Gupt Navratri is a highly regarded festival observed twice annually by followers of Goddess Durga.. The upcoming Ashadha Gupt Navratri is a special occasion marked by deep devotion and sacred rituals. Here’s everything you need to know about this divine celebration.

Ashadha Gupt Navratri 2024 Dates and Shubh Muhurat

Important Timings on Ashadha Gupt Navratri 2024

• Sunrise- July 6, 05:50 AM
• Sunset- July 6, 07:12 PM
• Pratipada Tithi Timing- July 6, 04:27 AM - July 7, 04:26 AM
• Abhijit Muhurat Time- July 6, 12:05 PM - 12:58 PM
• Ghatasthapana Muhurat- July 6, 05:28 AM to 10:06 AM

Sawan Somwar 2024 Start Date and End Date

When is Gupt Navratri 2024?

Ashadha Gupt Navratri is celebrated from the Pratipada (first day) to the Navami (ninth day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon phase) in the Ashadha month of the Hindu calendar. According to the Gregorian calendar, this period falls between June and July. In 2024, Ashadha Gupt Navratri starts on Saturday, July 6, and concludes on Monday, July 15.

Ashadha Gupt Navratri Rituals

The rituals of Gupt Navratri focus on enhancing the power of tantra and sadhana (spiritual practices). Devotees perform elaborate Pujas (worship rituals) to please the Goddess and seek her blessings.

Key Rituals Include-

1. Navratri Kalash Sthapana

• A sacred pot, or 'kalash,' is established in honor of Goddess Aadhya Shakti.
• Barley seeds are planted in the kalash to germinate. 
• A raw coconut is placed on top of the kalash, while another water-filled kalash is positioned below it. 
• After the Kalash Sthapana is completed, an Akhand Jyoti (eternal flame) is lit in front of Goddess Bhagwati.

2. Sequential Worship

• Following Kalash Sthapana, a series of pujas are performed.
• The first is Ganesha puja, followed by Varun puja, and Vishnu puja.
• Devotees also conduct pujas for Shiva, the Sun, the Moon, and the nine Navagrahas (planets). 
• Ultimately, Goddess Bhagwati is worshipped with deep devotion.

3. Recitation and Fasting

• Devotees chant the Devi Path and Durga Saptashati, sacred scriptures dedicated to Goddess Durga. 
• Many also adhere to strict fasting during the nine days of Gupt Navratri.

Shani Sade Sati in Astrology

Daily Schedule of Gupt Navratri Puja

Each of the nine days is unique in its observance, and different forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped each day. The schedule is as follows-

The 10th day is observed as Vijaya Dashami Puja, bringing an end to the Navratri festivities.

Benefits of Observing Gupt Navratri Fast

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

• Spiritual Cleansing: Fasting aids in purifying the mind and body, creating an ideal setting for spiritual development and reflection.
• Enhanced Focus: The discipline of fasting and performing rituals can improve mental concentration and clarity, facilitating deeper meditation and sadhana.
• Divine Blessings: Devotees believe that fasting and heartfelt worship during Gupt Navratri attract the divine blessings of Goddess Durga, bringing protection, prosperity, and success.
• Strengthened Willpower: The practice of fasting enhances willpower and self-control, building resilience and determination in various life aspects.
• Positive Energy: Engaging in rituals and following a sattvic (pure) diet during the fast generates positive energy, fostering overall well-being and harmony.

Rudrabhishek Puja Benefit And Significance

Types of Fasting During Gupt Navratri

• Strict Fasting- Devotees only eat pure Saatvik food, that too only once a day.
• Partial Fasting- For those unable to keep a strict fast due to health reasons, partial fasting is allowed. Eating ‘Phalahaar’ food, along with fruits and milk, is permitted.

What should you Chant and Recite during Gupt Navratri?

During Ashadha Gupt Navratri, Hindu devotees chant mantras dedicated to Goddess Durga to invoke Her divine blessings. Reciting religious scriptures is considered very auspicious. The key scriptures include-

• Durga Saptashati
• Devi Mahaatmya
• Shrimad-Devi Bhagwat
• Durga Battissi (32 different names of Goddess Shakti)

It is believed that chanting these scriptures can end all problems and help devotees achieve peace in life.

Conclusion

Ashadha Gupt Navratri is a deeply spiritual time for devotees to connect with the divine energy of Goddess Durga. Whether through fasting, reciting sacred texts, or performing intricate rituals, the festival offers a unique opportunity for spiritual growth and divine blessings.