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How To Keep Kalash For Navratri Puja In Hindu Religion?

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Expanded Guide: Keeping a Kalash for Navratri Puja in Hindu Religion

Navratri is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to worshiping Goddess Durga and her nine forms over nine nights. Setting up a Kalash (sacred pot) is an integral part of Navratri Puja. Here’s an expanded guide covering all aspects:

1. Preparation for Kalash Sthapana (Establishing the Kalash)

Materials Needed:

  • A clean clay, copper, or brass pot (Kalash)
  • Coconut with husk
  • Mango or Ashoka leaves
  • Red cloth or red thread (mouli)
  • Raw rice or soil for sowing barley seeds
  • Water mixed with Ganga Jal (holy water)
  • Saffron or turmeric for water purification
  • Coins (optional, symbolizing wealth)
  • Sandalwood paste and flowers
  • Betel nut, cloves, and cardamom
  • Durva grass (sacred grass) and kumkum
  • A photo or idol of Goddess Durga

Steps:

  1. Purify the Area: Clean the space where the puja will be performed. Decorate it with rangoli and a red cloth on the altar.
  2. Sow Barley Seeds: In a clay pot, spread soil and sow barley seeds. Water them lightly daily during Navratri.
  3. Fill the Kalash: Add clean water mixed with Ganga Jal, turmeric, and sandalwood paste. Insert a coin and a few grains of rice into the water.
  4. Decorate the Kalash: Place mango or Ashoka leaves around the mouth of the Kalash. Cover it with a coconut wrapped in a red cloth tied with a mouli.
  5. Place the Kalash: Set the Kalash on the barley pot. Ensure the Kalash faces east, symbolizing positivity and divine blessings.

2. Direction and Placement

  • The Kalash should ideally face east or north, as these directions are considered auspicious.
  • The coconut’s tuft should point upwards, symbolizing growth and spiritual progress.
  • The head of the family or the main devotee should perform the sthapana.

3. Daily Routine and Maintenance

Morning Rituals:

  • Clean the puja area daily before beginning prayers.
  • Light an earthen lamp with ghee.
  • Offer fresh flowers, fruits, and sweets (prasad) to the Kalash.
  • Chant Durga Suktam or Devi Mahatmya verses.

Evening Rituals:

  • Light an oil lamp and perform aarti with a camphor flame.
  • Recite mantras or hymns dedicated to Goddess Durga.
  • Offer new prasad, typically including homemade sweets or seasonal fruits.

4. Mantras and Prayers

For Durga Devi:

  • “Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu Shakti Rupena Samsthita, Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah.”

For Lord Shiva:

  • “Om Namah Shivaya.”

For Lord Vishnu:

  • “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.”

For Goddess Lakshmi:

  • “Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah.”

For Lord Ganapati:

  • “Om Gam Ganapataye Namah.”

For Hanuman Ji:

  • “Om Hanumate Namah.”

5. Benefits of Keeping a Kalash

  • Spiritual Growth: Enhances devotion, concentration, and positivity.
  • Family Harmony: Promotes unity and peace in the household.
  • Prosperity: Attracts wealth and abundance.
  • Health Benefits: The sacred atmosphere helps reduce stress and promotes mental clarity.

6. Practical Suggestions and Discipline

  • Maintain Cleanliness: Ensure the Kalash area is free of clutter and remains clean throughout Navratri.
  • Consistency: Perform the puja at the same time daily to maintain a disciplined schedule.
  • Focus on Intent: Keep your thoughts pure and devoted during prayers.
  • Avoid Disturbances: Complete the rituals without distractions, such as electronic devices.

7. Lesser-Known Facts

  • Barley Growth Significance: The growth of barley in the pot indicates the household’s prosperity for the coming year.
  • Symbolism of Mango Leaves: Represent the five elements – earth, water, fire, air, and space.
  • Coconut's Role: Symbolizes fertility, purity, and the head of the deity.

8. Common Errors to Avoid

  • Do not touch the Kalash after the sthapana without first purifying yourself.
  • Do not let the lamp go out during the puja; keep it burning continuously with ghee or oil.

9. Concluding the Puja

On the last day (Dashami), perform a special havan or immersion ritual. Offer the barley shoots and water from the Kalash to plants or flowing water, symbolizing the return of the divine energy to the universe.

By following these methods with faith and discipline, Navratri becomes a deeply enriching spiritual experience.