Author: - | Last Updated: Fri 27 Jan 2017 3:16:11 PM
The term ‘Navratri’ is a sanskrit word which meant ‘nine nights’. During these days, the nine forms of Shakti is worshipped. Each day has its own significance. Devotees observe fast these days and on the last day of Navratri, they organize Kanya Pujan in order to complete their fast. This festival is celebrated very enthusiastically by every Hindu. They believe that seeking vows these days are very beneficial. Know more about this occasion..
Navratri is observed 5 times in a year. Let’s know more about them -
Sharadiya and Chaitra Navratri are the two most popular Navratras. These are celebrated with lots of zeal and enthusiasm, throughout the country. Shardiya Navratri are usually celebrated in the first lunar date of bright half phase (Shukla Paksha) of the lunar month of Ashwin i.e September or October. Shardiya Navratri is popularly known as Garba Navratri.
On the other hand, Chaitra Navratri occurs during the month of March or April and is popularly known as Vasant or Basant Navratri or Ram Navratras. Now, it’s turn to know about the Gupt Navratri. They are:
Magha Navratri -
The Magha Navratri is celebrated in the Gregorian month of January or February. It is also known as Shishir Navratri or Gupt Navratri. In 2017, it will start from January 28 and will end on February 6.
Ashadh Navratri -
On the other hand, Navratri celebrated in the month of Ashadh i.e June or July is known as Gayatri Navratri, Gupt Navratri or secret Navratras. The Gupt Navratri is observed only at certain places in India. This Navratri is going to held on June 24 to July 3, 2017.
Paush Navratri -
This Navratri is celebrated in the month of December and January. Paush Navratri is observed during the Paush Shukla Paksha. This is also known as Shakambhari Navratri or the Gupt Navratri. However, it is not as popular as the other two Gupt Navratras. In 2017, it will start from December 26, 2017 and end till January 2, 2018.
Let’s know about the Gupt Navratri 2017 dates.
Navratri Date | Navratri Day | Goddess Form |
---|---|---|
24th June | Amavasya | Ghatasthapana, Shailputri Puja |
25th June | Dwitiya | Brahmacharini Puja |
26th June | Tritiya | Chandraghanta Puja |
27th June | Chaturthi | Kushmanda Puja |
28th June | Panchami | Skandamata Pujan |
29th June | Shashthi | Katyayani Puja |
30th June | Saptami | Kalaratri Pujan |
1st July | Ashtami | Durga Ashtami, Mahagauri Pujan, Sandhi Puja |
2nd July | Navami | Siddhidatri Pujan |
3rd July | Dashmi | Navratri Parana |
Navratri Date | Navratri Day | Goddess Form |
---|---|---|
28th January | Pratipada | Ghatasthapana, Shailputri Puja |
29th January | Dwitiya | Brahmacharini Puja |
30th January | Tritiya | Chandraghanta Puja, |
31st January | Chaturthi | Kushmanda Puja |
1st February |
Panchami | Skandamata Puja |
2nd February | Shashthi | Katyayani Puja |
3rd February | Saptami | Kalaratri Puja |
4th February | Ashtami | Durga Ashtami, Mahagauri Puja, Sandhi Puja |
5th February | Navami | Siddhidatri Puja |
6th February | Dashmi | Navratri Parana |
Gupt Navratri or Shakambari Navratri is also known as Banada Ashtami. It begins with Paush Shukla Ashtami and ends on Paush Purnima. This Navratri is usually performed by the Tantra Mantra Yogis.
Now as you know the dates of Gupt Navratri in 2017, we are sure you will be able to observe them with full devotion and dedication towards Goddess Durga.
‘Gupt’ means secret or hidden. Hence, secret Navratri is that time in a year where everything is performed secretly and prayers are offered to Maa Durga very privately. But, this secret worship brings results, a million times for the people who observe it.
Before, we move forward to know the rituals for Gupt Navratri, lets know what is the real story and significance of observing Gupt Navratri.
The real significance of Gupt Navratri can be best known from the people who perform Tantra Vidya. The Gupt Navratri are meant for Gupt Sadhana or hidden worship. Tantriks practice this Puja for the attainment of spiritual powers and emancipation. By reciting the Mantras & worshiping Goddess Durga during Gupt Navratri, removes all the domestic obstacles and results in prosperity. This Puja is performed to appease Goddess Shakti by the mode of Tantrik Anusthan (elaborate Puja done by Tantriks).
It is stated in the Hindu texts that Vishwamitra and Vashishta (two tantriks) started doing Sadhana but their efforts went in vain as they were unable to receive the desired perfection. Hence, they found out about the time in the year where they could receive the desired results. The same period in today’s time is known as the Gupt Navratri, where one can secretly perform Puja and receive fruitful results. Since then, these nine days came to be devoted to worshiping Goddess Shakti privately, unlike the other two Navratras observed in the month of Chaitra and Sharda.
Though the rituals of Navratri differ from region to region; however, some rituals will always remain the same throughout the country. The rituals to be performed during Gupt Navratri are:
Mantras to be recited during Gupt Navratri :
By observing Gupt Navratri, a person is relieved from all the below mentioned problems:
Gupt Navratras celebration may not be as huge as the other two Navratras, but the importance of Gupt Navratri is no less than any of the Navratras. This year during Gupt Navratri, don’t forget to worship Maa Durga, secretly and silently. Goddess Durga will stand beside you and fulfill your desires!
AstroCAMP wishes all it’s readers a very Happy Navratri!