Navrtri-Day-1- Pratipada or Ghatsthapona: How to Make Use the Best of the Auspicious Moments
Among the various rituals of the Navratri the most important one is the Ghatsthapana or Kalash Sthapan (placement of the pitcher) with it the initiation or the starting of the Puja starts.
Navratri is regarded among the Hindus as one of the most holy and auspicious occasion. The Navrtyri is celebrated round the country with enough pomp and enthusiasm. In our country 4 Navratris are noticed but only 2 are celebrated. The Navratri that comes in the month of September or October is called the Sharodiya Navratri and another one that is celebrated on March and April are Chaitra Navratri. The Chaitra Navratri ends with the celebration of the Ram Navmi.
The most interesting part of the Navratri Puja is the Ghatsthapana or Kalash Sthapan a traditional ritual carried on for centuries in our country. It is regarded very auspicious as it is the ritual to greet Mother at home. As per folk belief this ritual brings along with it auspiciousness, good luck and the blessings of Dear Mother.
The Ghatsthapana Moments
During Navratri the Ghatstahpana is a well known ritual. It initiates the 9 day long festival. According to Drik Panchang on the eve of Navratri the Ghat is placed on a particular moment. It should be done in a particular time otherwise it may make the Mother angry. During Avijit Muhurat the placement of the pitcher is done and it falls on the very tithi of Pratipada.
According to the Panchang the one third part of the day is regarded the most auspicious moment when the Pratipada is on power. If he moment is missed by any reason then the placement of the pitcher may be done at the very Avijit Muhurat. While placing the Ghat or pitcher it is told to avoid the Baidhriti Yoga but they are not prohibited at all. The most important thing is that it must take into account that the very occasion of placement of the pitcher must be done before Hindu noon when the Pratipada is on the move.
The Necessary Things of Ghatsthapana
Amid the rituals the things that are needed are an idol or picture of Devi Durga, incense sticks, vermillion, bangles, camphor, scented oil, mango twigs, red flowers, green durba grass, bindi, turmeric, and a wooden [platform. Besides these many other things are also needed while this auspicious occasion is n the go. A lamp, honey, coconut, soil, cardamom, coves, essential materials for Hawan, curd, fruits, Ganga water, and red cloth are also necessary.
The Easiest Way of Placement of Ghat
You must keep it mind that Ghat means an earthen pot or pitcher. It is placed on the North-Eastern corner on the very first day of Navratri. First of all dig a hole and pour some sand into it. Then make a layer of soil on it. Pour sand again, pour soil one more time. Sprinkle water on it. Fill the pot hole with soil. At last place the pot on it and start worshipping. There are many traditional rituals that are to follow and it is the priest or pundit who advises what to do while doing Ghatsthapana as per panchang or religious regulations.
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Ghatasthapana or Pratipada is one of the main ritual performed during the days of Navratri. The day marks the beginning of the first day of Navratri. The Ghatsthapana Puja is to be performed in the right Mahurat according to our Hindu mythology. The Puja of Ghatsthapana marks the beginning of the Navratri or the invocation of the powers of Goddess Kali. Hence invocation of performing Puja at the wrong time might lead to wrath of the powers. Therefore one should never perform Ghatsthapana during the night time.
The most suitable of the right time is to perform during the third half of the day. Is is being advised that one shouldn't perform the Puja during nakshatra mahurat.One should keep in mind that Ghatsthapana is to be performed during the third half of the day or before the mid-day when Pratipada is in phase.
Team AskGanesha wishes you all a very Happy Navratri. Follow our blog to know about latest updates.
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