Shardiya Navratri 2023 Ghatsthapana Muhurat Timing
Shardiya Navratri 2023 Ghatsthapana Muhurat Timing
Introduction
Shardiya-navratri-2023-ghatsthapana-muhurat-timing : Navratri is a big festival in India that lasts for nine nights. During this time, people all over the country come together to pray and show respect to the powerful female energy, which stands for strength, courage, and the ability to create life.
There are four Navratris in a year, but the Shardiya Navratri, often called Maha Navratri, is the most special. In 2023, Shardiya Navratri will start on October 12th, and the Ghatsthapana Muhurat is the lucky time when people put up a special pot to begin the festival. In this article, we will talk about why Shardiya Navratri is important and give you all the details about the Ghatsthapana Muhurat in 2023.
The Significance of Shardiya Navratri : shardiya-navratri-2023-ghatsthapana-muhurat-timing
Shardiya Navratri happens in the fall and is the most important of the four Navratris. It’s celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm and devotion all over India for nine nights and ten days. During this time, people worship the goddess in her different forms. The festival is special for a few reasons:
Spiritual Time: Shardiya Navratri is a period for thinking about your spiritual side and getting closer to the divine. People fast, pray, and meditate to get blessings and guidance.
Good Beating Evil: The festival is about remembering how the goddess Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura, showing that good can always overcome evil.
Harvest Festival: In many parts of India, Shardiya Navratri is also a time to celebrate the harvest season. Farmers say thanks for good crops and ask for the goddess’s blessings for the next year.
Cultural Fun: Besides being a religious time, Navratri is a time to enjoy India’s diverse culture. People dance traditional dances, wear special clothes, and have tasty meals.
Ghatsthapana Muhurat Timing in Shardiya Navratri 2023
The Ghatsthapana Muhurat is a very important part of Shardiya Navratri. It’s the time when people place a special pot, called Kalash, in their homes. This pot represents the divine presence during the festival. The timing of Ghatsthapana is decided by the moon’s calendar, and it’s crucial to do this ritual during the lucky hours. In 2023, Shardiya Navratri starts on October 12th, and here’s when you should do the Ghatsthapana.
Here are the important timings for shardiya-navratri-2023-ghatsthapana-muhurat-timing
Date: October 12, 2023
The best time for Ghatsthapana: From 06:27 AM to 10:13 AM (Lasts 3 hours and 45 minutes)
The day (Tithi) begins on October 12, 2023, at 06:27 AM and ends on October 13, 2023, at 03:49 AM.
Another auspicious time (Abhijit Muhurat): From 11:57 AM to 12:44 PM.
There’s also an auspicious period called Amrit Kalam: From 01:46 PM to 03:23 PM.
Rahu Kaal, a time considered inauspicious: From 03:00 PM to 04:31 PM.
A time for victory (Vijay Muhurat): From 02:33 PM to 03:19 PM.
Remember, the exact timing of Ghatsthapana may vary depending on where you are. It’s a good idea to check with a local priest or an expert in Vedic astrology for the most accurate timing.
Performing the Ghatsthapana Ritual
The Ghatsthapana ritual is a special and detailed ceremony that needs to be done with care and devotion. Here are the steps to put up the Navratri Kalash during Shardiya Navratri:
Clean and Purify: Before you start, make sure the place is very clean. The spot where you’ll put the Kalash should be free from any dirt or mess.
Pick a Pot (Kalash): Choose a clean and unbroken pot, preferably made of clay, copper, or silver. Fill it with water and add a few drops of holy water from the Ganges river.
Get the Kalash Ready: Decorate the Kalash with turmeric, vermilion, and rice. Put a betel nut, a coin, and some flowers in it. Cover the top with a coconut, which represents the goddess’s head.
Plant Barley Seeds: In a small pot or plate, plant barley seeds. This shows that the festival is all about growth and prosperity.
Put the Kalash in Place: Put the Kalash on the clean area and make sure it doesn’t wobble. It’s best to place it on a bed of rice or a wooden platform.
Make It Beautiful: Decorate the area around the Kalash with colorful patterns (rangoli), flowers, and lights. You can also place idols or pictures of the goddess Durga and other gods nearby.
Light a Lamp: Light a lamp or a small oil lamp near the Kalash to show that the divine energy is there. You can also burn incense and offer flowers.
Say Special Words (Mantras): Recite special prayers and chants for Navratri. Ask for the goddess’s blessings and protection.
Do Aarti: Finish the ritual by doing an aarti, which is a prayer ceremony with a lit lamp. Also, offer some food to the goddess (prasad).
Daily Routine: During the nine days of Navratri, it’s usual to do morning and evening prayers, fast, and visit temples dedicated to the goddess. Keep the Kalash neat and make offerings every day.
