Chaitra Navratri 2023: Rituals,Yoga, Days and Pujas to Perform

Navratri is a significant Hindu festival that is celebrated for nine nights on the Indian subcontinent during autumn. Traditionally, there are four seasonal Navratris, and the Sharada or Shardiya Navratri is celebrated after the monsoon season in remembrance of the Divine Feminine Devi. During this time, Hindus perform the customs and rites of Ghatasthapana and Sandhi Puja, which are considered to be the two most frequently observed muhurtas. Chaitra Navratri 2023 is particularly significant as it falls during the Shardiya Navratri, and Hindus observe the customs and rituals of Ghatasthapana and Sandhi Puja during this time.

The Navratri puja, also known as Vasanta Navratri, is a celebration that honors the sacred feminine Devi or Durga. Devotees worship and honor Divine Durga in her nine forms during this festival. The word "Vasanta" is derived from the Sanskrit language and signifies spring, which is when this Navratri occurs. It takes place during the Chaitra lunar month, which typically falls between March and April after the winter season. In some regions, this festival is celebrated after the spring season, while in others, it is observed after the harvest season. It is also significant as it marks the first day of the Hindu calendar, making it the Hindu New Year according to the Vikram Samvat calendar.

Chaitra Navratri 2023: Navratri days & pujas to perform

During the Chaitra and Sharadiya Navratri, Hindus celebrate with customary practices such as mantra chanting, lighting Diyas or small lamps, and praying to the Goddess.The Ghatasthapana Puja Vidhan is the same for both Navratri celebrations. Devotees participate in religious rituals, including pujas and fasts. Chaitra Navratri holds great significance for Hindus as it is considered an ideal time to seek the blessings of the Goddess and enhance one's material and spiritual well-being. Let us take a look at the important dates and days of Chaitra Navratri 2023:

Here are the dates and details for Chaitra Navratri 2023:

Wednesday, 22 March 2023 (Pratipada): Maa Shailputri Puja and Ghatasthapana
Thursday, 23 March 2023 (Dvitiya): Maa Brahmacharini Puja
Friday, 24 March 2023 (Tritiya): Maa Chandraghanta Puja
Saturday, 25 March 2023 (Chaturthi): Maa Kushmanda Puja
Sunday, 26 March 2023 (Panchami): Maa Skandamata Puja
Monday, 27 March 2023 (Shashti): Maa Katyayani Puja
Tuesday, 28 March 2023 (Saptami): Maa Kalaratri Puja
Wednesday, 29 March 2023 (Ashtami): Maa Mahagauri Puja
Thursday, 30 March 2023 (Navami): Maa Siddhidatri Puja and Ram Navami
Friday, 31 March 2023 (Dashami): Navratri Parana

Chaitra Navratri is a festival where people worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga. They also try to find inner peace through meditation and seek happiness. During this festival, people also perform a ritual called Ghatasthapana or Kalash Sthapana. This involves setting up a sacred vessel for prayer. The Ghatasthapana Muhurta for Chaitra Navratri 2023 is from 06:23 AM to 07:32 AM.

Also Read: What Is Navratri? History And Meaning

Significance of Chaitra Navratri

Chaitra Navratri is an auspicious Hindu festival that commemorates the ultimate feminine form of the Hindu deity, Goddess Durga. She is regarded as Shakti, the most powerful feminine energy in the universe, and is worshiped with great devotion during this nine-day festival.

Navratri Puja is believed to bring immense wealth and fortune to those who seek the blessings of Goddess Durga. However, there are certain rules that the devotees must follow strictly, which include fasting without consuming grains, maintaining cleanliness, performing aarti and performing Ghatasthapana.

According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama worshiped Goddess Durga during the month of Chaitra and the blessings received during this worship are believed to have helped him defeat Ravana in battle. This event adds more significance to the Chaitra Navratri festival, which is celebrated grandly all over India, especially in the northern regions of Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. While the celebration begins with Ugadi in southern regions like Andhra Pradesh, it begins with Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra.

Rituals to follow during Chaitra Navratri in 2023

Those who worship Devi want to achieve salvation or moksha more than anything else. To get ready for it, they need to follow certain practices.

The installation of a holy pitcher is the most important part of the first day of Navratri, and it represents the universe. To bring blessings and prosperity to the house, it is placed in a respectful and prayerful corner.

The Navratri light symbolizes peace for the home and family and is known as the Akand Jyot or everlasting flame. Therefore, it is important to light a traditional ghee lamp before starting the Navratri puja. This helps to bring mental peace to the followers while reducing negative energy in the home.

Kanya Pujan, which involves worshiping young girls, is an important part of worshiping the Divine Mother or Devi. It is customary to give them gifts such as flowers, cardamom, fruits, betel nuts, sweets, clothing, decorative items, and food, especially halwa, black gram, and poori.

During Navratri, people plant barley seeds in their homes. Barley is believed to be the first crop ever grown. As one of the first crops of spring, it is also offered during the Navratri puja havan or sacred puja.

The Durga Saptashati is a text that can be interpreted in many ways. It is a symbol of peace, prosperity, and abundance. Reading and reciting the Durga Saptashati is considered the most auspicious thing to do during the nine days of Navratri.

Chaitra Navratri Auspicious Yoga

This year, Chaitra Navratri 2023 will be observed during three auspicious yogas. These yogas are Shukla Yoga, Brahma Yoga, and Indra Yoga. It is believed that worshiping the mother goddess during these yogas will bring very good results.

Shukla Yoga will start at the beginning of Navratri and last until 9:18 a.m. Then Brahma Yoga will start and last until 6:00 a.m. the following day. Finally, Indra Yoga will begin. The presence of these yogas will make Navratri even more special and significant.

Also Read: Know How To Celebrate Holi In 2023 And Remedies To Improve Life

Chaitra Navratri Remedy

During Chaitra Navratri, fasting and praying to Maa Durga for nine days can bring unique blessings. If fasting for nine days is not possible, fasting on the first, fourth, and Ashtami days is an option.

On the first day of Chaitra Navratri, clean the worship area and put the idols of Maa Durga, Maa Lakshmi, and Maa Saraswati.

To bring happiness and wealth, light Akhand Jyot on the first day of Navratri.

Reciting Durga Saptashati during Navratri is also considered very auspicious. If unable to complete the recitation, reciting Kavach, Keelak, and Argala Stotra is an alternative.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Chaitra Navratri 2023 is a good time for Hindus to worship the Divine Mother and ask for her blessings. During these nine days, devotees can bring peace, wealth, and success into their lives by doing the recommended rituals and pujas.You can know more about the best time to perform these rituals and puja by consulting our astrologers. Let's celebrate this holy festival with devotion and a sense of purpose, and may Maa Durga bless us all.