Inner DarshanAshadha Gupt Navratri: 'The Secret of Nine Nights'
Ashadha Gupt Navratri is an important festival in Hinduism. This Navratri falls in the month of Ashadha and is also known as Gayatri Navratri. During this period, nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped, but this worship is performed in a 'secret' manner. Tantra Vidya holds special significance during these days, and spiritual practices performed during this time are believed to remove all the defects in the horoscope.
Ashadha Gupt Navratri Puja Vidhi
During Ashadha Gupt Navratri, worship is performed with complete devotion and rituals.
- Kalash Sthapana: Place the idol of Goddess Durga on a platform covered with a red or yellow cloth. Place the Kalash at an auspicious place, put Ganga water, Batasha, Durva and a lump of whole turmeric in it. Decorate the Kalash with mango or Ashoka leaves.
- Puja and Mantra Chanting: Perform Aarti and worship of Goddess Maa for nine days. Recite Durga Saptashati and Devi Bhagavat daily. Chant the mantra ‘Om Dum Durgaye Namah’.
- Position and Direction: Sit on a Kusha or woolen seat for worship and face east or north.
- Avoid Tamasic Food: Avoid food that takes a long time to digest during the fast.
Benefits of Fasting and Abstinence
According to Ayurveda, fasting and abstinence have many benefits for the body. Fasting (Langhan) provides rest to the digestive system, which helps ward off illness and boosts immunity. Abstaining from food during Navratri helps ward off laziness and keeps the mind focused on prayer and worship. Fasting in this manner not only provides religious benefits but also benefits health.
Perform these auspicious activities during Gupt Navratri
The period of Gupt Navratri is considered very auspicious. You can perform these auspicious activities during these days:
- Mantra Chanting and Recitation: Chant the mantras of Goddess Durga and recite the Durga Saptashati.
- River bath and donation: Bathing in rivers and donating have special significance in the month of Ashadha.
- Worship of Gods and Goddesses: Along with worshipping the Goddess, also perform special worship of Lord Ganesha, Shiva-Parvati, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
- Charity: Donate money, grains, clothes and food to the needy people.
- Arghya to the Sun: Wake up early in the morning and offer water to the Sun after bathing.