Ashadha Gupt Navratri 2021
Ashadha Gupt Navratri is an auspicious 9-day observance that is dedicated to worshipping nine different forms of Goddess Shakti or Durga. It is one of the important festivities observed by Hindus with utmost devotion and enthusiasm. Gupt Navratri is also known as Shakambhari Navratri or Gayatri Navratri; and is celebrated with immense gaiety and reverence in all parts of India, especially the northern states.
When is Gupt Navratri 2021?
Ashadha Gupt Navratri is observed from the Pratipada (1st day) till the Navami (9th day) of the Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of the moon) in the Ashadha; the month of the traditional Hindu calendar. In the English calendar, this observance falls between the months of June-July.
The history behind Ashadha Gupt Navratri
During the ancient Vedic age, this Gupt Navratri was only known to few accomplished ‘Sadhaks’ or Sages. The Gupt Navratri holds special importance for Tantriks and Sadhaks.
It is believed that performing ‘Saadhna’ for Goddess Durga during this period will put an end to all materialistic problems. Hence Gupt Navratri is mostly popular for Tantrik Puja. During this period, the Sadhaks invoke Goddess Durga to be bestowed with knowledge, wealth, and success.
Rituals of Gupt Navratri Pooja
During the 9-day period of Gupt Navratri, Hindu devotees pray to Goddess Durga with full dedication. Devotees get up early during this period. Each of these 9 days is unique in its observance and different forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped on each day. The Gupt Navratri schedule is as follows:
- Day 1: Pratipada Tithi – Ghatasthapana and Shailpurti Puja
- Day 2: Dwitiya Tithi – Brahmacharini Puja
- Day 3: Tritiya Tithi – Chandraghanta Puja
- Day 4: Chaturthi Tithi – Kushmanda Puja
- Day 5: Panchami Tithi – Skandamata Puja
- Day 6: Shasthi Tithi – Katyayani Puja
- Day 7: Saptami Tithi – Kalaratri Puja
- Day 8: Ashtami Tithi – Maha Gauri Puja
- Day 9: Navami Tithi – Siddhidatri Puja
- The 10th day is observed as Vijaya Dashami Puja and brings an end to the Navratri festivities.
Some of the devotees also observe strict fasting during the 9-day Ashadha Gupt Navratri. They eat only pure, Saatvik food once during the day. If due to some health reasons, devotees cannot keep strict fast, partial fasting is also allowed. During this time eating ‘Phalahaar’ food, along with fruits and milk is also allowed.
During the Ashadha Gupt Navratri period, Hindu devotees chant mantras dedicated to Goddess Durga to invoke Her divine blessings. Reciting religious scriptures like ‘Durga Saptshati’, ‘Devi Mahaatmya’ and ‘Shrimad-Devi Bhagwat’ is considered very auspicious.
Hindu devotees also chant ‘Durga Battissi’ or 32 different names of Goddess Shakti during the Ashadha Gupt Navratri. It is believed that this practice ends all the problems and helps the devotees to achieve peace in life.
