Prayagraj: With the auspicious festival of Shardiya Navratri beginning from Oct 11, authorities of Shaktipeeth Maa Kalyani Devi Temple have made special arrangements for devotees from Oct 11 to 20. The temple premises will be immersed in devotion through various religious rituals and prayers.Chief priests Acharya Pt Shyam Ji Pathak and Sushil Pathak said that devotees can perform Ghatsthapana (the ritual installation of the sacred pot) on Sunday after 6:13 am during the Chitra Nakshatra. Those who take a vow to observe the nine-day Navratri fast may break their fast on Oct 20.Throughout Navratri, the temple will be open for darshan and worship from the ‘mangala aarti’ at 5:15 am until 2 pm. Besides, ‘Shringar Darshan’ will be available from 6 pm to midnight. Over the nine days of the festival, daily rituals including Sat Chandi Path, Akhand Jyoti, Navan Mantra chanting and ritual bathing will be performed from 8 am to 11 am and from 6 pm to 7 pm, offering devotees a magnificent view of the Goddess in her various forms.The auspicious festival will begin with Ghatsthapana, worship of Goddess Durga and daily recitation of Saptashati. Pathak said Maa Kalyani is the presiding deity of Shakti and the true Lalit Peeth, as clearly mentioned in the Prayag Mahatmya. She is called ‘Kalyani’ because she has blessed devotees with well-being since ancient times.Meanwhile, preparations for Navratri—ranging from the silver canopy in the sanctum sanctorum to the cleaning and decorative lighting of the entire temple—are in their final stages.
