Starting on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, the nine days leading up to March 31, 2023, known as Chaitra Navratri, hold great religious significance in Hinduism. The Hindu festival of Chaitra Navratri takes place during the month of Chaitra, which in the Gregorian calendar is March or April.
Navratri is one of India’s biggest and best-loved holidays. The Hindu goddess Durga and her nine incarnations (Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandmata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Maha Gauri, and Siddhidatri) are honored at this festival known as Navaratri. Around the country, several different religious events are held during Navratri.
Certain regions of northern India refer to Chaitra Navratri as Rama Navratri. Lord Rama’s birthday, known as Rama Navami, occurs on the ninth day of the nine-day Navratri festival. According to the Hindu lunar calendar, the New Year is celebrated in the month of Chaitra. Gudi Padwa marks the start of Chaitra Navratri in Maharashtra, whereas Ugadi kicks off the celebration in Andhra Pradesh.
Importance Of Chaitra Navratri :
Curiously, the Amavasyant calendar designates the Hindu New Year as the first day of Chaitra Navratri. Hence, the Nav Varsh begins with adoration of the Mother Goddess, a representation of authority. The aforementioned seasonal transition also coincides with Navratri. Devotees fast for nine days as the season of spring ends and summer begins in an effort to stave off heat-related ailments. They protect themselves against heat-borne infections and illnesses by observing a vrat.
This event was observed at this time all over India, particularly in the northern regions. Throughout the course of the nine days, devotees fast, perform pooja, bake a wide range of sweets, and worship many incarnations of the goddess Durga. Navratri is a time for self-examination and renewal. Initiating new projects during this time is seen as fortunate. If you fast and pray with all your heart during Navratri, you will be blessed all year long. May good fortune, good health, and tranquility find each and every one of you this holiday season.
Mythology Behind Chaitra Navratri :
From a Hindu mythological perspective, Chaitra Navaratri marks the beginning of time and the universe itself. On these joyous occasions, devotees pray to Lady Durga, the goddess of creation, for success and safety. According to another Hindu myth, Goddess Durga spent nine days in her birthplace after being granted permission to do so by her husband, Lord Shiva. During this time, legend has it that she demonstrated the triumph of good over evil by killing the monster Mahishasura. Those who believe in this God are promised serenity, health, and the ability to overcome all obstacles in life.
Kalash Sthapana Puja On Chaitra Navratri 2023 :
Those who practice Kalash Sthapana puja typically do it in their homes or places of business. Kalash puja involves the use of a Kalash and the presence of a priest at the place of devotion to performing the necessary procedures. The first day of Navratri is the ideal time to set up a Kalash.
- As soon as you get out of bed in the morning, you should jump in the shower.
- Clean the area where the Kalash will be housed after you’ve finished cleaning the idols.
- A crimson cloth should then be spread over a wooden seat, and uncooked rice should be placed on top as the mantras of Lord Ganesha are chanted.
- You need to dig a hole, cover it with soil, and then plant some Barley seeds there.
- Place the Kalash in the ground and fill it with water.
- Make a swastika symbol with the vermillion paste and wrap a holy thread around the Kalash’s neck.
- The Kalash is incomplete without some betelnut, currency, and mango leaves.
- Wrap a crimson Chunari and a holy thread around a coconut.
- Place this coconut on top of Kalash as a sacrificial offering to the supreme God. Worship the gods with a religious heart and mind by offering flowers to them.
Kalash Sthapana puja has been shown to be effective in attracting more good health, riches, and prosperity into one’s life. Favored dishes include Sabudana Vada (Sago Vada), Sabudana khichadi (Sago Khichadi), Singhare Ka Halwa (Water Chestnut Flour Halwa), Kuttu Ki Poori (Grass Seed Flour or Buckwheat Poori), and Singhare Ke Pakore (Water Chestnut Flour Pakoras).
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