I am sure that every reader knows about two Navratri which come in a year. But If I say that there are four Navratri in a year, don’t be surprised !!!
Yes, there are four Navratri in a year. The two well-known Navratri are the ones that fall in the months of Chaitra (March -April) and Kartika (September-October). The other two Navratri that fall during the months of Magh (January – February) and Ashad (June – July) are not known as there are not any featured elaborate pujas and rituals. These two Navratri are called Gupt Navratri and are mostly observed by Sadhus, Tantric, any person desiring to resolve materialistic problems. and other spiritual seekers to win the blessings of “Maa Durga“. The word ‘Gupt’ is a Hindi word meaning ‘Secret’ and so it is also called the “Secret Navratris. Exclusively meant to please Ma Durga with steadfast devotion and sincere worship, Gupta Navratri can win the immense blessings and grace of “Maa Durga“.
The important Gupta Navratri begins and ends in the month of Ashad (June – July) or Magh (January – February) and is celebrated during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon). This is an occasion to delight Ma Durga with prayers, mantra chanting, and worship. Tantra practices and other kinds of invocations are very famous during this month. Like other Navratris, the Gupta Navratri is also dedicated to the nine forms of Durga.

Known by Other Names

Durga MAA

Gupta Navratri is also known by different names in different part of India. Others names of Gupt Navratri are “Shakambari Navratri” or “Shakambari Utsav”, “Varahi Navratri”, “Gayatri Navratri” and “Badrakali Navratri”.

When it is Observed

It is observed from the Pratipada (1st day) till the Navami (9th day) of the Shukla Paksha in the Ashad or Magha month of the traditional Hindu calendar. It is one of the important festivities observed by Hindus with utmost devotion and enthusiasm.

Story Behind Gupt Navratri

It is being said that once, Brihaspati asked Brahma about a highly powerful vrat observance. Lord Brahma narrated to him the details of Navratri vrat. The vrat was observed for the first time by the price of Kosala named Sudarshan. When he was a child, his mother fled to the forest carrying him as a baby to save the child from a royal conspiracy for the throne. In the forest, the boy heard a sound and playfully repeated it. He could repeat only half of the word, “Kleem”, which is a powerful Bhija Mantra of Ma Durga. Though he uttered it unintentionally, Ma Durga was pleased with him as it was the time of Gupta Navratri and therefore blessed him to win the throne and rule the kingdom prosperously.

Who is worshipped

Throughout the holy days of Navratri, nine manifestations of the goddess are worshipped with much grandeur. They are –Maa Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmaanda, Skandmaata, Kaatyaayeenee, Kaalraatree, Mahagauri, and Sidhidaatree.

Schedule

  • Day 1: Pratipada: Shailaputri Puja
  • Day 2: Dwitiya: Brahmacharini Puja
  • Day 3: Tritiya: Chandraghanta Puja
  • Day 4: Chaturthi: Kushmanda Puja
  • Day 5: Panchami: Skandamata Puja
  • Day 6: Shasthi: Katyani Puja
  • Day 7: Saptami: Kaalaratri Puja
  • Day 8: Annapurna Ashtami: Mahagauri Puja
  • Day 9: Navami: Siddhidatri Puja

Some of the devotees also observe fast during the 9-day Ashad Gupt Navratri. They eat Sattvic food (without Onion and Garlic) once during the day. During the Ashad Gupt Navratri period, Hindu devotees chant mantras dedicated to Goddess Durga

Puja Vidhi

On the nine days of Gupt Navratri, the devotees must take bath early in the morning and prepare the puja altar cleaning it and decorating it with flowers, turmeric paste, and vermilion. A red color cloth is spread on the shrine place and a picture or idol of Ma Durga is installed in it.
A Puja thali is placed in front of the altar and offerings are made to Ma Durga including lamp, incense, flowers, kum-kum, bangles, bindi, chuni, Prasad, and others the devotees wish to present her with.
The room is sanctified with the holy Ganga Jal and the lamp is lit. The stotrams and mantras to be recited on the day include the names of Durga, Durga Chalisa, Durga Saptasati, and others. At the end of the puja, you can do Durga Arati singing the song of Amba or Kali.

