Kalash Sthapana in Navratri

The first day is the day of Shri Ganesha, Shri Ganesha is worshiped on this day, and do Kalash Sthapana. The first day of Navratri is signified by the Puja of God’s desire to create the Universe … which is called Ghatha Sthapana (Laying Of the Foundation), and then thepuja of Shri Ganesha which was the first creation of God.

The puja of Ghatha Sthapana is performed to offer our prayers and gratitude to God’s desire for the creation of the Universe and the subsequent evolution of life in this Universe. Symbolically the desire of God is kept in the Kumbha and the creation of the universe takes place gradually in an evolved manner around this desire, which is represented by sowing the seeds of life in the soil around this Kumbha and the subsequent growth of the wheat shoots (which signifies life) around this Kumbha.

List of items required for the first day:

Kalash (made of Earth or Copper or Brass)
10 Leaves of Pan or Mango
One coconut unshaved
Kumkum paste
Akshada (Rice mixed with Haldi & Kumkum),
Loose flowers
Small Garland for the neck of Kalash
One Parat (big plate) of Earth or Copper or Brass
Loose earth (soil) to fill 3/4th of the parat
Wheat Grains (50 gm approximately)
Vibrated Water

How to keep the Kalash

All the members of the family or collective can sit and meditate…. all the things should be kept ready before they are cleaned and vibrated. A basic small meditation can be done.

After that on behalf of the collectivity or the family one or two people can do the rest of the installing of the ghata.

You can decorate the place where ghata is going to be kept with kumkum. We generally keep the ghata on the left side of Shri Mataji altar. Place the basket which is filled with soil on a big plate or on a red cloth or something. sprinkle vibrated water in the soil. keep the earthen pot (Kalash) which is filled with vibrated water in the middle.

Now take the coconut in both palms with complete attention on Sahasrara and together chant Ganesha atharvasheersh after that with complete devotion place the coconut on the earthen pot. ( procedure same as kalasha sthapana we do normally ).

Then take the Wheat Grains and sow them around the earthen pot in the soil. Then sprinkle some vibrated water.

Do Kalash Puja and offer a pinch of Haldi. Kumkum and akshatha and a flower ( or a small Garland ) to the ghata. We can also worship and decorate the Lamp as it also has great significance.

Everyday morning we can change the garland or remove the old flowers on ghata and sprinkle some water for the grains show a small aarti and meditate. In the Evening we can again show a lamp and meditate. After one or two days the sprouts will start coming…. by the ninth day all the small plants will cover up the coconut.

Also read: Navratri the nine nights of Maa Durga