Lucknow, Amrit Vichar: In Sanatan Dharma, Chaitra Navratri is considered the most important festival of Shakti Sadhana. This year Chaitra Navratri will start from March 19 (Thursday) and end with Ram Navami on March 27. During these nine days, devotees worship nine forms of Goddess Durga, which are called Navadurga. Navratri begins with Ghatasthapana (installation of Kalash), which is considered a symbol of invocation of Goddess Shakti. In the Devi Mahatmya of the religious text Markandeya Purana, it is stated that Goddess Durga is the original power of the universe and Navratri is considered the most sacred time of her worship.
Pratipada date and auspicious yoga
Pratipada Tithi will start at 06:52 am on March 19 and will end at 04:52 am on March 20. According to Udayatithi, Ghatasthapana will be done on 19th March only. On this day, Moon will be in Uttarabhadrapada Nakshatra in Pisces and there will be an auspicious combination of Savarth Siddhi Yoga. According to astrological beliefs, this year Mother Durga is coming riding on a palanquin. According to astrologer SS Nagpal, the arrival of Maa Durga on a palanquin indicates that people’s emotions may be more sensitive this year. There will be a possibility of increase in sympathy, compassion and spiritual inclination in the society.
Auspicious time for Ghatasthapana
The auspicious time for Ghatasthapana on 19th March (Thursday) will be as follows –
Morning time: 06:52 am to 10:13 am
Abhijit Muhurta: 11:50 to 12:38 pm
Establishing the Kalash during these times is considered extremely auspicious.
Worship of nine forms of Navadurga in Navratri
Different forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped during the nine days of Navratri.
First day – Mother Shailputri
Second day – Mother Brahmacharini
Third day – Maa Chandraghanta
Fourth day – Maa Kushmanda
Fifth day – Maa Skandamata
Sixth day – Maa Katyayani
Seventh day – Maa Kalratri
Ashtami day – Maa Mahagauri
Ninth Day – Maa Siddhidatri
After nine days of fasting, worship and meditation, Navratri will end on 27th March on the day of Ram Navami. On this day, this holy festival of Goddess worship ends with the birth anniversary of Lord Rama.