New Delhi: The nine days of Chaitra Navratri, that is set to begin from April 2 this year, holds a special significance in the Hindu religion.
Chaitra Navratri marks the beginning of the Hindu new year and during the span of nine days, nine different forms of Maa Durga, considered as the symbol of power, is worshipped.
Since these nine days fall on the month of ‘Chaitra’, it is called Chaitra Navratri. According to the Panchang, the festival of Chaitra Navratri will be celebrated from April 2 to April 11 this year.
Auspicious moment of Ghatsthapana
Ghatasthapana in Chaitra Navratri will be done on April 2. According to the Hindu calendar, Pratipada starts on April 1 at 11:53 am and will end on April 2 at 11:58 am.
The auspicious time of Ghatasthapana will be from 6.10 am to 8.31 am on April 2. Ghatasthapana Abhijeet Muhurta will be from 12 noon to 12.50 pm on the same day.
Rahukaal
On this day (April 2), Rahukaal will remain from 9.17 am to 10.51 am. According to Hindu scriptures, no auspicious work is done during this span.
Method of installation and worship of Kalash
Seven types of grain, earthen pot (kalash), mud brought from a holy place, Gangajal, mango or Ashoka leaves, betel nut, jasmine, coconut, red sutra, molly, cardamom, clove, camphor, red cloth and flowers are required for Kalash worship.
The Kalash is installed on the first day of Navratri. Before setting up the Kalash, clean the temple thoroughly and spread a red cloth. After this, put some rice on this cloth. Sow barley in a wide earthen pot. Now place an urn full of water on this. Tie Kalawa on the Kalash. Apart from this, put betel nut, a coin, Akshat leaves in the Kalash. Now keep a coconut wrapped with a cloth on top and place the Ashoka or mango leaves.
Tie the Kalava on the coconut. Invoke Maa Durga by placing coconut in the Kalash. After that, start the worship by lighting a lamp.
First Day Of Worship
Maa Shailputri is worshiped on the first day of Navratri. Maa Shailputri, considered the first form of Maa Durga, is the goddess of good luck and peace. It is said that worshiping Maa Shailputri on the first day of Navratri brings all kinds of happiness and desired results.