New Delhi: Shardiya Navratri, the great festival of worship of Goddess Durga, is starting from today, Sunday, October 11. Shakti will be worshiped across the country for the next nine days. Navratri will formally begin today with the installation of the Kalash on the first day. According to the Panchang, Ashwin Shukla Pratipada Tithi had started at 9.19 pm on 10th October, which will continue till 9.30 pm on 11th October. Due to Udaya Tithi, Navratri is considered to start from Sunday.
Auspicious time for establishing Kalash
Establishing Kalash has special significance during Navratri. Today two main auspicious times are being told for this. The first Muhurta is from 6:19 am to 10:12 am, which is considered best for general worship. Whereas the second Abhijeet Muhurta will be from 11:44 am to 12:31 pm.
However, the sunrise of every city is different, so there may be a slight difference in the time in the almanac. Devotees are advised to perform Ghatasthapana as per the local calendar of their city.
Combination of Chitra Nakshatra and Vaidhriti Yoga
This time, on the first day of Navratri, there is a coincidence of Chitra Nakshatra and Vaidhriti Yoga. Chitra Nakshatra will remain from 9.42 pm on 10th October to 10.32 pm on 11th October. Whereas Vaidhriti Yoga will last from 10:02 pm on October 10 to 9:05 pm on October 11. Many scholars advise to be careful regarding the installation of Kalash in this yoga, hence Abhijeet Muhurta is considered more auspicious.
How to do Ghatasthapana
Take bath in the morning and clean the place of worship. Install the idol of Maa Durga by spreading red or yellow cloth on the post. Sow barley in an earthen pot. Fill the Kalash with Ganga water and put Akshat, betel nut and coin in it. Apply mango leaves on the mouth of the Kalash and place a coconut on top and then light a lamp and invoke Lord Ganesha and Maa Durga.
Ashtami-Navami and breaking of fast
Mahashtami and Mahanavami have the most importance in Navratri. This year Mahashtami is on Sunday 18th October and Mahanavami is on Monday 19th October. Havan and Kanya Puja will be performed on this day. People observing fast, according to their tradition, break their fast after Kanya Puja on Ashtami or Navami. Decide the time of breaking the fast only by looking at the local almanac. The nine days of Navratri are of devotion and restraint. During this time, pay special attention to cleanliness, satvik food and recitation of Durga Saptashati.