Ashadha Gupta Navratri Begins Today — Know The 9 Day Schedule, Puja Rituals, And All

Ashadha Gupt Navratri 2025: In Sanatan Dharma, Navratri holds immense spiritual significance. Celebrated four times a year, it honors the nine divine forms of Goddess Durga. Among these, two major ones are Chaitra and Sharadiya Navratri, while the other two are observed as Gupt Navratri, or secret Navratris, primarily followed by spiritual seekers and tantriks.

This year, the Ashadha Gupt Navratri has commenced today, June 26, and will conclude on July 4, 2025. According to the Hindu Panchang, the Shukla Paksha of the Ashadha month began at 4:00 PM on June 25, and since Sanatan Dharma observes Udaya Tithi (sunrise-based date), the first day of Navratri is marked on June 26. Devotees of Maa Durga will observe fasts, either without food or consuming only fruits, and perform daily worship of the nine forms of the goddess.

Goddess Durga Arrives On A Palanquin This Navratri

This year, Gupt Navratri begins on a Thursday, which holds symbolic significance. According to scriptures, when Navratri starts on a Thursday, it is believed that Goddess Durga arrives riding a palanquin (palki). Traditionally, this is considered inauspicious, indicating the possibility of intense rainfall, pandemics, economic slowdowns, or natural calamities.

Daily Worship Schedule For Ashadha Gupt Navratri 2025:

  • June 26 (Thursday) – Pratipada: Worship of Maa Shailputri, Kalash Sthapana (Ghatasthapana)
  • June 27 (Friday) – Dwitiya: Worship of Maa Brahmacharini
  • June 28 (Saturday) – Tritiya: Worship of Maa Chandraghanta
  • June 29 (Sunday) – Chaturthi: Worship of Maa Kushmanda
  • June 30 (Monday) – Panchami: Worship of Maa Skandamata
  • July 1 (Tuesday) – Shashthi: Worship of Maa Katyayani
  • July 2 (Wednesday) – Saptami: Worship of Maa Kalaratri
  • July 3 (Thursday) – Ashtami: Worship of Maa Mahagauri
  • July 4 (Friday) – Navami: Worship of Maa Siddhidatri and conclusion of Navratri

Auspicious Timings:

Kalash Sthapana Muhurat – 4:33 AM to 6:05 AM

Abhijit Muhurat – 10:58 AM to 11:53 AM

Special Rituals And Practices For Gupt Navratri:

  • Recite Durga Chalisa and Durga Saptashati every morning and evening.
  • Offer clove and batasha (sugar drops) as bhog in both daily prayers.
  • Offer only red flowers to the goddess.
  • Keep your spiritual practices confidential during this Navratri.

Rules To Follow During Gupt Navratri:

  • Avoid consumption of meat, alcohol, garlic, and onion.
  • Respect women, as Goddess Durga is a feminine divine form.
  • Maintain peace and avoid arguments or disrespect within the household.
  • Follow strict cleanliness and wear fresh clothes after an early morning bath.
  • Refrain from wearing black clothes and leather items.
  • Avoid cutting hair, nails, or shaving during the nine days.
  • Prefer sleeping on the floor and do not disrespect guests or beggars.

Puja Samagri (Essential Items For Worship):

Includes an idol or image of Goddess Durga, vermillion, saffron, camphor, barley, incense, mirror, bangles, red flowers, turmeric (whole and powdered), betel nut, Kalash (metal pot), ghee lamp, white clothes, fruits, Gangajal, and other sacred items.

Puja Vidhi (Ritual Procedure):

After a morning bath, gather all items and decorate the idol in red cloth. Sow barley seeds in an earthen pot and sprinkle water daily until Navami. During the auspicious muhurat, fill a Kalash with Gangajal, place mango leaves at its mouth, and top with a coconut wrapped in red cloth. Tie a sacred thread (kalawa) around it and place it beside the barley pot. Perform aarti with incense, flowers, and lamps.

Chant mantras dedicated to Goddess Durga throughout the nine days and pray for health, wealth, and protection. On Ashtami or Navami, perform Kanya Puja by offering food to nine young girls and conclude the rituals with Kalash Visarjan and aarti.

[Disclaimer: The content of this article is based solely on beliefs, and should be taken as general guidance. Individual experiences may vary. ABPLive.com does not assert the accuracy or validity of any claims or information presented. It is strongly recommended to consult a qualified expert before considering or implementing any information or belief discussed herein.]

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