Divine Vastu Tips for ‘Karwa Chauth’ 2013

Divine Vastu Tips for ‘Karwa Chauth’ 2013

(October 22, 2013)

‘Karwa Chauth’ in 2013 will be celebrated on 22nd October. It is an annual Hindu festival where married women observe fast for the well-being and long life of their husband. The day falls on the fourth day of Kartik month in Hindu calendar, just nine days before Diwali. In western calendar, the festival generally falls in the months of October and November. The tradition of observing fast on Karwa Chauth is keenly followed by married women with much fervor and gaiety. For long life and wellbeing of husbands, wives passionately observe this auspicious strict fast and abstain from food and water for the whole day. The fasting ritual during Karwa Chauth signifies the unending love, respect and devotion of a wife towards her husband. They specially pray to Goddess Gauri (Parvati) for the well-being of their husband. These festivities are aimed towards strengthening the bond between a husband and a wife. Unmarried girls observe this fast for the desired husbands or for the fiancé.

‘Karwa Chauth Vrat Katha’:

Though there are many legendary stories connected with this festival but the most popular one goes that a long time ago, a merchant had seven sons and one daughter. His daughter was married and visited her maternal home for celebrating Karwa Chauth with her mother and sister-in-laws. When her brothers were having meals at night, they asked their sister to also join the dinner. But sister replied "brother, moon is yet not visible, so I'll have my dinner after looking at moon". Brothers were worried about the health of their sister. Thus, after hearing response of sister, brothers went out in colony, ignited fire, and fixed a round sieve in front of the light of that fire. They made an illusion that the light coming out from sieve is light of moon. Sister couldn't understand deceive of brothers and offered water to illusion of moon thinking it was the real moon. However, her sister–in-laws knew that false of their husbands and also told about this cheat to their sister, but she ignored and proceeded further for completion of Karwa Chauth Vrat and ate meals without looking at the real moon in sky. This of her deed made Lord Ganesha and Goddess Karwa completely unhappy. And due to her false, her husband soon met to death. She realized and repented for her mistake and prayed Lord Ganesha to forgive her. In return, she was asked to observe Karwa Chauth Vrat carefully next year which was the only way to find her husband alive. The story shows that if women are bent on her devotion and love towards her husband, she will be blessed with a wonderful married life, no matter how many tests and hardships she might endure. Likewise, married women observe Karwa Chauth fast every year with depth of their heart and with complete devotion for long life, prosperity and goodwill of their husband.

Preparations for ‘Karwa Chauth Vrat’ and Rituals of the Pooja:

On Karwa Chauth day, ladies wake up early in the morning and take bath after their daily routine. A small wooden platform is established at North–East corner of home and is wrapped with red piece of cloth. Image of Karwa Chauth and idols of Lord Ganesha and Shiv-Parvati are established on wooden platform. Karwa Chauth calendar can also be purchased from market. Pooja thali is prepared keeping ‘roli’, ‘kumkum’, ‘chandan’, raw rice, ‘diya’ (lamp), flowers, and ‘dhoop-batti’. One ‘Karwa’ (clay pot) is filled with water and kept near image of ‘Karwa Mata’ on the wooden platform. Some women also fill Karwa with wheat. Mouth of the Karwa is covered with a small clay plate and kept sugar with money or a coin on it. Four ‘Chini Karwa’ (sugar pots) are kept at another corner of wooden platform. ‘Chini Karwa’ are sent by in-laws of married women. Cosmetics, Sari or money is also kept near wooden place for giving it to their mother-in-law after the completion of fast. Beautiful colorful ‘rangoli’ is also crafted surrounding the wooden platform. First Pooja (worship) is offered to Lord Ganesha and oath of fasting is taken.

