Ashadha Gupt Navratri is celebrated twice a year and this year’s celebration is very meaningful for the followers of Goddess Durga. Starting on Saturday, July 6, 2024, this lesser-known but highly revered holiday will be celebrated with great devotion and many sacred rituals to receive the blessings of the heavenly mother.
Ashadha Gupt Navratri 2024: Date and Time
Pratipada Tithi Start: 6 July 2024 – 4:26 am
Pratipada Tithi Ends: 7 July 2024 – 4:26 AM
Ghatasthapana Muhurta: 6th July 2024: 5:28 AM – 10:06 AM
Ashadha Gupt Navratri 2024 Significance
The nine-day festival of Ashadha Gupt Navratri is dedicated to the worship of nine forms of Goddess Shakti, also known as Durga. Usually celebrated in the northern regions of India, it is alternatively known as Gayatri or Shakambhari Navratri. According to the Hindu calendar, the festival is celebrated from the first day (Pratipada) to the ninth day (Navami) of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha. Devotees celebrate the ten Mahavidya forms of Goddess Durga during this time.
Ashadh Gupt Navratri 2024 Rituals
The main goal of the Gupt Navratri celebrations is to enhance the power of tantra and sadhana, or spiritual practices. Intricate pujas (worship rituals) are performed by devotees involved in tantra and sadhana in particular to please the Goddess and seek her blessings to fulfill their aspirations. Another popular custom during these nine days is fasting.
1. Navratri Kalash installationTo honor Goddess Adya Shakti, an auspicious pot or ‘Kalash’ is set up. Barley is sown in the Kalash for germination. A raw coconut is placed on top of the Kalash, and another Kalash filled with water is placed below it. When the Kalash installation is complete, an Akhand Jyoti (eternal flame) is lit in front of Goddess Bhagwati.
2. Sequential worship: After the Kalash Sthapana, several pujas are performed. Ganesh Puja is performed first, followed by Varuna and Vishnu Puja. Devotees also worship Shiva, Sun, Moon and the nine Navagrahas (planets). Finally, Goddess Bhagawati is worshipped with much devotion.
3. Lessons and fasting: Two sacred texts dedicated to Goddess Durga, Devi Patha and Durga Saptashati are recited by devotees. During the nine days of Gupt Navratri, many people observe a strict fast.
Ashadh Gupt Navratri 2024: Mantras to Chant
1. “All men should show equal love and follow their own religion as per the principles of Shruti.”
2. “Om Hleem Vagvaadini Bhagwati my work will be accomplished by Kuru Kuru Phat Swaha.”
3. “Shri Hreem Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah.”
4. I bow to you Goddess Kalika:
5. I bow to you Durga
