Mumbai: Navratri, one of the most significant Hindu festivals, is set to begin on October 3, 2024. During the nine days of Navratri, devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga with devotion and traditional rituals. The festival starts with Ghat Sthapana on the first day, marking the invocation of the goddess. Devotees observe fasts, light an eternal flame (Akhand Jyot), and worship different forms of Durga each day to seek her blessings.

The first day is dedicated to Maa Shailputri, and worshipping her brings special blessings for success and prosperity. Here’s everything you need to know about Ghat Sthapana Vidhi, the timings, and how to perform the rituals correctly.

Navratri Tithi

According to the Hindu calendar (Panchang), Navratri begins with the Pratipada Tithi of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Ashwin.

Tithi Begins: October 3, 2024, at 12:18 AM
Tithi Ends: October 4, 2024, at 02:58 AM

Based on the rising tithi (Udaya Tithi), Navratri 2024 will officially commence on October 3, 2024.

Ghat establishment auspicious time

Ghat Sthapana is the primary ritual performed on the first day of Navratri to invoke Goddess Durga. For 2024, there are two auspicious time slots for performing this ritual:

The Abhijit Muhurat during the day is considered especially auspicious for Ghat Sthapana.

Ghat Establishment Method

Ghat Sthapana is an integral part of Navratri and must be performed following proper rituals to invoke the blessings of Maa Durga. Here is a step-by-step guide to performing the Ghat Sthapana:

• The day before Ghat Sthapana, soak barley seeds (Jau) in water to allow them to sprout.
• Clean the puja room and sprinkle it with Gangajal to purify the environment.
• Place a picture or idol of Maa Durga on the altar.
• Add sand or clay to a pot (Kalash) and plant the sprouted barley seeds.
• Ensure the Kalash is placed facing east or north, preferably in the northeast (Ishaan) corner.
• Fill the Kalash with water, Gangajal, coins, roli (vermilion), turmeric (haldi), betel nut (supari), and durva grass.
• Tie a sacred thread (Kalawa) around the neck of the Kalash and place a coconut on top.

Other Preparations

• Place seven types of grains on a clean plate and sprinkle water over them.
• Light incense sticks (dhoop) on the left and a lamp (diya) on the right side of the Kalash.

Invoke the Goddess

• Begin by invoking Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.
• Chant mantras and prayers to invite Maa Durga into your home.

Daily Offerings

• Offer flowers, food (Naivedya), and fresh water every day.
• Perform aarti and recite Durga Saptashati or other sacred texts for the next nine days.

Note: It is advised to invite a knowledgeable priest for mantra recitations and detailed rituals.

Maa Shailputri: The First Form of Durga

On the first day of Navratri, devotees worship Maa Shailputri, the daughter of the mountain king (Himalayas). She symbolizes patience, compassion, and devotion. Maa Shailputri is revered for her dedication to Lord Shiva, whom she married after intense penance.

Her blessings are believed to remove all difficulties in life, especially for unmarried women seeking a suitable spouse and for married couples seeking happiness in their marital life.

Mother Shailputri Puja Method

1. Worshipping Maa Shailputri with devotion on the first day of Navratri brings immense blessings. Follow these steps for the puja:
2. Perform Ghat Sthapana and light the Akhand Jyot (eternal flame) before starting the puja.
3. Invoke Lord Ganesha and then offer prayers to Maa Shailputri. She is especially fond of the colours white, orange, and red.
4. Offer Kumkum, white sandalwood, haldi, akshat (rice), sindoor, betel leaves, betel nut, and 16 adornments (Shringar items).
5. Offer white flowers and white sweets as Naivedya (offering).
6. Recite this mantra: Om Devi Shailputryai Namah
7. End the puja with an aarti and distribute prasad among the devotees. Repeat the aarti in the evening as well.

Maa Shailputri Mantra Jaap

Chant the following mantras while offering your prayers to Maa Shailputri:

Om Devi Shailputryai Namah
Hreem Shivayai Namah
Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam, Vrisharudham Shooldharam Shailputrim Yashasvinim

By following these rituals and mantras with devotion, you can seek the blessings of Maa Shailputri, the embodiment of patience and power, to overcome obstacles in your life and lead a prosperous, peaceful life during this Navratri festival.