Ghatasthapana Muhurat: The auspicious time to establish the Kalash (pot) for the puja is from 5:28 am to 10:06 am on July 6.
Gupt Navratri, also known as Ashadha Gupt Navratri, is a significant yet lesser-known festival dedicated to Goddess Durga. Celebrated twice a year, this festival provides devotees with an opportunity to seek the blessings of the nine forms of Durga, known as the Navadurga. In 2024, Ashadha Gupt Navratri begins on July 6 and concludes on July 15. During these nine days, devotees engage in various rituals, prayers, and fasting to honor the goddess and seek her blessings.
Ashadha Gupt Navratri 2024: Auspicious Timings (Shubh Muhurat)
- Ghatasthapana Muhurat: The auspicious time to establish the Kalash (pot) for the puja is from 5:28 am to 10:06 am on July 6.
- Pratipada Tithi: Begins at 4:26 am on July 6 and ends at 4:26 am on July 7.
Ashadha Gupt Navratri Rituals
The rituals of Gupt Navratri are primarily focused on enhancing the power of tantra and sadhana (spiritual practices). Here are the key rituals performed during this festival:
- Early Morning Bath and Cleaning: Devotees wake up early and take a holy bath. They clean their homes and puja rooms, decorating them with rangoli and flowers.
- Pooja (Worship Rituals): Elaborate poojas are performed to please Goddess Durga and seek her blessings for the fulfillment of desires.
- Fasting: Many devotees observe fasting throughout the nine days as a form of devotion and penance.
Ashadha Gupt Navratri Puja Vidhi
To perform the puja during Ashadha Gupt Navratri, follow these steps:
- Ghatsthapana: Begin with Ghatsthapana, following the specific time for Kalash Sthapana mentioned above. Place an idol or image of Goddess Durga on a wooden plank.
- Adorning the Idol: Adorn the idol with Shringar items such as chunni, sindoor, and choodiyan.
- Lighting the Diya: Light a diya using desi ghee.
- Offering Flowers and Fruits: Offer a garland, hibiscus flowers, paan, fruits, and dry fruits.
- Chanting Mantras: Chant various mantras dedicated to Durga Mata and recite the Durga Saptashati Paath.
Puja Materials
Here is a list of materials required for the Ashadha Gupt Navratri puja:
- Kalash (pot)
- Mango leaves
- Murti (idol) or image of Goddess Durga (optional)
- Diya (oil lamp)
- Incense sticks
- Flowers (ideally red or pink)
- Fruits
- Sweets
- Panchamrut (a mixture of honey, ghee, sugar, curd, and milk)
- Holy water (Gangajal)
By following these rituals and guidelines, devotees can immerse themselves in the divine grace of Goddess Durga and seek her blessings during Ashadha Gupt Navratri.