Ashadha Gupt Navaratri 2024
On July 05, 2024
Ashadha Gupt Navaratri is a nine-day festival celebrated in the month of Ashadha (June-July) according to the Hindu calendar. This festival is lesser known but celebrated with great fervour and is dedicated to Goddess Durga. People perform sacred rituals and Pooja according to traditions and seek her Divine blessings.
The Glorious Festival of Ashadha Gupt Navaratri
Ashadha Gupt Navaratri is also observed as Shakambari Navaratri or Gayatri Navaratri. In Himachal Pradesh, it is celebrated as Guhya Navaratri. Each of the nine days holds special significance and celebrates nine different forms of the Goddess Durga.
The worship of all nine forms of Goddess Durga is highly significant during these nine days. On these auspicious days of Navratri, devotees worship the Goddess by offering Bhog and Bhajan-Kirtan at home in the morning and evening to receive her blessings for good health, happiness, peace, and prosperity.
Goddess Durga: The Invincible Fortress
In Sanskrit, Durga means a fort or place that is difficult to overrun. The name reflects the deity's protective and militant nature. She is sometimes called Durgatinashini, meaning 'the one who eliminates suffering.' An embodiment of Shakti, she is the All-Protective Mother of the Universe. She emerged from the powerful energies of the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) and other Gods. She was created to destroy the forces of evil and restore peace, balance, and harmony in the world.
Ashadha Gupt Navaratri: Dates & Timings
This year, Ashadha Gupt Navaratri is celebrated from the Pratipada (First Day) till the Navami (Ninth Day) of the Waxing Phase of the Moon (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Ashadha. This festival is dedicated to the worship of the nine Divine forms of Goddess Durga.
Starts: July. 6, 2024 Ends: July. 15, 2024
Abhijit Muhurat Timing: July. 6, 12:05 pm – 12: 58 pm Ghatasthapana Muhurat Timing: July. 6, 05:50 am – 10:18 am
Ashadha Gupt Navaratri: Worship of 9 Divine Forms of Goddess Durga
The nine days of Gupt Navaratri are filled with dedication and enthusiasm for the nine forms of Mata Durga, with unique daily observances. The schedule is as follows:
Day 1 (July. 6)- Pratipada Tithi- Ghatasthapana & Shailaputri Pooja Day 2 (July. 7)- Dwitiya Tithi- Brahmacharini Pooja Day 3 (July. 8)- Tritiya Tithi- Chandraghanta Pooja Day 4 (July. 9)- Chaturthi Tithi- Kushmanda Pooja Day 5 (July. 10)- Panchami Tithi- Skandamata Pooja Day 6 (July. 11)- Shashti Tithi- Katyayani Pooja Day 7(July. 12)- Saptami Tithi- Kalaratri Pooja Day 8 (July. 13)- Ashtami Tithi- Maha Gauri Pooja Day 9 (July. 14)- Navami Tithi- Siddhidhatri Pooja
The tenth day is observed as Vijaya Dashami and brings to an end the Navaratri festivities.
Ashadha Gupt Navaratri: Origin
Ashadha Gupt Navaratri is believed to have originated during the ancient Vedic age when a few sages and Sadhaks performed meditation and austere penance to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga. They performed religious rituals and offered prayers to the mighty Goddess for nine days. These rituals were kept secret and only known to a select few. 'Gupt' means secret or hidden.
The Devi Bhagavatam references this festival, during which Tantric practices and Shakti Sadhanas are performed. Over time, Tantrik Poojas and Sadhanas have evolved, adapting to changes and cultural influences. During this period, much attention is paid to purity and Sattvikta.
To achieve Siddhis in the Gupt Navaratri Pooja, the seekers have to cleanse themselves thoroughly, and the purification occurs during the chanting of mantras. Daily Pooja has to be performed at the same place where it was commenced. Akhand Jyoti (Uninterrupted Light) is lit during the Pooja. The same level of concentration and patience should be maintained on all nine days. Performing the Sadhana of Goddess Durga and the Dasa Mahavidya may give them powers to accomplish their desires.
Gupt Navaratri is very popular for Tantrik Pooja. The Sadhakas invoke Goddess Durga to bless them with knowledge, success and wealth. The nine days and nights are mighty and beneficial for Shakti and Tantra Sadhanas (Daily Spiritual Practice), performed in secrecy and hence called Gupt Navarati. The purpose of observing Ashadha Gupt Navaratri is to attain spiritual enlightenment and seek the Divine blessings of Goddess Durga.
Rituals & Traditions
Devotees observe rituals that include fasting during the nine-day Ashadha Gupt Navaratri festival to seek the Goddess's blessings. They eat pure Satvik food once a day. If health issues are present, then they perform partial fasting. They eat 'Phalahaar' food, fruits, and milk during this time.
Prayers can be offered at dawn and dusk. Those looking to attain Siddhi (Powers) and Moksha (Salvation) should meditate. They should sit on an Asana (Seat) made of Durva or a Kusha grass mat and light a Diya (Lamp) using cow ghee. Red hibiscus flowers can be offered to the Goddess.
Prayers and mantras can be chanted using a Mala (Necklace) made of red sandalwood or Rudraksha beads. Prayers can be offered to Goddess Varahi and chant Varahi mantras.
Devotees chant sacred mantras dedicated to Goddess Durga to purify their minds, connect with the Divine Goddess, and invoke her blessings. They also read holy books, including the Durga Saptashati, Durga Saptashloki, Devi Mahatmyam, and the Srimad Bhagavatam, considered very auspicious.
They also chant the Durga Battissi (32 Different Names) of Goddess Shakti during the Ashadha Gupt Navaratri, which can resolve all problems and enable people to live peacefully. This period is highly auspicious for spiritual practices and self-discipline.
Durga Saptashati- Recitation of sacred texts Meditation & Mantras- Daily practice for purification Fasting- Abstaining from certain foods Abstinence- Avoiding non-vegetarian food and alcohol
These rituals may vary depending on regional customs and personal preferences. However, the primary purpose is to seek Goddess Durga's blessings and attain spiritual growth. This holy festival allows devotees to connect deeply with the Divine Goddess and walk towards a spiritual journey of self-discovery and transformation.
Rules to Follow During Ashadha Gupt Navaratri
Those observing Sadhana and Tantric rituals should follow the rules based on traditions.
- Negative traits of anger, jealousy, ego, hatred and desire should be avoided.
- Devotees should not use leather or cut hair or nails.
- Black-coloured clothes should be avoided during this period.
- They should not sleep during the day.
- The elderly, expectant mothers, those with severe illnesses and small children should be exempt from performing the Vrat strictly.
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