Gupt Navratri 2024: Date, Muhurat, Rituals, Significance, and Benefits of Ashadha's Sacred Festival

Ashadha's Sacred Festival: Gupt Navratri 2024 [Image: Canva]

Gupt Navratri is celebrated twice annually, and the upcoming Ashadha Gupt Navratri is a special time for devotees of Goddess Durga. This lesser known yet deeply revered festival commences on Saturday, July 6, 2024, and will be observed with immense devotion and various sacred rituals to seek the blessings of the divine mother.

Ashadha Gupt Navratri 2024 Date and Shubh Muhurat

The rituals of Gupt Navratri are primarily focused on enhancing the power of tantra and sadhana (spiritual practices). Devotees, especially those engaged in tantra and sadhana, perform elaborate Poojas (worship rituals) to please the Goddess and seek her blessings for the fulfillment of their desires. Fasting is also a common practice during these nine days.

Also Read:  10 forms of goddess shakti

Key Rituals Include

1. Navratri Kalash Sthapana: An auspicious pot or 'kalash' is set up in honor of Goddess Aadhya Shakti. Barley is sown in the kalash to sprout. A raw coconut is placed atop the kalash, and another kalash filled with water is placed beneath it. An Akhand Jyoti (eternal flame) is lit in front of Goddess Bhagwati once the Kalash Sthapana is complete.
2. Sequential Worship: Following Kalash Sthapana, a series of Poojas are performed. The first is Ganesha Pooja, followed by Varun Pooja, and Vishnu Pooja. Devotees also perform Poojas for Shiva, the Sun, the Moon, and the nine Navagrahas (planets). Finally, the Goddess Bhagwati is worshipped with great devotion.
3. Recitation and Fasting: Devotees recite the Devi Path and Durga Saptashati, sacred texts dedicated to Goddess Durga. Many observe strict fasts throughout the nine days of Gupt Navratri.

Benefits of Observing Gupt Navratri Fast

Observing the fast-during Gupt Navratri is believed to bring numerous spiritual and material benefits:

1. Spiritual Cleansing: Fasting helps in cleansing the mind and body, creating a conducive environment for spiritual growth and introspection.
2. Enhanced Focus: The discipline of fasting and performing rituals can enhance mental focus and clarity, aiding in deeper meditation and sadhana.
3. Divine Blessings: Devotees believe that fasting and sincere worship during Gupt Navratri attract the divine blessings of Goddess Durga, granting protection, prosperity, and success.
4. Strengthened Willpower: The practice of fasting strengthens willpower and self-control, fostering resilience and determination in various aspects of life.
5. Positive Energy: Participating in the rituals and maintaining a sattvic (pure) diet during the fast generates positive energy, promoting overall well-being and harmony.

Ashadha Gupt Navratri is a nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of the nine incarnations of Goddess Shakti, also known as Durga. Celebrated predominantly in the northern states of India, it is also known as Shakambhari Navratri or Gayatri Navratri. This festival is observed from the first day (Pratipada) to the ninth day (Navami) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Ashadha according to the Hindu calendar. During this period, devotees honor the ten forms of Mahavidyas of Devi Durga.

Want to experience the cultural richness of July? Check Complete List of Festival in July 2024.