Breakfast:

The fast starts with a festive breakfast (‘Sargi’) which is to be had early in the morning before sunrise (4a.m.). The ‘Sargi’ may be consist of COCONUT, SAVIYA, MITHAI, ALMONDS, FENIS, JALEBI, and milk. It is very important to the newly wed girls/women as they get a gift pack from their home (mother’s side). The gift pack is traditionally known as “Baya” which contains almonds, ‘matthis’ and some gifts. The ‘Baya’ should reach the girl’s house before evening. It is a traditional that the ‘Sargi’ should be sent or given to the woman by her mother-in-law.

Henna:

Henna or Mehandi is said to be auspicious for a married woman, and is an important part of the Karwa Chauth ritual. However, its more auspicious if the woman gets henna designs applied on her hands a night before.

Dressing Up:

Women should be dressed up in a traditional way with jewelry and cosmetics similar to that of the bridal make-up (‘16 Shringaar’ namely Bindi, Sindoor (Vermilion), Maang-Teeka/Mangal-Sutra, Kaajal, Nath or Nose Ring, Haar or Necklace, Ear Rings, Mehandi or Henna, Bangles, Armlets, Rings, Hair style, Waist Band, Paayal or Anklet, Itra or Special Fragrance & Bridal Dress). However, it’s very important to avoid dull colors on this day; bright, positive colors are the order of the day!

The ‘Pooja’:

During the Karwa Chauth ritual (evening), women sit in a circle with idol of Goddess ‘Gauri’ (made of earth & cow dunk or an idol of Goddess Parvati) along with Karwa in the center. The Karwa is placed next to the idol, on a hoisted platform. Then, every woman must apply ‘tilak’ on the idol to seek her blessings and pray for a blissfully long married life. Thereafter, an older woman of the group should recite the Karwa Chauth Katha (story), once the story is over; other women must rotate their ‘thalis’, reciting the Karwa Chauth song.

Once the Pooja is over women are allowed to have tea or a glass of water. They then have to wait for the Moon to come out, to break the fast. Remember, fasting women cannot eat anything.

Breaking the ‘Karwa Chauth’ Fast:

The women await the rising of the moon. Once the moon is visible, a fasting woman, with her husband nearby, view the reflection of the moon in a vessel filled with water, through a sieve, or through a cloth or ‘dupatta’. Then water is offered to the Moon, to secure its blessings. She then turns to her husband and views his face indirectly in the same manner and then receiving the first bite of food and water from the husband. In some regions, the woman says a brief prayer asking for her husband's life. It is believed that at this stage, spiritually strengthened by her fast, the woman can successfully confront and defeat death.

Vastu Perspective and ‘Karwa Chauth’:

In Nature, all five elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space) are in balance. Vastu Shastra is the architectural science that can create maximum harmony in a relationship through a unique process of balancing the five elements in your home. It allows for the beneficial energy to be readily available to support your desire for peace, happiness, and fulfillment.

Each of the five elements is associated with a direction and each direction has a particular influence on us. Different aspects of relationships are most optimally supported in a specific direction. When there is stress caused by finances, sexual imbalances, overwork, inability to communicate, children, and health challenges, relationships do not thrive. The North-East area of your residence is associated with the Water Element and can influence the growth of your relationships. The South-East area of your home is associated with the Fire Element. The South-East influences the energy needed to have lively relationships due to the Fire Element. The South-West area of your residence is associated with the Earth Element. The South-West influences the stability of your relationships. The North-West area of your home is associated with the Air Element. The North-West influences the ability to create and communicate. The Central area (Brahmasthan) of a residence is associated with the Space Element. If this area is open there will be good communication in relationships. If there is clutter, restroom, a kitchen or no open space in the central area of a home, there will be disagreements.

According to Divine Vastu, if the fast is kept correctly, it not only benefits the marriage but also brings prosperity for the whole family. Follow these Divine Vastu tips for ‘Karwa Chauth Pooja’ to make the ritual more fruitful:

1.      While eating ‘Sargi’ or ‘Baya’ in the early morning (4 a.m.) try to sit in North-East direction to get positive cosmic energy and blessings of planet Jupiter.

