ghat Sthapana, during Shardiya Navratri is on October 15 from 11.44 am to 12.30 pm.

This is a perfect time to construct a ghat. A clay pot, or Ashtadhatu, is positioned in the northeast corner to form Ghat.

Procedure for Kalash Sthapana

Careful commitment to certain procedures and rituals is necessary when performing the Kalash Sthapana ceremony. Here is a broad description on how to perform Kalash Sthapana.:

a. Preparing the Kalash: 

Water is poured into the Kalash, which is often fashioned of copper, brass, or silver. The mouth of the Kalash is covered with a coconut and covered with mango leaves.

b. Establishing the Kalash: 

The Kalash is then placed at a spot of the house or place of worship that is clean and sanctified, on a bed of fresh dirt or sand. The soil is used to form a small mound, and barley seeds are planted there.

c. Invocation of the Divine: 

During the construction of the Kalash, prayers and mantras to the goddess Durga are recited to invoke her heavenly presence. The Goddess is presented with flowers and fruits by devotees while incense sticks are lit.

d. Pujas and Offerings: 

Daily special pujas, aartis, and bhajans are conducted during the nine days of Navratri. To obtain the blessings of Goddess Durga, devotees maintain fasts and present unique foods, such as fruits, sweets, and dishes made from particular grains.

The Spiritual Significance of Kalash Sthapana

The establishment of spiritual energy and the purest invocation of the divine feminine force are represented by the Kalash Sthapana. The coconut perched atop the Kalash, which represents Mother Earth, is thought to signify divine consciousness and provide nourishment for all life. The barley seeds represent the prosperity and abundance that Navratri worshippers crave because they are symbols of fertility and expansion.

Celebrating Navratri across India

India celebrates Navratri with distinctive regional flavours. People perform spirited Garba and Dandiya Raas dances in Gujarat and Maharashtra to honour Goddess Durga with rhythmic movements and colourful costumes. The celebration, known as Durga Puja in West Bengal, is celebrated with lavish pandals, creative idols, and opulent processions. The essence of this celebration is marked in various regions of the country by elaborate Rangoli designs, devotional music, and community gatherings.

The Culmination of Navratri: Dussehra

The concluding day of Navratri, known as Dussehra, is celebrated as the triumph of good over evil. In the middle of celebrations and fireworks, effigies of the demon king Ravana are burned, serving as a reminder of the ultimate victory of justice.

Navratri 2023: A moment for contemplation and renewal

With its deep spiritual importance and rich cultural heritage, Navratri offers devotees a significant chance to explore introspection, spiritual development, and the celebration of life's inherent goodness. Devotees request the heavenly blessings of Goddess Durga through the Kalash Sthapana ceremony and seek her counsel in their quest for inner fortitude and wealth. Let us embrace the spirit of solidarity, dedication, and joy as the festive fervour fills the air, sowing a spirit of peace and kindness that transcends all barriers and divisions. May this Navratri usher in a time of rekindled optimism, material success, and spiritual enlightenment for everybody.