Summer “Gupt Navratri” Begins from Ashadha Shukla Pratipada on July 15; Kalash Sthapana and 10-Day Worship of Goddess Shakti
Religious Desk:
The summer session of Gupt Navratri will begin on Wednesday, July 15, on the auspicious occasion of Ashadha Shukla Pratipada. This year, the day coincides with a rare combination of Pushya Nakshatra, Harshan Yoga, and Siddha Yoga, which is considered highly auspicious. Devotees will begin the festival with Kalash Sthapana and worship of Goddess Durga.
Kalash Sthapana Marks the Beginning
On the first day of Navratri, devotees will perform Kalash Sthapana and worship the first form of the Goddess, Maa Shailputri. Special rituals will be performed in temples and homes to mark the beginning of Gupt Navratri.
According to religious beliefs, prayers and rituals performed during Gupt Navratri are considered highly powerful and spiritually rewarding.
10 Days of Spiritual Practice and Devotion
During Gupt Navratri, devotees observe 10 days of worship of different forms of Goddess Durga. Many followers observe fasts, either abstaining from food completely or consuming only fruits, while engaging in prayers and devotion.
Special pujas, mantra chanting, and rituals will be conducted in homes and temples, creating a deeply spiritual and devotional atmosphere.
Gupt Navratri Occurs Twice a Year
According to tradition, Gupt Navratri is observed twice a year—once in the month of Magh and once in the month of Ashadha.
Unlike the main Navratri celebrations, Gupt Navratri is considered more mystical and is primarily associated with intense spiritual practices and disciplined worship.
Importance of Tantric Practices
Religious scholars state that Tantric sadhana (spiritual practices) holds special significance during Gupt Navratri. Practitioners use this period for deep meditation and spiritual discipline to attain higher spiritual energy.
However, general devotees also participate through prayers and worship of Goddess Durga to seek blessings.
Enthusiasm Among Devotees
Preparations for the festival have already begun, and a wave of enthusiasm is visible among devotees. Temples are being decorated, and the purchase of worship materials has increased.
Many places are also planning devotional events such as bhajans and kirtans during the Navratri period.
Gupt Navratri, beginning on Ashadha Shukla Pratipada, is considered a special period of devotion and spiritual practice. Over the 10-day festival, devotees worship different forms of Goddess Durga, seeking spiritual strength, peace, and divine blessings.
