Sharad Navratri 2017: Know what is 'Kalash sthapna' and about nine form of Navdurga

Sharad Navratri 2017

Navratri is the nine-day festival dedicated to Devi Durga by Hindus all over India. The nine days represent the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga. Navratri comes from the Sanskrit word “nava” denoting nine and “ratri” which is night. During this festival of nine nights, the nine forms of Shakti (also known as Navdurga) are worshipped across the country. Kalash sthapna or ghatasthapna is said to be the most important rituals among others as it marks the beginning of Navratris. Ghatasthapna is a way to invoke Goddess Durga and it is very important to know the correct muhurat for the ritual. Here we bring you the complete list of thitis and muhrat of this upcoming celebration: Pratipada Tithi Begins- 10:59 on 20/Sep/2017 Pratipada Tithi Ends-10:34 on 21/Sep/2017 The Ghatsthapna muhurat will last for almost two hours, the Drik Panchang says. Ghatasthapana Muhurta - 06:12 to 08:09 Duration - 1 Hour 56 Mins The devotees must also note that that Ghatasthapana must be done in the right muhurat as there would be a Rahukaal later in the day. However, on Ashtami and Navmi,'Kumari pujan' will be done. It includes washing feet of 9 young girls below the age of 13 and a young boy that symbolises Hanuman or Langur. Here are the nine forms of Maa Durga:

Sailaputri

Sailaputri (Daughter of the Himalayas): The first day is the day of Shailaputri Devi. Shailaputri literally means the daughter (putri) of the mountains (shaila). Variously known as Sati Bhavani, Parvati or Hemavati, the daughter of Hemavana – the king of the Himalayas, she is the first among Navadurgas. The color to wear on the first day is Yellow.

Brahmacharini

Brahmacharini (One who observes the state of celibacy doing penance): The second day is the day of Bharmachirini. She is the second form of Mother Goddess. Bharmacharini means one who practices devout austerity.

Chandraghaṇṭa

Chandraghaṇṭa ( One who bears the moon in her necklace ): On the third day of Navaratri, Maa Chandraghanta is worshiped by the devotees. Her name Chandra-Ghanta, means "one who has a half-moon shaped like a bell". It is believed that she rewards people with her grace, bravery, courage and end their sufferings and distresses. The color to wear on the third day is Grey.

Kuṣmaṇḍa

Kuṣmaṇḍa (the creator of the universe): Kushmanda is the fourth form of the mother goddess and is worshipped on the fourth day of Navaratri. The meaning of the name ‘Ku-shm-anda’ is as follows: ‘Ku’ = a little; ‘ushma’ = ‘warmth’; ‘anda’ = ‘the cosmic egg’. So she is considered the creator of the universe. The color to wear on the fourth day is Orange.

Skanda-Mata

Skanda-Mata (The mother of Skanda, Kārttikeya, born out of her powers): The fifth aspect of the Mother Durga is known as ‘Skanda Mata’ – the mother of Skanda or Lord Kartikeya, who was chosen by gods as their commander in chief in the war against the demons. The color to wear on the sixth day is Red.

Katyauani

Katyauani (The daughter of sage Katyayana, who incarnated to help the Devas): The sixth form of Mother Durga is known as ‘Katyayani‘, who is worshipped on the six day of Navaratri. The legend behind her name goes thus: Once upon a time, there was a great sage called Kata, who had a son named Katya. Kata was very famous and renowned in the lineage of saints. He underwent long austerities and penance in order to receive the grace of the Mother Goddess. He wished to have a daughter in the form of a goddess. According to his wish and desire the Mother Goddess granted his request. Katyayani was born to Kata as an avatar of Durga. The color to wear on the sixth day is Red.

Kalaratri

Kalaratri (black as night, destroyer of Kali): This is the seventh form of Mother Durga and is worshipped on the seventh day of Navaratri. She has a dark complexion, disheveled hair and a fearlessness posture. A necklace flashing lightning adorns her neck. The color to wear on the seventh day is Blue.

Mahagauri

Mahagauri (the wife of Lord Shiva, doing great penance): Maha Gauri is the eight form of Durga Maa. Maha Gauri is intelligent, peaceful and calm. It is said that due to her long austerities in the deep forests of the Himalayas her color transformed from white to black. However, later when Lord Shiva cleaned her with the water of the Ganges, her body regained its beauty and she came to be known as Maha Gauri, which mean extremely white. The color to wear on the seventh day is Blue.

Siddhidatri

Siddhidatri (Provider of Siddhis, giver of mystic powers): Siddhidatri is the ninth form of Goddess Durga. She is worshipped on the ninth day of Navaratri. Siddhidatri has supernatural healing powers. The color to wear on the seventh day is Purple.