Navratri is a major festival that is observed by Hindus in India four times a year. It is a nine-day festival that honors Goddess Durga and her nine incarnations. The 4 Navratris are Sharada Navratri, Chaitra Navratri, Magha Navratri, and Ashadha Navratri. Sharada and Chaitra Navratri are very popular and observed by most Hindus. However, the other two are not very well known and are referred to as Gupt Navratri.
‘Gupt’ means ‘secret.’ So what is secretive about this festival, one may ask. Gupt Navratri is more important for Tantriks and Sadhaks who wish to appease Goddess Durga. Here, the worship and rituals are conducted in secret. The belief is that the more secretly the Goddess is worshipped, the more benefits the devotee gains. The success of the Pooja depends on the secrecy in which it is conducted. Devotees offer secret prayers to Durga that involve powerful Mantras and Gupt Vidya of Tantra and Tantrik practices to gain special powers that will help them realize their desires.
Ashadha Gupt Navratri generally falls during the monsoon season in the month of June-July, while Magha Gupt Navratri falls in January or February. Ashadha Gupt Navratri 2023 is from June 19-27, while Magha Gupt Navratri 2023 is from January 22 – 30. Shakambhari Navratri or Gayatri Navratri are other names for Gupt Navratri.
The Dasa Mahavidyas
During Gupt Navratri, the 10 Mahavidyas (Wisdom Goddesses) are also worshipped. They are as follows:
- Goddess Kali
- Goddess Tara
- Goddess Tripura Sundari
- Goddess Bhuvaneshwari
- Goddess Tripura Bhairavi
- Goddess Chinnamasta
- Goddess Dhumavati
- Goddess Baglamukhi
- Goddess Maatangi
- Goddess Kamla Devi
Gupt Navratri Rituals
During the 9 days of Gupt Navratri, devotees worship Goddess Durga with complete dedication. They arise early during this time. Each of these 9 days is quite unique in terms of observance and the form of the Goddess who is worshipped. The Gupt Navratri schedule is given below:
∙ Day 1: Pratipada Tithi – Ghatasthapana and Shailaputri Pooja
∙ Day 2: Dwitia Tithi – Brahmacharini Pooja
∙ Day 3: Tritiya Tithi – Chandraghanta Pooja
∙ Day 4: Chaturthi Tithi – Kushmanda Pooja
∙ Day 5: Panchami Tithi – Skandamata Pooja
∙ Day 6: Shasthi Tithi – Katyayani Pooja
∙ Day 7: Saptami Tithi – Kalaratri Pooja
∙ Day 8: Ashtami Tithi – Maha Gauri Pooja
∙ Day 9: Navami Tithi – Siddhidatri Pooja
∙ The 10th day is Vijaya Dashami, and brings the curtain down on the Navratri festivities.
Some devotees also observe a strict fast during the 9 days of Gupt Navratri. They consume only pure Saatvik food once during the day. Partial fasting is also observed by those with health problems. One can have fruits and milk, too.
Devotees chant Mantras dedicated to Durga to invoke her divine blessings. They also recite religious scriptures like ‘Durga Saptashati’, ‘Devi Mahaatmya,’ and ‘Shrimad-Devi Bhagwat,’ as it is very auspicious.
Some also chant ‘Durga Battissi’ or 32 different names of Goddess Shakti. This can supposedly eliminate all problems in life and bring peace and happiness.
History behind Gupt Navratri
During the ancient Vedic period, only a few accomplished sages or Sadhaks knew about Gupt Navratri. Gupt Navratri has great importance for Tantriks and Sadhaks.
By performing ‘Sadhana’ for Goddess Durga during this period, devotees hope to gain relief from all materialistic problems. So, Gupt Navratri is ideal for Tantrik Pooja.
Rituals of Gupt Navratri Pooja
∙ Do Kalash Sthapana the same way as Sharad Navratri and Chaitra Navratri.
∙ Chant Durga Chalisa or Durga Saptashati during the Kalash Sthapana.
∙ Offer cloves and Batase to Goddess Durga as it is very auspicious.
∙ Consume only pure Satvik food.
∙ Recite Durga Saptasati.
Dos and Don’ts of Gupt Navratri
· Gupt Navratri rules are stricter than those for the usual Navratri. There are clear dos and don’ts to be followed by devotees during this time. Let us see what they are.
· People who are observing the fast should not wear black clothes during the Gupt Navratri period.
· One must avoid all leather products completely
· One should not cut one’s hair during this period. Avoid performing the ‘Mundan’ ceremony as well.
· Avoid sleeping during the day as it is inauspicious, according to Hindu scriptures.
· During all the nine days of Gupt Navratri, the devotee has to sleep on the floor and avoid sitting on chairs or similar high-raised surfaces.
· Devotees should not consume common salt and grain in any form. They can consume only fruits and vegetable juices during these nine days.
· One should avoid onion and garlic. Sadhaks should also avoid non-vegetarian foods.
· During Gupt Navratri, do not forget to light the Akhand Diya. It must burn for all nine days and should not go out. Keep adding ghee to the lamp now and then.
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