Chaitra Navratri 2024: Uncover The Significant Ritual Of This Day
Navratri is a Hindu festival that lasts nine nights and is observed in autumn throughout the Indian subcontinent. There are four seasonal Navratris in theory. The post-monsoon autumn festival of Sharada or Shardiya Navratri, which is observed in honour of the Divine Feminine Devi, is the most widely observed (Durga). At Shardiya Navratri, Sandhi Puja Muhurta and Ghatasthapana Muhurta are the most commonly observed. Ghatasthapana and Sandhi Puja, which are practices and rituals practised during Shardiya Navratri, are also observed during Chaitra Navratri.
The holy feminine Devi is honoured during the Navratri puja, also known as Vasanta Navratri (Durga). Nine ways of Divine Durga are praised at the festival of Navratri. At the same time, devotees will pray for their families, their communities, and their countries, as well as for mother Durga, and herself.
The second most common Navratri is Chaitra Navratri, which is named after the Sanskrit word vasanta, which means spring. It falls in the lunar month of Chaitra (March–April, post-winter). In some regions, the festival occurs after the spring season, while in others, it occurs after the harvest. According to the Vikram Samvat calendar, it also marks the first day of the Hindu calendar, making it the Hindu New Year.
Significance of Chaitra Navratri
Chaitra Navratri commemorates the manifestations of the heavenly deity Goddess Durga, who is considered the highest female form in Hinduism. She is the universe’s most powerful feminine energy and Shakti (power). As a result, this day is highly significant for the Hindu devotees.
The Navratri Puja bestows immense wealth and good fortune. Goddess Durga, on the other hand, has a few restrictions that must be scrupulously obeyed by those seeking her blessings. For instance, severe fasting without grain intake, cleanliness, Aarti, and ghatsthapana according to the ritual.
Chaitra Navratri 2024 Date and Time
Goddess Shakti appears as Goddess Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati during the Navratri festival. Navratri’s puja rituals are divided into three categories. Per collection honours a different Goddess. The Goddess of Energy Maa Durga is honoured by doing Durga Puja during the first three days of Chaitra Navratri. The Goddess of Money, Devi Lakshmi, is worshipped for the next three days, and the Goddess of Knowledge, Devi Saraswati, is worshipped for the final three days.
| Chaitra Navratri Event | Chaitra Navratri Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Ghatasthapana | Tuesday, April 9, 2024 |
| Ghatasthapana Timing | 06:16 AM to 10:21 AM |
| Duration | 04 Hours 05 Mins |
| Pratipada Tithi Begins | 11:50 PM on Apr 08, 2024 |
| Pratipada Tithi Ends | 08:30 PM on Apr 09, 2024 |
Chaitra Navratri Muhurat
When it comes to Muhurta, performing Ghatasthapana on the third day of the current Pratipada (i.e., for 24 minutes) can be the most auspicious or Shubh time. Due to some reason, if the time frame is not adhered to, the ritual can be performed during the Abhijit Muhurta.
The Abhijit Muhurat is a 48-minute duration in the middle of the day that is auspicious. It is the eighth of 15 Muhurats that occur between sunrise and sunset. The time period between sunrise and sunset is divided into 15 equal parts, with Abhijit Muhurat being the middle of the fifteen parts. The muhurta is considered strong enough to destroy innumerable Doshas and it is considered the best Muhurat to start or inaugurate fortunate activities.
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Chaitra Navratri: Brahma Muhurat
When conducting Ghatasthapana, Choghadiya (Muhurat) is a crucial consideration to remember. Although the scriptures do not place much emphasis on it, it is best to avoid the Choghadiya Muhurat during Ghatasthapana.
Performing Ghatastapana may be auspicious if the Dwi-Swabhav Lagna Kanya prevails at dawn during Shardiya Navratri. Ghathastapnan can not be done in the afternoon, at night, or after sixteen ghatis have passed before sunrise.
Chaitra Navratri Rituals
One of the most important rituals connected with Navratri is Ghatasthapana, which signifies the start of the nine-day celebrations. Hindu scriptures provide clear rules and guidance in the early days of Navratri to carry out Ghatasthapana. Ghatasthapana Puja Vidhi involves the installation of the Kalash and the nine-day invocation of Goddess Shakti. Ghatasthapana should be done according to the proper directions and Puja Muhurat.
Ghatasthapana Rituals
This ritual needs mainly an earthen tube with a wide mouth to sift Sapta-dhanya (seven grains), clean soil, seven different grains, a small cubicle full of Ganga-Jal, a Moli or a holy thread, scent or perfume, some betels, coins, mango or Ashoka, a lid to cover Akshat or broken pieces of rice, a red cloth, and marigold.
Kalash Preparation
- Before summoning the Goddess, a Kalash is made by placing clean soil at the bottom of an earthen cup.
- After that, the grains are pressed onto the dirt. The method is repeated until the final layer of soil does not exceed the clay pot’s brim.
- After adding some amount of water to a brass vessel, some betel nuts, scent, Durva grass, rice grains, and coins are immersed in the water-filled vessel.
- Five to six mango leaves are placed at the mouth of the brass vessel to cover it.
- A red cloth is wrapped around an unpeeled coconut by a holy thread.
- It is then placed on the top of the Kalash.
- Finally, the Kalash is put above the earthen pot and then the devotee can start the puja.
Chaitra Navratri Legend
According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Durga was granted permission by Lord Shiva to spend nine days with her parents. During these nine days, Goddess Durga is said to have killed the monster Mahishasur, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Devotees believe that worshipping Maa Durga gives them inner power. Since then, the day of Navratri has become a full-fledged celebration.
One more legend is that Brahma began the development of the world in this period, according to the Brahma Purana. Matsyavatar and Ramavatar, two incarnations of Lord Vishnu, make up Chaitra Navratri. Chaiti Chhath, Lord Rama, and Hanumanji all worship the Suryopasana festival.
Final Words
We, here at MyPandit, hope lord showers abundant blessings on you in this auspicious period, may bring good fortune and success!
Happy Chaitra Navratri to you all!
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