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Ashada Navratri: Manifesting the Introspective form of Shakti

The Hindus especially the Shakta school of Hinduism celebrate the Devi manifestation of the Supreme Mother during the seasonal junctions. These celebrations are called Navratri. Navratri is an amalgamation of two Sanskrit words, Nav-nine and ratri-night. It literally means a collection of nine nights. The Devi is worshipped as a divine manifestation of Mother Nature. So the seasonal changes are chosen to honour her.

The Navratri festival is celebrated four times a year. The Navratri festival of Chaitra and Ashwin months are widely celebrated. And the Navratri festival of Magh and Ashadh months are celebrated privately.

Ashada Navratri

The Gupt Navratri falling in the month of Ashada or rainy season is called Ashada Navratri. Ashad is the fourth month of the Hindu calendar. It falls in the months of June- July as per the Gregorian calendar.

Date of Ashadha Navratri:

According to the Drik Panchang, this year Ashada Navratri falls on June 26th 2025 - July 4th 2025

Why is it called Gupt Navratri?

Gupt in Sanskrit means secret. The Navratri festival of Maagha and Ashad are celebrated privately. It is said that in ancient times only Tantra Sadhaks were aware of the Gupt Navratri.

They used this time to invoke various manifestations of Goddess Durga to attain superhuman powers or Siddhi.

It is said that the worshippers should keep their rituals totally private. Do not invite others to participate in the rituals. Even talking about the celebration of Gupt Navratri is prohibited by ancient Rishis.

Legends of Gupt Navratri

Prince Sudarshan of Kosala

There are many legends associated with Gupt Navratri. One such legend is about Prince Sudarshan of Kosala kingdom.

Long ago, the prince Sudarshan with his mother fled to the forest to save themselves from a rebellion. There the little boy heard a strange sound and started imitating it carelessly.

The sound was a powerful beej mantra of Goddess Durga -Kleem.

It was the period of Gupt Navratri. The Devi was very pleased with the chanting of the child prince. She blessed him to win and rule his kingdom. She also bestowed him with eternal fame and prosperity.

The woman and Sage Shrungi

Another legend is about Sage Shrungi. Once he was addressing an audience of devotees under a Peepal tree.

Suddenly a woman rose up from the audience and started crying. She said that her husband is an evil man. He indulges in all vices and forces her to be a party in all the wicked deeds.

So, she is unable to worship Goddess Durga. Then Rishi took pity on her. He said that the Goddess Durga is invoked during Chaitra and Ashwin Navratri. But she can be worshipped during the Gupt Navratri of Magh and Ashada. You should worship her privately in Gupt Navratri.

The woman followed his teaching. Her husband mended his ways. The couple lived happily with the grace of Goddess Durga.

Gupt Navratri and Dus Mahavidya

Many people associate the Gupt Navratri with the worshipping of Dus Mahavidya. Dus Mahavidya are fierce forms of Devi. They are the consorts of 10 Rudravtars. Dus Mahavidya are the Devi manifestation of universal forces.

The tantra Sadhaks invoke Dus Mahavidya during Gupt Navratri to advance their Sadhna in leaps and bounds.

The first day of Navratri is associated with Maa Kali

The second day is associated with Maa Tara

The third day is associated with Maa Lalita Tripura Sundari

The fourth day is associated with Maa Bhuvaneshwari

The fifth day is associated with Maa Bhairavi

The sixth day is associated with Maa Chinnamasta

The seventh day is associated with Maa Dhumavati

The eighth day is associated with Maa Bagalaamukhi

The ninth day is associated with Maa Matangi

The tenth day is associated with Maa Kamala

Why is Ashada Navratri unique?

The uniqueness of Ashada Navratri is the association with Devi Varahi. Some experts also call it Varahi Navratri.

Devi Varahi is a boar-faced Goddess. She is the incarnation of Devi Lakshmi. Maa Varahi is the consort of Varaha Avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Maa Varahi aided Goddess Durga during the latter's battle with demons Shumbh and Nishumbh.

Devi Varahi destroys the enemies of the worshippers. She also bestows wealth to the devotee.

The Ashada Navratri is the perfect time to pray to the Goddess for accomplishing a particular goal.

Dos and Don'ts of Ashada Navratri

Dos

1. Wake up early and take bath daily
2. Read Devi Mahatmyam or Durga Saptshati.
3. Take satvik food
4. Respect all the elders especially the women.

Don't s

1. Do not oversleep.
2. Do not tell lies or fight with others
3. Do not consume alcohol or nonveg or any form of intoxicants.
4. Do not cheat or commit fraud.

Conclusion

Gupt Navratri gives us a message that we should keep our relationship with God private. Even boasting about Gupt Navratri online is prohibited by the experts.

Gupt Navratri teaches us that the Sadhna when done in private bears sweeter and quicker fruits.

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