Gupta Navratri

"Navaratri, meaning the nine forms of the goddess and their worship. This festival of the goddess occurs four times a year. On this occasion, Goddess Durga is worshipped to seek her blessings and attain prosperity. During two of the Navratris, the worship of Goddess Durga is done publicly, while during the other two, it is done secretly. Now you may wonder why worship is done secretly during these times. It is because these are tantric rituals and cannot be performed in public places.

Publicly observed Navratris occur during the months of Chaitra and Ashwini, while the privately observed ones happen during the bright half of Magha and Ashadha months. Gupta Navratri, which is actually distinct from the regular annual Navratri, is a time for profound and esoteric beliefs and spiritual endeavors. During this period, tantric practitioners and ascetics perform the worship of Goddess Durga in her ten Mahavidya forms, which are useful in appeasing the goddess through their renowned mantras and tantric knowledge.

The ten Mahavidyas are as follows:

Kali: Kroth, Rakt Beej, and Chamunda.

Tara: Tara, Tarini, and Neel Saraswati.

Chinnamasta: Padmamba and Jnanadevi.

Bhuvaneshwari: Mahavidya and Vajreshwari.

Bagalamukhi: Pitaambara and Sarva Mangala.

Matangi: Kamala, Tarini, and Siddhidaatri.

Dhumavati: Devsena, Buddhidaatri, and Sadhvi.

Bhairavi: Tarini, Vageeshwari, and Kamalaatmika.

Matrang: Dhumavati, Chinnamasta, and Varahi.

Kamala: Lakshmi, Vidya, and Shri Vidya.

By practicing tantric rituals and worshiping these Mahavidyas, one can attain tantric and secret achievements. This practice is a deep and highest form of sadhana that involves meditation, mantras, yantras, tantra, and spiritual practices during the nine nights of Navratri.

Before undertaking this sadhana, it is essential to seek guidance from a spiritual guru or a tantric teacher as it requires expertise and proper guidance. Following the correct procedures, rules, and discipline of worship, mantra, meditation, and sadhana are crucial. Additionally, maintaining spiritual purity and ethical conduct of the mind, body, and soul is necessary.

Worship Procedure:

After taking a bath in the morning, purify the surroundings with ganga water. Set up the worship area by placing an idol or picture of Goddess Durga on a platform covered with a red cloth, and establish a Kalash. Offer red clothes or a Chunari to Goddess Durga, along with flowers, Akshat (rice), a lamp, and Naivedya (food offerings). Perform the Aarti of the Goddess with incense and a lamp. On Ashtami or Navami, conduct Kanya Pujan by worshiping nine young girls, offering them Prasad and Dakshina, and then bidding them farewell. On the final day, after worshiping and performing the Aarti of Goddess Durga, immerse the Kalash. This method of worship brings peace, prosperity, and positive energy.

During Gupta Navratri, one should avoid the following activities:

Cutting hair, nails, or performing mundan (tonsuring children's hair), consuming meat or alcohol, using garlic and onions, sleeping late, indulging in sexual activities, staying away from leather items, wearing purple, blue, or dark-colored clothes, and sleeping on a bed.

All these guidelines should be followed during Gupta Navratri as they are sanctioned by religious and spiritual authorities."

Related topics

• Navratri
• Shailputri Prathma
• Brahamcharini Dutiya
• Chandraghanta Tratiya
• Kushmanda Chaturthi
• Skandamata Panchami
• Katyayani Shasthi
• Kalratri Saptami
• Durga Ashtami (Mahagauri)
• Siddhidatri Navami