Navratri 2023, the festival of nine nights, is one of the most significant and vibrant festivals celebrated by Hindus across the world. This festival, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga in her various forms, symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Navratri 2023 is just around the corner, and it’s time to prepare for this spiritually enriching occasion. In this blog, we will delve into the auspicious time to perform Kalash Sthapana, one of the most important rituals during Navratri, and understand its significance.
Understanding Navratri 2023
Navratri, meaning “nine nights” in Sanskrit, is observed in the lunar month of Ashwin (usually September or October) and Chaitra (March or April). The festival occurs twice a year and celebrates the divine feminine energy in the form of Goddess Durga.
This year, Shardiya Navratri is scheduled to begin on Sunday, October 15 and end on Tuesday, October 24. Shardiya Navratri Calendar 2023 is as follows:
15 October (Sunday): Ghatasthapana, Maa Shailputri Puja
16 October(Monday): Maa Brahmacharini Puja
17 October(Tuesday): Maa Chandraghanta Puja
18 October (Wednesday): Maa Kushmanda Puja, Vinayaka Chaturthi
19 October (Thursday): Maa Skandamata Puja
20 October (Friday): Maa Katyayani Puja
21 October (Saturday): Maa Kalaratri Puja
22 October(Sunday): Durga Ashtami, Mahagauri Puja, Kanya Puja
23 October Monday): Maha Navami, Maa Siddhidatri puja, Havan
24 October(Tuesday): Vijayadashami, Dussehra, Navratri Paran, Durga Visarjan
Navratri 2023: 9 Colors and Meaning
Navratri Day 1 – 15 October
On the first day of Navratri, orange clothing brings warmth and positivity, making you feel optimistic.
Day 2 – October 16
Wearing white on Monday symbolizes purity, provides inner peace and the blessing of the goddess.
Day 3 – October 17
Tuesday calls for red clothes that represent passion and love, fill you with energy and vigor.
Day 4 – October 18
Don royal blue in the middle, show off elegance and opulence as you celebrate Navratri.
Day 5 – October 19
Yellow Thursday radiates optimism and joy and keeps your spirits up.
Day 6 – October 20
Embrace green on Friday, which symbolizes growth, peace and new beginnings.
Day 7 – October 21
Choose gray for balanced emotions and an understated style statement during Navratri.
Day 8 – October 22
Sunday’s purple attire signifies luxury and nobility, bestows the blessing of wealth and nobility.
Day 9 – 23 October
Adorned with peacock green on the final day, it embraces uniqueness, compassion and freshness in this gorgeous shade of blue and green.
Shardiya Navratri 2023: Shubh Muhurat
Shubh muhurat for Shardiya Navratri i.e. Pratipada Tithi starts on October 14 at 23:24 and Pratipada Tithi ends on October 16 at 00:32.
The Nine Forms of Goddess Durga
During Navratri, Hindus worship Goddess Durga in her nine different forms, known as the Navadurga. Each form represents a unique aspect of the goddess:
- Shailaputri: The daughter of the mountain (Shaila), symbolizing purity.
- Brahmacharini: The ascetic form, symbolizing penance and spirituality.
- Chandraghanta: The bearer of the crescent moon, representing bravery.
- Kushmanda: The creator of the universe, symbolizing creative energy.
- Skandamata: The mother of Lord Kartikeya (Skanda), symbolizing maternal love.
- Katyayani: The warrior goddess, representing courage and power.
- Kaalaratri: The destroyer of darkness, symbolizing the fierce aspect of Durga.
- Mahagauri: The benevolent and compassionate form, symbolises purity.
- Siddhidatri: The bestower of supernatural powers, representing the ultimate goal of human life.
The Significance of Navratri 2023
Navratri signifies the victory of good over evil, as it commemorates the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon king Mahishasura. The festival also marks the change of seasons, with the onset of autumn in the northern hemisphere. It is a time for introspection, purification, and seeking the blessings of the divine mother for strength and protection.
Kalash Sthapana: Commencing the Divine Journey
Kalash Sthapana, also known as Ghatasthapana or Kalash Puja, is the ritual that marks the beginning of Navratri. It involves the establishment of a sacred vessel, known as the Kalash or Ghata, in the puja room or designated worship area of the home. This ritual sets the stage for the nine days of dedicated worship and festivities.
