Ghatasthapana Puja
Introduction
Ghatasthapana Puja marks the commencement of the nine-day festival of Navratri. The meaning of Ghata is ‘container’ and Sthapana means ‘to establish’. It’s also known as Kalash sthapana Puja. This puja involves invoking Goddess Durga on the occasion of Navratri; where the Kalash is representative of this powerful deity. The Kalash is filled with soil, water, barley seeds and cow dung. A coconut is then placed on top of it. Following which, the earthen pot is worshipped on all the days of Navratri. It is a crucial ritual with specially laid out rules as to when the puja should be performed. Ghatasthapana in 2016 occurs on Sunday on the first of October.
Importance and Significance of Ghatasthapana Puja
Goddess Durga is one of the most powerful Hindu goddesses. Also known as the divine mother, she possesses the power Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Kali and Goddess Saraswati. Navratri is a festival that is celebrated to rejoice the death of Mahishasura at the hands of Goddess Durga. It seeks to invoke strength from the Goddess in all spheres of life. Additionally, it is a celebration of the start of the battle between good and evil. The Kalash is worshipped throughout the festival followed by the Kalash Visrajan on the tenth day or Vijayadashami.
Benefits of Ghatasthapana Puja
Ghatasthapana puja is a way to invoke Goddess Durga using the Kalash. She is the embodiment of power; a source of strength, and worshipping her or observing a puja in her honour is said to have many benefits. Some of the advantages include:
- It is said to get rid of inner demons
- It helps discard the negative forces from one’s life as well as external enemies
- Increases the positive energies in one’s house
- Inculcates strength to live life without denial and with full potential
Occasions to do a Ghatasthapana Puja
This puja is observed during the period of Navratri. Certain Vedic rules need to be looked into before doing this puja, one such is appropriate timing. If done at the wrong time, instead of gaining blessings, one will end up invoking the wrath of the Goddess. The puja should be done before sunrise and never on a no-moon night. It is mostly done during the morning or at the time of Abhijit Muhurat.
Ghatasthapana Puja Vidhi
- Prepare the Kalash with soil, grain and water followed by filling it up with other required items
- A coconut wrapped in a red cloth is immersed in the pot and secured with a sacred thread
- This is followed by invoking Goddess Shakti
- This is followed by Panchopachara Puja
- After lighting the lamp and offering it to the Kalash, the incense sticks are lit
- This is followed by offering flowers, fruits and sweets
This puja involves offering worship to the Kalash for nine days. At the tenth day, the seeds that have sprouted into small plants are distributed as Prasad. After the festival is over, the Kalash is either kept in the house wrapped in the cloth or immersed in water. Care should be taken not to neglect it at any cost.
Ghatasthapana Puja Muhurat
The shubh muhurat for this puja is for the year 2016 is: 05:37 am – 06:41 am. The tithi begins at 05:41 am on the 1st of October and ends at 07:45 am on the 2nd of October.
Puja Mantras and hymns
During the puja vidhi, mantras dedicated to Lord Varuna are chanted. In the course of the aarti, the bhajans of Navratri or hymns in praise of Goddess Durga are sung.
Client's Speak
I am overwhelmed with the promptness of the service provided by Wheresmypandit.com. It was your site which helped me get a Pandit for House warming within no time.
- Mahesh, Griha Pravesh Puja with Havan
Thank you very much team Wheres my Pandit. You made my search for Pandit very easy and did so in affordable rates too.
- Anand, Vastu Shanti Puja
I highly recommend Where's My Pandit to any one who is looking to carry out any kind of Puja. These guys were very professional, made the arrangements prior to the Puja & executed it very well.
- Sanjeev, Ganesh E-Puja
Good experience, prompt service and Pandits were good and knowledgeable.
- Rishu, Mool Shanti Puja