Navratri Ghatasthapana Vidhi
Both Sharadiya and Chaitra Navratri begin with Ghatasthapana (Kalash installation). The Kalash is installed on Pratipada tithi during the auspicious muhurat. An Akhand Jyoti is kept lit for nine days, and each day one form of Navadurga is worshipped.
Ashwin Shukla Pratipada (Sharadiya) / Chaitra Shukla Pratipada
Abhijit Muhurat or morning auspicious time
🪔 Puja Samagri (Items Required)
- Clay or copper Kalash
- Mango leaves (5 or 7)
- Whole coconut with husk
- Red cloth / chunari
- Akshata (unbroken rice)
- Gangajal or clean water
- Soil and barley seeds
- Areca nut, coins, Durva grass
- Akhand lamp (ghee / mustard oil)
- Roli, kumkum, sindoor, turmeric
- Flowers, garland, fruits
- Durga Saptashati
📋 Puja Procedure — Steps
Step 1: Purification
Purify the puja area with Gangajal. Spread a red cloth. Install Goddess Durga idol or photo on a pedestal.
Step 2: Soil & Barley Sowing
Spread clean soil in a clay pot. Sow barley grains and sprinkle water. By Navami they sprout into Jaware — a symbol of Navadurga's grace.
Step 3: Kalash Sthapana
Fill the Kalash with sacred water. Add akshata, areca nut, coin, durva. Place mango leaves at the rim. Set a coconut wrapped in red chunari on top.
Step 4: Akhand Jyoti
Light an Akhand lamp of ghee or mustard oil near the Kalash. This lamp must remain lit for all nine days.
Step 5: Daily Navadurga Puja
Day 1 Shailputri, Day 2 Brahmacharini ... Day 9 Siddhidatri — worship the designated form each day. Wear the assigned colour. Recite Durga Saptashati.
Step 6: Kanya Pujan & Visarjan
Feed 9 girls a meal on Ashtami or Navami. On Dashami, pour the Kalash water into Tulsi and immerse the Jaware.
🕉️ Main Mantra
Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundayai Vichche । Sarva-Mangala-Mangalye Shive Sarvartha-Sadhike Sharanye Tryambake Gauri Narayani Namostute
✅ Benefits of this Puja
Navratri Ghatasthapana and nine-day worship bestow the special grace of Goddess Durga — destruction of enemies and fear, cure of diseases, removal of poverty, progeny, family peace, and spiritual growth.