How do we set up the Navarātri kalaśa (ghaṭasthāpanā) at home?

on Pratipadā morning, in the muhūrta, sow barley in a bed of soil, place a water-filled kalaśa with mango leaves and a coconut on it, and invoke the Devī.

Ghaṭasthāpanā marks the start of Navarātri. The kalaśa represents the Devī and the whole cosmos, and the sprouting barley (jau or jawāre) symbolises growth and abundance.

A common method: clean the place, spread a little clean soil or sand in a wide pot or on a plate and sow barley. On it place a copper or clay kalaśa filled with water, adding a coin, a betel nut, akṣata and a little Gaṅgājala. Tie a red thread around its neck, set five or seven mango leaves in the mouth, and place a coconut wrapped in red cloth on top. Draw a svastika, offer kuṅkuma, flowers and a lamp, and invoke the Devī with prayer. Many also light an akhaṇḍa jyoti.

Water the barley daily. Check the ghaṭasthāpanā muhūrta for your city; many avoid doing it at night. On Daśamī the kalaśa water is sprinkled around the home and the sprouts are given as blessings.

Āśvina / Caitra Śukla Pratipadā · Source: Devī worship tradition; common practice

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