2.      Between 12p.m. to 3p.m. spend your time with family and friends preferably in South-East direction to warm up personal relations due to the presence of ‘Fire Element’ in this direction but avoid sitting with husband in this direction.

3.      After listening the ‘Vrat Katha’ at about 4p.m., spend time with your husband in South-West direction to give stability and growth to this relationship.

4.      At the time of ending the ‘Vrat’, water offerings (‘Arghya’) and prayers to the Moon, select North-West corner to get blessings of Moon planet to enhance love and stronger relations with the husband.

5.      You should face the North-East or East direction during the puja.

6.      Avoid keeping ‘puja-sthal’ in the bedroom.

May ‘Karwa Chauth’ 2013 Bring Immense Elation in Your Life!

‘DIWALI POOJA’ 2013: SPECIAL DIVINE VASTU TIPS

‘DIWALI POOJA’ 2013: SPECIAL DIVINE VASTU TIPS

 Vastu tips are extremely important for any home. It ensures that positive energies enter your home and all the negative vibes are banished. However, when it comes to festive Diwali celebrations, these Vastu tips take on even greater importance. No matter how you keep your house for the rest of the year, at least on Diwali, you should correct the Vastu of your home.

Diwali (Divali, Dipawali, or Deepavali), or the Indian Festival of Lights, is perhaps the most prominent of Indian fiestas. It is celebrated all over India, as well as in Indian communities throughout the diaspora. A time of great rejoicing, the festival is enthusiastically commemorated by people of every religion and from all walks of life. Diwali is a five-day-long Hindu festival celebrated predominantly across South and Southeast Asia, which includes India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Fiji, Thailand and Indonesia.

Diwali is one of the biggest Hindu festivals celebrated among many people and communities in the United States. Many schools, community groups, Hindu associations, Indian organizations and corporate businesses get involved in celebrating Diwali. Politicians, including governors and past presidents, previously made public announcements expressing their greetings and well wishes to Hindus on Diwali. Some communities organize firework displays and states such as Utah have proclaimed Diwali as one of their state festivals. Diwali celebrations may vary in different communities but its significance and spiritual meaning is generally ‘the awareness of the inner light’. The festival symbolizes the victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness.

During the festival, homes are thoroughly cleaned and windows are opened to welcome Goddess ‘Lakshmi’, the celestial deity of wealth. Candles and small earthen lamps, called ‘diyas’, are lit to welcome the deity, as also to (symbolically) banish the darkness in our lives. Gifts and greetings are exchanged and festive meals are prepared. Diwali is to Hindus what Christmas is to Christians.

The word ‘Diwali’ is a colloquialism of the Sanskrit word ‘Deepawali’, meaning ‘a row of lighted lamps’, and the festival is aptly called ‘The Festival of Lights’. Diwali is celebrated after about 20 days of ‘Dussehra’ on the dark night of ‘Amavasya’ of the ‘Kartika’ month. It has two festivals:  ‘Dhanteras’ and ‘Naraka Chaturdasi’ (‘Chhotti Diwali’), before its celebration and two festivals of ‘Govardhan Puja’ and ‘Bhaiya Duj’, after it. The two festivals, which come before Diwali day, are related to cleanliness, hygiene and health. On ‘Dhanteras’, the first festival before Diwali, Lord ‘Dhanwantari’, the physician of Gods, appeared from the ocean with ‘Amrita Kalash’ (a pot full of nectar) for the welfare of mankind, as a result of ‘Samudra Manthan’ (churning of the sea) by ‘Devas’ and ‘Rakshashas’. The next day, ‘Naraka Chaturdasi’, celebrates Lord Krishna’s victory over ‘Narakasura’, the embodiment of untidiness, dirtiness and diseases. 

Diwali is called the Festival of Lights and is celebrated to honor Lord Rama Chandra, the seventh ‘avatar’ (Incarnation of the God Vishnu). It is believed that on this day Rama returned to his people after 14 years of exile during which he fought and won a battle against the demons and the demon king, ‘Ravana’. People lit their houses to celebrate his victory over evil (light over darkness).

