BhaktiLoopGhatsthapana
Marks the auspicious beginning of the nine-day Navaratri festival. It involves invoking Goddess Durga/Shakti into a sacred pot (ghata) to seek her blessings for prosperity, health, and spiritual growth. It symbolizes fertility, abundance, and the creative power of the universe.
Key Rituals & Practices
- Setup of the Ghata/Kalash:** A wide-mouthed earthen pot (ghata) is prepared. A layer of sacred soil (often from a pure source or river bank) is placed at the bottom.
- Sowing of Grains:** Seven types of grains (Sapta Dhanya), typically barley, are sown in the soil within the pot or in a separate bed around it. These sprouts symbolize prosperity and growth.
- Placement of Kalash:** A copper or earthen pot (Kalash) filled with water, rice grains, coins, betel nuts, and sometimes flowers/sacred leaves (like mango or Ashoka) is placed on top of the soil bed.
- Coconut Adornment:** A coconut, often wrapped in red cloth and tied with sacred thread (Mauli/Kalawa), is placed on the mouth of the Kalash, symbolizing the invoked deity.
- Invocation (Avahan):** Mantras and prayers are recited to invoke Goddess Durga/Shakti to reside in the Kalash for the duration of Navaratri.
- Lighting of Akhand Jyot:** An eternal lamp (Akhand Jyot) is lit near the ghata, which is kept burning continuously for all nine days as a symbol of the divine presence and unbroken devotion.
Daily offerings (puja, aarti, bhog) are made to the ghata throughout Navaratri.
Associated Deities
Hindu Calendar Details
Hindu Month
Ashvin (for Sharad Navaratri); Chaitra (for Chaitra Navaratri)
Paksha
Shukla Paksha (Bright Fortnight)
Tithi
Pratipada (First Day)
Regional Relevance & Variations
undefined
undefined
undefined
undefined
Historical & Mythological Context
It is believed that by establishing the Ghata, devotees invite the divine energy of Goddess Durga to reside in their homes for the duration of Navaratri, protecting them from negative forces and showering blessings. The ritual symbolically sets the stage for the nine-day spiritual journey of self-purification and devotion. The growing sprouts symbolize fertility, new beginnings, and the cycle of creation. It is a re-enactment of inviting the powerful Devi Shakti into one's life, just as she descended to battle evil (e.g., Mahishasura) to restore cosmic balance.
Alternative Names
Gregorian Date
Varies annually (typically in September/October for Sharad Navaratri, or March/April for Chaitra Navaratri)