The Nine Forms of the Goddess : shardiya-navratri-2023-ghatsthapana-muhurat-timing
During Shardiya Navratri, each day is all about one of the nine forms of the goddess Durga. These forms are also called Navadurga. People pray to these forms with songs, rituals, and devotion. Let’s learn about these nine forms:
Shailaputri: She’s the daughter of the Himalayas and stands for the goddess’s incredible power. She rides a bull and holds a trident and a lotus.
Brahmacharini: This form is all about meditation and self-control. She carries a rosary and a water pot.
Chandraghanta: She’s known for her bravery, and you can recognize her by the half-moon on her forehead. She has ten hands and wields various weapons.
Kushmanda: She’s the creator of the universe and often seen with a rosary and a pot of nectar.
Skandamata: She’s Lord Skanda’s mother and holds her son and a lotus in her hands.
Katyayani: This form is like a warrior, armed with a sword and a lotus, protecting her devotees.
Kaalratri: Kaalratri is a fierce and dark form of the goddess, representing the destructive side of time. She holds a sword and a burning torch.
Maha Gauri: She represents purity and calmness. Maha Gauri is depicted as fair and radiant, holding a small drum and a trident.
Siddhidatri: Siddhidatri is the last form of the goddess and can give spiritual powers (Siddhis). She has four hands and is surrounded by divine beings.
In the nine nights of Navratri, people worship each of these forms with love and do special ceremonies to seek the goddess’s blessings in all her different forms.
Celebrations and Traditions During Shardiya Navratri
Shardiya Navratri is a lively and joyful festival celebrated with special traditions and practices. Here are some important things about this celebration:
Garba and Dandiya: People in Gujarat and other parts of India celebrate with energetic dances called Garba and Dandiya. They come together in big groups, wearing traditional clothes, and dance to folk music. It’s not just a celebration; it’s a way to show their love for the goddess.
Fasting: Many people who celebrate Navratri fast. Some avoid certain foods, while others don’t eat at all. Fasting is a way to cleanse the body and mind and show devotion to the goddess.
Special Foods: During Navratri, special dishes are prepared using ingredients that are allowed during fasting. Some tasty foods include Sabudana Khichdi, Kuttu Ki Puri, and Singhara Atta Halwa. These dishes are not only delicious but also follow the fasting rules.
Durga Puja: Temples dedicated to the goddess are decorated beautifully, and priests perform special ceremonies during the nine days. People visit these temples to ask for the goddess’s blessings.
Community Celebrations: In addition to celebrating with their families, many cities and communities organize big events during Navratri. These events often have famous musicians, dancers, and artists to entertain everyone.
Traditional Clothing: Wearing traditional outfits like chaniya choli for women and kurta-pajama for men is a big part of the celebration. These clothes have beautiful designs and mirror work, making everyone look fantastic.
Jagrans and Bhajans: During the night, people gather to sing devotional songs called bhajans and have overnight prayer sessions known as jagrans. These gatherings create a spiritual and devoted atmosphere.
The Immersion of the Kalash : shardiya-navratri-2023-ghatsthapana-muhurat-timing
Shardiya Navratri ends with a special ceremony where the Kalash, which symbolizes the goddess’s presence, is placed in water. This ritual shows that the goddess is leaving after spending nine days on Earth. It’s a mix of feeling sad and happy because people say goodbye to the goddess but also look forward to her coming back next year.
During this immersion ceremony, also called Udvasana, the Kalash is gently taken from its spot and carried to a river or another water body. People sing songs, dance, and offer their final prayers to the goddess before putting the Kalash into the water.
The water stands for the very beginning of life, and putting the Kalash in it is like returning the goddess’s energy to where it comes from. This act of immersion is a deep and emotional moment for the people who worship the goddess.
Conclusion
Shardiya Navratri is a time when people show deep devotion, celebrate their culture, and refresh their spirits. The Ghatsthapana Muhurat, which marks the start of this nine-night festival, is a very important event. People make sure to set up the Kalash during the lucky hours, and the following days are full of prayers, rituals, and joyful celebrations.
As we celebrate Shardiya Navratri in 2023, let’s get inspired by the goddess’s strength and her representation of the divine feminine. By fasting, praying, and celebrating, we are not just asking for her blessings but also reconnecting with our cultural traditions.
Amidst all the lively dances and tasty food, let’s not forget the spiritual part of Navratri. It’s a time to get closer to the divine, build our inner strength, and celebrate the victory of good over evil.
May this Shardiya Navratri bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth to all who celebrate it with love and devotion for the goddess.
Summary
The Shardiya Navratri festival is a nine-day Hindu festival that honors the goddess Durga. The first day of the festival is known as Ghatasthapana, which marks the beginning of the Navratri festival. This year, Shardiya Navratri begins on October 15, 2023.
The auspicious time for Ghatasthapana is between 6:21 AM to 10:12 AM in the morning on October 15, 2023. Alternatively, you can perform Ghatasthapana during the Abhijit Muhurat between 11:44 AM to 12:30 PM.
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