At the onset of Diwali festival, Vastu Shastra lays a lot of emphasis on the right ‘Muhurta’ so that maximum advantage can be achieved. The ancient Indian Vedic knowledge of Architectural Science, the ‘Sthapatya Veda’, also supports this tradition and highly recommends that auspicious activities like ‘Vastu Pooja’, ‘Griha Pravesh’ etc. must be performed during a ‘Shubh Muhurta’ or auspicious time.   

Although people follow the traditional way of celebrating Diwali, they can reap much more, if they just adapt the principles of Vastu to the traditional way. Vastu, the ancient science of architecture and placement, can be put to good use in your home and workplace on Diwali day, not only to bring positivity inside, but also to receive the blessings of the reigning deities to be blessed by fortune, health, progress and peace in their lives of this festival.

Some tested and highly effective Divine Vastu Tips are given below which will help homeowners:

De-clutter/De-junk:

It is a believed that Goddess Lakshmi only enters a clean house. Throw the useless old things in your home as they obstruct the positive energy from entering in. Dispose of all those old magazines, clothes, broken furniture, crockery or children’s toys that are never going to be used. Make your home neat and clean this Diwali. It will pave the way for prosperity and dissipate stagnant energy too. Diwali is the time to de-clutter.

Clean It Up:

Clean the entire house, including those neglected corners, which are seldom attended to. If possible energize your apartment or building by either whitewashing or applying a fresh coat of paint, as the final step towards giving your home a brand new look.

Spray Salt Water:

Mix rock sea salt with water and spray this saline solution at all corners of the house. According to Vastu Shastra, salt has a property to absorb all evil energies within the house. Add a pinch of energy salt or ‘Sendha Namak’ while mopping the floor to ward off negativity. Place rock salt (filled in glass bowl) in all the four corners of your home or office.

Light up:

The reason why ‘light’ is an important feature of Diwali is that it is supposed to ward off evil spirits, bring in prosperity and energize the surroundings. It is also believed that homes that are well-lit are always more in tune with attracting wealth, so make sure that your home is shining nice and bright this Diwali. For decoration, using specific colored lighting bulbs for different directions are as follows:

• North: Put extra blue, yellow and green colored light bulbs for decorating the house.
• East: Use more of red, orange and yellow light bulbs.
• South: Decorate with white, indigo, violet and red colored light bulbs.
• West: Add more yellow, orange, pink and gray light bulbs.

Decorate:

Embellish the main door with a ‘Bandanwars’/‘Torans’ or door hangings made with mango leaves and garland of marigold flowers to bring good luck, happiness and success to your home. In the absence of the real stuff, people use well-crafted cloth substitutes to do the job.  ‘Toran’ symbolizes nature’s abundance and attracts blessings of God. If the above ‘Toran’ not available than any other ‘Toran’ with auspicious symbols can be also used. Bright yellows, oranges, reds and greens come together in joyous glory, adding hues of splendor that cheer the heart.

The Door Way:

In Vastu Shastra, the main entrance of your house is associated with upcoming opportunities. So do not leave any obstructions in your doorway. Make sure the door opens fully and there is no clutter in its way.

Gift it Right:

Diwali shopping lists are of course quite exhaustive. In order to attract wealth as per Vastu, it is a good idea to include gold and utensils too. Apart from jewelry, gold and silver coins are accepted gifts for promoting prosperity. It is also suggested that the coins which are used during the ‘Pooja’ should later be stored in red pouches with golden strings, as they are believed to be symbols of blessings from ‘Lakshmi’ and bearers of good luck throughout the year.

Invite Right:

Your main door must look bright and inviting for Goddess ‘Lakshmi’ to enter your home and shower her blessings. The small footprints which are usually drawn with a mix of rice flour and vermilion symbolize the goddess’ entry into your home but make sure they are not placed haphazardly. These footprints also bring in positivity. Also, let your creativity flow with beautiful ‘rangoli’ designs and traditional motifs. An image of ‘Lakshmi’ and ‘Ganesha’ placed on the front door enhances positive energy and dispels negativity.