Auspicious Time for Kalash Sthapana in Navratri 2023
The timing of Kalash Sthapana during Navratri is crucial, as it must align with the most auspicious moment of the day. The Kalash Sthapana for Navratri 2023 falls on October 14th, 2023. Here are the details for the auspicious time (Muhurat) on that day:
- Date: October 14th, 2023 (Pratipada, the first day of Navratri)
- Auspicious Time: 11:24 P.M to 12:32 AM
- Duration: 01 Hour 10 Minutes
It’s essential to perform the Kalash Sthapana ritual during this specific time frame to receive the maximum blessings and divine energy for the upcoming Navratri festival.
Steps to Perform Kalash Sthapana on Navratri 2023
Performing the Kalash Sthapana ritual is a solemn and sacred act. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Cleanse and Prepare
- Begin by cleaning the puja area thoroughly.
- Wash the Kalash and the coconut with clean water and wipe them dry.
2. Prepare the Kalash on Navratri 2023
- Fill the Kalash with water and add betel leaves, betel nuts, and some rice grains.
- Place a coconut over the mouth of the Kalash. Tie a red or yellow sacred thread (moli) around the neck of the Kalash.
- Cover the Kalash with a clean cloth, leaving the coconut visible.
3. Decorate the Kalash
- Decorate the Kalash with fresh flowers and leaves, especially mango leaves (considered auspicious).
- Place the Kalash on a bed of rice grains in the puja area.
4. Invoke the Deity
- Sit in a meditative posture and close your eyes.
- Visualize Goddess Durga and seek her blessings.
- Chant the Durga Mantra or any preferred mantra while meditating.
5. Perform Aarti
- Light a lamp and perform an aarti (offering of light) to the Kalash.
- Offer fruits, sweets, and other naivedya (food offerings) to the goddess.
6. Recite Prayers
- Recite prayers dedicated to Goddess Durga, expressing your devotion and seeking her blessings for the upcoming Navratri.
7. Take a Sankalpa (Vow)
- Make a vow to observe the nine days of Navratri with devotion and sincerity.
- Express your determination to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga for your well-being and the well-being of your family.
8. Conclude the Ritual
- The Kalash Sthapana ritual is complete once you have offered your prayers and taken your vow.
The Significance of Kalash Sthapana: Navratri 2023
Kalash Sthapana is a symbolic act that embodies the presence of the divine goddess in your home during Navratri. Here’s why it is significant:
1. Invocation of Divine Energy in Navratri 2023
By performing Kalash Sthapana, you invite the divine energy of Goddess Durga into your home. This energy serves as a source of strength, protection, and guidance throughout the nine days of Navratri.
2. Commencement of the Festival
Kalash Sthapana marks the official beginning of the Navratri festival. It sets the tone for the nine days of devotion, fasting, and worship.
3. Spiritual Connection
The ritual creates a deep spiritual connection between the devotee and the goddess. It is an opportunity to express your love, gratitude, and devotion to the divine mother.
4. Family Unity
Performing Kalash Sthapana as a family fosters unity and a sense of togetherness. It is a time for collective prayers and shared spirituality.
5. Blessings and Protection
Throughout Navratri, the Kalash remains a focal point of devotion. It is believed that the goddess blesses the home with protection, prosperity, and well-being.
Conclusion
Navratri 2023 is a time of spiritual renewal and celebration, and Kalash Sthapana is the foundation upon which this auspicious festival is built. By following the prescribed rituals and observing the sacred timing, you can invite the divine presence of Goddess Durga into your home and heart. As you embark on this nine-day journey of devotion, may you find inner peace, strength, and the blessings of the divine mother. Navratri 2023 is an opportunity to deepen your connection with the divine and celebrate the victory of light over darkness. Embrace the sacredness of this occasion and let the Kalash Sthapana ritual be the beginning of a spiritually enriching journey.
On these auspicious days, you should get the most suitable and lucky Gemstone or Rudraksha to bring Prosperity and good luck to your home. Book an appointment with the World’s Famous Astrologer and discuss a suitable one, according to his Janam Kundli Online or Career Kundli. Make this the best ever for your Career and business.
May all the Goddess’s grace illuminate our lives with abundance and prosperity!
