Festivals & Announcements

Conservation and restoration works are currently underway at Shri Tuljabhavani Temple and its surrounding premises. To ensure smooth Darshan for all devotees during this period, the following entrance arrangements have been implemented: Entry During Peak Days / Long Holidays / Heavy Crowd: During long holidays, rush hours, or as notified through official announcements by the temple administration, entry through the main gate (Mahadwar) will remain closed. Devotees will be directed to enter the Darshan Mandap via the route near 'Bidkar Payari'. Regular Entry: On regular days and during normal hours, entry will continue through the Mahadwar as usual. Darshan Timings: Despite the ongoing conservation work, the temple remains open for Darshan as per the pre-scheduled daily timings. Paid Darshan Pass: Facility for Paid Darshan Passes is available at designated official counters on-site. Important Request: Devotees are advised to re-verify the official temple updates before planning their visit. This information is published solely for the convenience and guidance of visiting devotees.

Complete Guide to Ghatasthapana: Significance, Puja Items, and Step-by-Step Rituals for Navratri Introduction Navratri holds a deeply sacred and revered position in Hinduism. On the first day of the festival—Ashvin Shukla Pratipada—households welcome Goddess Jagdamba through the traditional ritual of 'Ghatasthapana'. Ghatasthapana is not merely a religious observance; it is an offering of devotion to Nature and a holy tradition that invites positivity, prosperity, and divine strength into the home. Religious and Spiritual Significance of Ghatasthapana Ghatasthapana serves as the sacred foundation of the nine-day Navratri festival. Symbol of Creation (Ghata): The Ghata (kalash/pot) symbolizes both the universe and the human body. Invocation of Divine Energies: By performing Ghatasthapana, devotees invoke the various sacred forms of Goddess Durga into the Kalash and the idol for the duration of the nine days. Symbol of Abundance: Grains (Sapta Dhanya) are sown in soil beneath the Kalash. As these sprouts grow over the nine days, they symbolize incoming growth, happiness, and prosperity for the family. Worship of Nature: The ritual heavily utilizes elemental components such as soil, water, fresh leaves, and grains—teaching us to remain humble and deeply grateful toward mother nature. Required Puja Items (Samagri) Ghat / Kalash: A pot made of copper, brass, or clay. Idol / Photograph of the Goddess: For daily worship throughout the nine days. Tray / Dish for Sowing Grains: A wide clay dish, flat bowl, or traditional leaf plate (Patrawali). Black Soil: Clean, sacred soil gathered from a farm or garden. Sapta Dhanya (Seven Grains): A mixture of barley (Yava), wheat, sesame, sorghum (Jowar), safflower, green gram (Moong), millet (Bajra), and chickpeas (Chana). Items to Place Inside the Kalash: Clean water or sacred Ganga water (Gangajal) Betel nut (Supari) and a coin Durva grass, Turmeric (Haldi), Kumkum, and sacred rice grains (Akshata) Other Essential Items: Leaves: 5 or 7 mango leaves or betel leaves. Coconut: A whole coconut with its husk intact (or as per family traditions). Cloth: Fresh fabric for the altar/seat (Aasan) of the Goddess. Akhand Diya: A continuous lamp fueled with oil or clarified butter (ghee) and a cotton wick to burn for nine days. Floral Offerings & Garland: Betel leaves and fresh flower garlands to offer daily to the established Ghata. Standard Incense & Puja Supplies: Dhoop, lamps, camphor (Kapur), and incense sticks (Agarbatti). Step-by-Step Ritual for Setting Up the Ghata (Classical Setup) Selecting the Sacred Spot: Ghatasthapana should be performed in a clean, purified area or directly in front of the home temple (Devghar). The North-East corner (Ishan Kon) of the house is considered the most auspicious location. Purifying the Area: Thoroughly clean and wipe the altar space, and adorn the floor with a traditional rangoli design. Sowing the Grains: Place a layer of clean soil on the broad dish/tray. Evenly scatter the Sapta Dhanya (mixed grains), cover with a light layer of soil, and sprinkle gently with water. Preparing the Kalash: Fill the copper or clay pot with clean water mixed with a few drops of Gangajal. Add Haldi-Kumkum, Akshata, a betel nut, a coin, and Durva grass into the water. Placing Leaves and Coconut: Arrange 5 or 7 mango leaves in a circular formation around the rim of the Kalash. Position the coconut firmly on top (with the husk pointing upward). Center this completed Kalash carefully on top of the soil-filled grain tray. Installing the Goddess Idol: Place the idol or picture of Goddess Durga on a raised wooden platform (Paat) behind or adjacent to the Ghata (or worship the existing deities if placed before your home temple). Offer Haldi-Kumkum and a fresh flower garland. Lighting the Akhand Diya: Pray to Goddess Durga and ignite the continuous lamp (Akhand Diya). Ensure proper care is taken so the flame burns steadily for all nine days of Navratri.