This Diwali, address the following directions to achieve positivity and specific results:

North:                A water feature will help you start new projects.

South:               Hang rock mountain pictures that inspire you to achieve more.

North-East:      A bowl of fresh water on top of a 100 Dollars note for your business's prosperity.

West:                A clay pot with yellow flowers will increase savings.

North-West:     Place a piggy bank to enhance your energy to work and make money.

South-West:     To improve cash flow and speed up recovery, hang a crystal ball.

South-West:    Keep your bank/investment papers in this sector facing towards North.

East:                  Put a picture of rising Sun to achieve name and fame.

South-East:       Put nine stick bamboo plant to grow wealth.

Water-fountain charm:

A source of running water is very good for the house. It is said that flowing water absorbs all the negativity in the house and takes it along. That is why place a small water fountain in the North-East direction of the house. A water fountain can be extremely valuable, especially if placed in North, East or North-East direction. Fresh water is symbolic of good health. But, the water fountain should be proportionate in size to the room. Place a cascade of water outside your front door, preferably on the right-hand side of the door.

Place earmarked for valuables:

According to Vastu Shastra, the North direction is ruled by lord of wealth, ‘Kubera’ and is known as ‘Kubera-Sthanam’. This direction is the best place for keeping the ‘safe’/locker where you keep your valuables. Keeping a statue of Goddess ‘Lakshmi’ in the ‘safe’ with your valuables saves and increases them.

‘Jala-Sthanam’:

Keeping water reservoirs in the East direction is considered very auspicious. It will help to start new projects and make progress in life.

Diwali celebrations are incomplete without the pooja of Lord Ganesha (destroyer of hurdles), Goddess ‘Lakshmi’ (queen of wealth), Goddess ‘Saraswati’ (giver of knowledge) and Goddess ‘Kali’ (destroyer of evil). All these poojas will be wasted if the Vastu of your home is improper. Thus, before you get started with the Diwali celebrations and poojas, implement these Vastu tips for sure.

The northern sector of a home is associated with wealth. Hence, ideally, the ‘Lakshmi Pooja’ should be conducted in that location. Prayers, songs and rituals are all designed to welcome the goddess home and attract health and wealth. It is said that cleanliness, light and fragrance are essential in enhancing your wealth prospects, so make sure that your home is in accordance to these prerequisites for Diwali celebrations. Apart from devotional music, let soothing tunes permeate the air throughout the day and fill your home with the right ambience for prosperity.

‘Rangoli’:

Make ‘Rangoli’ near the entrance of the house and in front of the ‘Pooja’/Prayer room for creating a positive environment. Preferably, use the traditional materials viz. sand or rice powder mixed with food colors for creating ‘Rangoli’. ‘Rangoli’ is the colorful design made on the floor. In a traditional household, the lady of the house begins her daily chores by drawing ‘rangoli’ lines in front of the ‘pooja’ room and the ‘Tulsi’. This is said to purify her and make her stay fresh and lively the entire day. ‘Rangoli’ is a must on Diwali day too, to welcome Goddess ‘Lakshmi’. This infuses positivity in the environment.

Right manner to keep Earthen Lamps/‘Diyas’:

When placing the ‘Diyas’ on the parapet and the boundary walls, ensure that they are in multiples of (4)four, as each ‘Diya’ represents the reigning deity of Diwali i.e. Goddess ‘Lakshmi’, Lord ‘Ganesha’, Lord ‘Kubera’ and Lord ‘Indra’ and you would not want to separate them!

Get your Pooja Room ready for ‘Lakshmi Pooja’ this Diwali with these Vastu tips:

·             Use new cloths to clean the photos or idols, and use them for this purpose only.

