Navratri 2024: Complete guide to Kalash Sthapana, fasting rules and Durga Saptashati recitation | Spirituality News

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Perform Navratri 2024 rituals correctly with this comprehensive guide to Kalash Sthapana, including fasting rules, Durga Saptashati recitation, and Kalash immersion for spiritual merit.

Mumbai: Navratri 2024 is beginning on Thursday, 3rd October, marking the auspicious Sharadiya Navratri festival. Many devotees perform Kalash Sthapana (installation of the sacred pot) during Navratri and observe a fast for nine days, praying for the well-being, prosperity, and health of their family. On the tenth day, they immerse the Kalash, symbolising a prayer for world welfare. However, many people unknowingly skip some important rituals, which, although not harmful, may result in lesser spiritual merit.

The ancient scriptures like Markandeya Purana and Durga Saptashati outline the proper rules for Kalash Sthapana. It is believed that following these prescribed rituals invokes the blessings of Goddess Durga, fulfilling the desires of devotees. Priests often follow these methods when performing Kalash Sthapana at devotees’ homes. Devotees themselves must adhere to specific rules when performing the rituals.

Rules Devotees Must Follow for Kalash Sthapana

According to scriptures, a devotee performing Kalash Sthapana should wake up during Brahma Muhurta (early morning) and complete their daily hygiene routine. After bathing before sunrise, they should read the Durga Saptashati regularly. Fasting for nine days is advised, abstaining from not only grains but also tamasic (impure) foods such as garlic, onion, and heavily spiced or oily foods. Observing complete celibacy is essential during Navratri. While nighttime holds special significance, it is recommended to stay awake in worship of the Goddess. If sleep is necessary, one should sleep on the floor.

Rules for the Rituals

Before sitting for the ritual, the devotee should gather essential puja materials such as water, roli (red powder), sandalwood paste, rice, barley, and the Durga Saptashati book. Facing east while sitting on the asana (seat) is ideal. The devotee should apply roli and sandalwood on the forehead, tie a sacred thread on the wrist, and chant the following mantras for purification:

Mantras for Purification

Om Aim Atmatatvam Shodhayaami Namah Swaha
Om Hreem Vidyatattvam Shodhayaami Namah Swaha
Om Kleem Shivtatvam Shodhayaami Namah Swaha
Om Aim Hreem Kleem Sarvatattvam Shodhayaami Namah Swaha

After purification, begin with the invocation of Lord Ganesha and offer prayers to Guru, Deities, and Parents. Holding red flowers, rice, and water in your hand, recite the following Sankalp (vow) mantra, declaring your intent for the ritual:

Sankalp Mantra

Om Vishnur Vishnur Vishnuh Shrimad Bhagavato Mahapurushasya Vishnorajnaya Pravartamanasya Adya Brahmano Dvitiiya Parardhe Shvetavaraha Kalpe, Vaivasvata Manvantare, Ashtaavimshatitame Kaliyuge, Kali Prathama Charane, Jambudwipe, Bharatavarshe, Bharatakhande, (Apne Sthaan Ka Naam), Maase (Apne Maas Ka Naam), Shukla Paksha, (Tithi) Tithau, (Vaar) Vaasare, (Nakshatra) Nakshatre, (Yoga) Yog, (Karan) Karane, Evam Guna Visheshana Vishishtayam Asyam (Tithi) Tithau, (Apna Naam), (Apna Gotra) Gotrotpannah, Aham Grihe, (Devata Ka Naam) Pritayartham, (Pooja/Anushthan Ka Uddeshya) Karishye.

After taking the vow, place soil in a clay pot, sow barley seeds, and install the Kalash on top of it. Before starting the recitation of Durga Saptashati, chant “Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundayai Vichche“. This mantra should also be chanted post-recitation. Once the chanting begins, it is prohibited to leave your seat or speak until the recitation is complete. Clear, rhythmic pronunciation of the verses is important.

How to Recite Durga Saptashati

When beginning the Durga Saptashati recitation, follow this sequence: first, recite the Argala mantra, then the Kilak, and finally the Kavach. Some scriptures suggest reciting the Kavach first, followed by the Argala and then the Kilak. The main text consists of 13 chapters. Here’s a suggested daily reading schedule:

Ensure that you maintain clear pronunciation throughout the reading and avoid distractions or leaving your asana before finishing the ritual.

Kalash Immersion Process

On the tenth day, which is Dussehra, the immersion of the Goddess’s idol or Kalash is performed. Before the immersion, the Goddess is worshipped with proper rituals, and a havan (fire offering) is conducted. The idol or Kalash is then symbolically shaken before being immersed in a holy water body. All the puja materials offered during the nine days are also immersed.

It is advised to distribute the jaware (barley shoots) grown in the pot among family members. Some shoots may be kept in the home safe for prosperity, while the rest should be immersed in flowing water.

By following these guidelines, devotees can perform Navratri Anushthan Vidhi in a spiritually fulfilling way that ensures maximum blessings from Goddess Durga.

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