[Shivam Vishwakarma]

Up

3

::

A major spiritual event in India is called Navratri. Along with Shardiya and Chaitra Navratri, Magha Gupt and Ashadha Gupt Navratri are also celebrated across the country with enthusiasm and elegance.

Ashadha Navratri occurs during the Ashadha month (June 5 –  July 3), while the Magha Gupt Navratri occurs during the Shukla Paksha of the Magha month (Jan 21- Feb 19). Ashadha Gupt Navratri, often referred to as Gupt Navratri, is a nine-day celebration that acknowledges the nine ways in which Shakti, or the mother Goddess, has shown herself. In 2023, Ashadha Gupt Navratri will be starting from 19 June to 28 June.

The term “Gupt Navratri” translates to “secret Navratri” or “hidden Navratri.”  It is so-called because it is a lesser-known yet less popular than the well-liked Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri celebrations. Another reason is that it is very difficult to worship the goddess in gupt navratri and the puja of the Goddess is also done secretly, that is why these are called as gupt navratri. It has significant spiritual and ritualistic importance for people who belong to tantric traditions.During these nine days, Vamtantra ( Tantric spiritual practice and rituals that aims to bring about an inner realization of truth) performs tantrik anusthan of Shri Durgasaptshati, Shrimad-devi Bhagwat, Devi Mahaatmya, and other literature invoking Goddess Durga.

It advises that devotees who fast during these days and worship the various forms of Maa Adi Shakti follow the same rituals as they do during Chaitra and Sharadiya Navratri. Place a Maa Durga idol, perform Ghatsthapana, fast for ten days, light a diya, recite the Durga Saptashati Patha, and ask the Goddess for her blessings. On the last day, do Kanya Pujan and give away bhog prasad, fruits, and other useful items to other needy girls.

During the Gupta Navratri, it is prohibited to trim hair or nails, shaving, consumption of meat or alcohol, or usage of garlic or onions in food. Also, it is a period for fasting, cleanliness, and avoiding from wearing dark,  blue or purple clothing. For nine days, people who are fasting should sleep on a Kush mat rather than a bed.

 

 

 

Src- Devi Bhagawata Purana, Discover India by Sonia Mehta.

Share

[Author]

Posts