·             Put pictures of water and ‘Kalash’ in the East or North of the ‘Pooja’ room.

·             The idols must not face the door of the ‘Pooja’ room or one another.

·             Do not keep photos of those who have passed away in the ‘Pooja’ room.

·             Do not keep two idols of the same god at the ‘Pooja’ place.

·             Place idols in the North-East direction in the ‘Pooja’ room.

·             Place the idols of the gods on a bright red new cloth.

Direction of the Deity:

There is a Vastu compliant way of placing the idols of MA ‘Lakshmi’ and Lord ‘Ganesha’, ‘Indra’ and ‘Kubera’. Locate them in such a way that the worshipper faces the North-East or North or East while praying. Lord ‘Ganesha’ idol is to be kept on the left side of MA ‘Lakshmi’. ‘Kubera’ and Lord ‘Indra’ should be placed either in front of them or on the left side. The idols of ‘Lakshmi’ and ‘Ganesha’ should preferably be made of mud and the picture of Goddess ‘Lakshmi’ must be in sitting position.

Worship Goddess ‘Lakshmi’ and ‘Ganesha’ by offering ‘kumkum’, ‘chandan’, rice, flowers and sweets. After the ‘pooja’, give some amount as token of love to all your family

Count your Blessings:

Diwali is the ideal time to chalk out your financial goals for the year, or review them if required. Vastu suggests that you write down your wealth aspirations. Another tip is to take three coins, wrap them up in red cloth, and place them next to a water bowl in the North. The area must be uncluttered and kept clean at all times. Focus on your goals regularly, and the wealth gods shall surely smile on you this Diwali.

The Magic of ‘27’:

Move 27 things in your home on Diwali in appropriate directions as per Vastu principles, and watch as fortune invades your life. Moving 27 things is harder than you think, but remember it will also be counted if you just move salt and pepper shakers so they sit on the other side of each other. Even if you change the position of the cushions from one sofa to the other, it will be counted as a change.

Recharge Money Inflow:

Take a metal bowl (Silver/Copper/Steel), fill it with water, and place it in the North direction of your house. Then put one silver coin with pictures of Goddess ‘Lakshmi’ and ‘Ganesha’ in this water bowl. Place the bowl above the bill of $100 in the North or East window of the house and let it receive maximum exposure of the light. If there is no window in these directions then you can place a mirror on North wall and place the bowl near it. After keeping this water bowl in North take three coins, wrap them up in red silken cloth or a pouch and place/stick them next to the water bowl. Kept it there for five days from November 01 to 05, 2013. On November 05, 2013 evening, take all these four coins and place them together in same red pouch/cloth. Now keep these ‘Energized Coins’ at your money place/locker until next Diwali. Do not forget to pour the bowl water in any potted plant only inside the house, not outside the house. This will charge up the North Zone Energy and will lead to increase in money inflow.

‘Brahmasthan’:

Keeping a crystal bowl filled with water and rose petals in the ‘Brahmasthan’/central place of the house also brings positive vibes to your home. Float five ‘diyas’ or candles in it and light them after sunset.

Mirror Positivity:

Place mirrors on the North and East walls of your house as they symbolically duplicate the positive energy of ‘Kuber-Sthanam’ and ‘Indra-Sthanam’ and bring in knowledge and wealth.

Prosperity Trail:

Welcome Goddess ‘Lakshmi’ to the ‘Pooja’ room by stamping small footprints systematically from the entrance of the house to the ‘Pooja’ room. These footprints are supposed to bring wealth, happiness and prosperity in the house.

‘Mangal Deepak’:

Make a ‘Mangal Deepak’ and place it in the center of your house. This will balance the five elements (‘Panchbhootas’) that our body is made up of. To make a ‘Mangal Deepak’, take a broad glass bowl, place a glass tumbler upside down in it, now put some glass marbles or stones in it, fill the bowl with water, sprinkle some flower petals in the bowl and light five floating ‘diyas’ in it.

