Sharadiya Navratri: Auspicious Muhurat for Ghatasthapana and How to Worship the Goddess

The Chaturmas period is the time of Lord Vishnu's slumber, but it is a season full of festivals lasting four months. Among these festivals is the Navratri celebration dedicated to the Goddess. Although there are four special Navratri occasions in a year, the Chaitra and Sharadiya Navratri are the most prominently celebrated. The Sharadiya Navratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm. After the month of Bhadrapad, the days from the Pratipada of Ashwin month to Navami are known as Sharadiya Navratri days. Let's know when the Sharadiya Navratri festival will be observed in 2024 and the auspicious time for setting up the Ghat:

Sharadiya Navratri 2024 Dates and Auspicious Muhurat

According to the Panchang, the Sharadiya Navratri festival will be celebrated from October 3, 2024, to October 12, 2024.
Ghatasthapana Muhurat - 06:19 AM to 07:22 AM
Ghatasthapana Abhijit Muhurat - 11:52 AM to 12:39 PM

How to Perform Special Worship for Sharadiya Navratri

- Clean the room where the Goddess will be worshipped before the morning Ghatasthapana.
- After taking a bath, place a toran of leaves on the main entrance.
- Set up a seat for the Goddess and install her idol.
- Then, establish the Kalash.
- Sow barley seeds in a clay pot.
- Tie a sacred thread on the Kalash.
- recite the Durga Saptashati.
- Perform a Yagya for the Goddess on Mahanavami.

Nine Goddesses of Navratri

During Navratri, nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped. These forms are actually manifestations of Goddess Parvati as well. On the first day of Navratri, Shailaputri is worshipped; on the second day, Brahmacharini; on the third day, Chandraghanta; on the fourth day, Kushmanda; on the fifth day, Skandamata; on the sixth day, Katyayani; on the seventh day, Kalratri; on the eighth day, Mahagauri; and on the ninth day, Siddhidatri.

Significance of Sharadiya Navratri

Sharadiya Navratri is called Mah Navratri. It is believed that when the Goddess fought the demon Mahishasura, the battle lasted for nine days. On the tenth day, the Goddess vanquished Mahishasura. Hence, devotees worship the Goddess for nine days and celebrate Vijaya Dashami on the tenth day. On Vijaya Dashami, Lord Ram also defeated Ravana.

Benefits of Worshipping the Goddess During Navratri

- Enemies and opponents are eliminated.
- Fear of accidents and defects causing untimely death are removed.
- Financial prosperity is achieved.
- Self-confidence increases.
- Astrological doshas are resolved.
- Negativity in life is removed.