Setting up a *Chowki* (altar) for Goddess Durga at home and worshipping Her for nine days holds special significance during Navratri. Devotees perform rituals, offer *Bhog* (sacred food offerings), and recite the *Durga Saptashati* to please the Goddess. However, do you know in which direction the *Chowki* should be placed and which way the lamp should face during worship? Vastu Shastra attaches great importance to these details.

Astrologer Akhilesh Pandey explains that every direction holds significance in Vastu Shastra; paying attention to directions is considered essential for maintaining happiness and prosperity in the home. Therefore, when setting up the *Chowki* during Navratri, one should keep in mind specific guidelines regarding the direction, the placement of the idol, and the lighting of the lamp.

**Where to place the Goddess's *Chowki***

The North-East direction of the house—known as the *Ishan Kon*—is considered the most auspicious for setting up the Goddess's *Chowki* during Navratri. Thoroughly clean the area before arranging the *Chowki*. Next, spread a red or yellow cloth over it and place the idol of the Goddess. Offer flowers and a *Chunri* (sacred veil) to the idol. Then, decorate the *Chowki* according to your devotion and prepare for the worship. Using mango and Ashoka leaves is also considered auspicious; these leaves can be used to decorate the *Chowki* in a traditional manner.

**Keep the direction in mind when lighting the lamp**

One must also pay attention to the direction in which the lamp is lit during the worship. Place the lamp in front of the Goddess's idol. According to Vastu principles, the flame of the lamp should face either the East or the North. Lighting a *Ghee* (clarified butter) lamp in the East direction in front of the *Chowki* is considered particularly auspicious.

**Points to remember when offering *Bhog***

During Navratri, devotees decorate the *Chowki* according to their faith and offer various items as *Bhog* to the Goddess. However, it is advised to avoid using certain items during the worship. Tulsi leaves and Ketaki flowers should not be offered during the worship of the Mother Goddess. Additionally, stale or withered flowers, broken grains of rice (akshat), and stale food offerings (bhog) should not be used.

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