Colors of Clothes:

It would be better to avoid wearing black colors on this Diwali. Wearing of red, yellow, purple, white, cream, blue colors would add to the joy and cheers.

Distribute Sweets:

Distributing sweets is always treated to be auspicious. Then why not to give sweets with the gift items, so that even if some mistake is committed in giving the gifts then the malefic effects be reduced. Sweets belong to the planet Mars and it gives us excitement and courage. So by giving sweets to the ‘nears and dears’, we get pleasures and raise their spirits with happier moods. This is such a festival where gifts are exchanged and sweets and dry fruits are distributed. Besides, the stock of sugar in your house must not be low during Diwali. This is a ritual that ensures that you have a sweet year in store.

Miscellaneous Tips:

• To get rid of unnecessary loans, make list of all loans to be paid off, one day before Diwali and start repaying from next Tuesday. You will start getting rid of the loans.
• Clean all your ornaments made of gold, silver and precious stones.
• Do not give fire crackers in the shape of the gifts to the friends or the near ones. It is not good for them and the givers.
• Do not give leather and knives and alike in the gifts, because in certain cutlery items knives are there. It is not auspicious for both giver and takers. This is the festival of ties and love and knives work for cutting. It affects the relationship and or the health. Leather items are made of the dead animals’ skin and hence not treated to be auspicious, as we use to infuse lively spirits in each other. We have to give the encouraging life to the people belong to us in any way.

These Vastu tips are basically a way to make your Diwali celebrations as auspicious as possible and would certainly contribute towards bringing positivity in your household and bestow health, wealth and overall prosperity to all now and forever.

‘STAY BLESSED ON THIS DIWALI IN THE DIVINE VASTU WAYS’

“HAPPY DIWALI 2013”

Some Useful Divine Vastu Tips for Happy ‘Navratras’; October, 2013

The nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped during ‘Navratri’ or ‘Navrtras’. Hindus all over, worship Goddess Durga and her nine forms in different ways. The ‘Navratra’ festival is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm by all devotees.  ‘Navratri’ is associated with the victory of good on the evil. This year first day of Aashwin Navratri, 2013 also called Aashwin Shukla Pratipada is falling on October 5 i.e. Aashwin Navratri, 2013 is starting on October 5. This Navaratri will end on Aashwin Shukla Navami on October 13. In these nine days, our scriptures have prescribed for special worship/ Pooja of Goddess ‘MA Durga’.

People place the idol of Goddess Durga and ‘Matkaa’/’Ghat’ (pot) during this period. They light the ‘Akhand Jyot’ (diya that burns for nine days) during this time. As per tradition, a pitcher or water pot, called Kalash or Ghat in Sanskrit/ Hindi is placed on the first day of Navaratri, at some auspicious moment.

On the eve of ‘Navratra’ I am mentioning ‘Kalash Sthapana’or ‘Ghat Sthapana’ and ‘Akhand Jyot’ procedure as per Vastu which is based on five elements and these five elements are governed by ‘MA Durga’.

‘Kalash’ represents Earth and Water element. A ‘Kalash’ is believed to be a symbolic form of ‘MA Durga’ enchanting auspiciousness during ‘Navratras’. Keeping the ‘Kalash’ in the home invokes positivity everywhere. This ‘Kalash’ must not be touched during the nine days.

Take an earthen clay pitcher (‘Matkaa’), fill it with clean water and put some rose petals, one silver coin and  one penny in it; then cover it with clay pot lid and tie a ‘Raksha’ thread (‘Moli’/’Kalavaa’) around the neck of this earthen pot. Thereafter, fill rice in the clay pot lid above this ‘Matkaa’ and place a raw coconut covered in red cloth or red ‘Chunri’ at this ‘Kalash’.

‘Jyoti’ represents ‘Fire’, ‘Air’ and ‘Space’ elements since lighting of the ‘Jyot’ emanates brightness in the room/house (’Space) and the fragrance (‘Fumes’) which purifies the ‘air’.

In ‘Navratras lighting of ‘Akhand Jyot’/ ‘Deep’ or an earthen lamp is an essential part of the prayer rituals (‘puja’) since the flame of the lamp and ‘jyoti’ has two significant qualities. First it banishes darkness and the secondly it is always upward/upright. The upward movement of the ‘Jyoti’ signifies the path of wisdom and the path of divinity. Flame also signifies the power of all the beings so it is also considered as form of MA Durga. Without ‘Fire Element’ or ‘Shakti’ no one can survive in this universe. It is believed that where daily ‘jyoti’ is lighted regularly especially at the time of ‘Navratras’, there can never be the darkness or evil forces at such dwelling places.

Preparation for ‘Akhand Jyot’:

Mix saffron (‘Kesar’) and turmeric (‘Haldi’) in pure ‘Ghee’ (Clarified Butter) and use this ‘ghee’ only for the ‘Jyot’ during ‘Navratras’ and while preparing ‘jyot’ always put ‘Chhoti Elaichi’ (Green Cardamom) in it and offer this to MA Durga.

Worshipping in Navratri is a way to enhance our non-physical approach and make our goddess happy to be at home fulfilling our wishes. Meditation is most authentic way to get involve with God and improve our ‘karmic’ deeds. This worship will be more successful when our offering would be done with practical aspect in proper direction. Vastu Shastra is a science which can lend you every earthly joy if its principles are followed with utmost trust.

Here is how Vastu tells you to do the puja:

1. ‘Ishaan kone’ (North-East) is considered as the direction of Gods. This is the best place to keep Goddess     MA Durga’s idol in this direction.

2. If you are lighting ‘Akhand Jyot’ before the idol then keep it in the ‘Agneya kone’ (South-East).

3. Make sure you face east or north while performing the puja.

4. Make sure you clean up that area and there is no dirty clothes lying around the puja area.  

5. Never place the idol near bathroom or restroom.

6. Leave some place near the puja area to sit.

Schedule of ‘Navratras’ October 2013

5th October 2013, Navratri: Festival of the nine nights begins. Navratri's each night is dedicated to one form of Goddess Durga. That is every ‘ratri’ of the ‘Navratri’ corresponds to worship of different forms of MA Durga. 

1. This embraces MA Shailputri, who was the daughter of Parvatraj Himalaya (King of the Mountain), wife of Lord Shiva and mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya;
2. MA Brahmachaarini-, who gives the message of pure love to the world;
3. MA Chandraghanta, who establishes Justice and wears crescent moon on Her head;
4. MA Kushmaanda, who provides the basic necessities to the world;
5.  Skand MATA, who gives the gift of differentiation of right from wrong to the world;
6. MA Kaatyayini, who persistently battles against the evil and deceitful entities;
7. MA Kaalratri, who killed ‘Raktabeej’ (a demon who produce a demon from every drop of blood that fell from his body. Goddess eventually licked the blood before it could reach the ground and hence conquered him);
8. MA Chaamunda, who killed two demons; ‘Chanda’ and ‘Munda’ and restored tranquility; MA MahaGauri who also liberate the world of evil forces;
9. MA Sidhidaarti, who is a treasure house of Mystic Powers (Yantra Tantra) and Knowledge (Gyaan).

I wish may ‘MA Durga’ shower abundant wisdom, happiness, peace, health and prosperity on you and your family on this auspicious occasion of NAVRATRAS. Good Wishes for a joyous ‘Navratri’ and a Happy New Year with a plenty of ‘Peace and Prosperity’.  May this festival be the harbinger of joy and prosperity! As the holy occasion of ‘Navratri’ is here and the atmosphere is filled with the spirit of mirth and love, it is prayed that this festival will be great for you!

“Maa Durga Se Vinti Hai Ki Aapke Jeevan Main Sukh, Smriddhi, Dhan, Yash, Pradaan Kare”.

Happy ‘Navratras’ 2013.