Durga Mantra to be chanted

नमो देव्यै महादेव्यै शिवायै सततं नमः ।
नमः प्रकृत्यै भद्रायै नियताः प्रणताः स्म ताम् ॥१॥
Namo Devyai Mahaa-Devyai Shivaayai Satatam Namah |
Namah Prakrtyai Bhadraayai Niyataah Prannataah Sma Taam ||1||
1.1: Salutations to the Devi, to the Mahadevi; Salutations Always to Her Who is One with Shiva (the Auspicious One).
1.2: Salutations to Her Who is the Auspicious (being One with Shiva) Primordial Source of Creation and Controller of Everything; We Bow Always to Her.

रौद्रायै नमो नित्यायै गौर्यै धात्र्यै नमो नमः ।
ज्योत्स्नायै चेन्दुरूपिण्यै सुखायै सततं नमः ॥२॥
Raudraayai Namo Nityaayai Gauryai Dhaatryai Namo Namah |
Jyotsnaayai Ce[a-I]ndu-Ruupinnyai Sukhaayai Satatam Namah ||2||
2.1: Salutations to the Terrible, Salutations to the Eternal, the Shining One, and the Supporter of the Universe.
2.2: Salutations Always to Her, Who has a Cool Brightness like the Moonlit Night, And the Radiant Form of the Moon, and Who is Joy Herself.

कल्याण्यै प्रणता वृद्धयै सिद्धयै कुर्मो नमो नमः ।
नैर्ऋत्यै भूभृतां लक्ष्म्यै शर्वाण्यै ते नमो नमः ॥३॥
Kalyaannyai Prannataa Vrddhayai Siddhayai Kurmo Namo Namah |
Nairrtyai Bhuubhrtaam Lakssmyai Sharvaannyai Te Namo Namah ||3||
3.1: We Bow to Her Who is the Source of Welfare, Who is Great, Fulfilled and Abides as the Universe,
3.2: Salutations to Her Who is the Destroyer as well as the Prosperity which Supports the Earth and Who is the Consort of Shiva (in the Divine Play of Creation, Sustenance, and Destruction).

दुर्गायै दुर्गपारायै सारायै सर्वकारिण्यै ।
ख्यात्यै तथैव कृष्णायै धूम्रायै सततं नमः ॥४॥
Durgaayai Durga-Paaraayai Saaraayai Sarva-Kaarinnyai |
Khyaatyai Tathaiva Krssnnaayai Dhuumraayai Satatam Namah ||4||
4.1: (Salutations to) Durga, Who helps us in Crossing over the Difficulties and Dangers of Life and Who is the Essence of All Causes.
4.2: Salutations Always to Her, Who is Renowned and Widely Known Outside (in Creation) Just As She is Dark and Smoky and Difficult to Know Inside (in Meditation).

अतिसौम्यातिरौद्रायै नतास्तस्यै नमो नमः ।
नमो जगत्प्रतिष्ठायै देव्यै कृत्यै नमो नमः ॥५॥
Ati-Saumya-Ati-Raudraayai Nataas-Tasyai Namo Namah |
Namo Jagat-Pratisstthaayai Devyai Krtyai Namo Namah ||5||
5.1: Salutations to Her Who is Extremely Gentle like the Moon and also Extremely Terrible like Rudra,
5.2: Salutations to the Devi Who is the Supporter of the Universe and Salutations to Her Who is the Creator of the Universe.

या देवी सर्वभुतेषु विष्णुमायेति शब्दिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥६॥
Yaa Devii Sarva-Bhutessu Vissnnumaayeti Shabditaa |
Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah ||6||
6.1: To that Devi Who in All Beings is Called Vishnumaya,
6.2: Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations again and again.

या देवी सर्वभुतेषु चेतनेत्यभिधीयते ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥७॥
Yaa Devii Sarva-Bhutessu Cetanety-Abhidhiiyate |
Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah ||7||
7.1: To that Devi Who in All Beings is Reflected as Consciousness,
7.2: Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations again and again.

या देवी सर्वभुतेषु बुद्धिरूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥८॥
Yaa Devii Sarva-Bhutessu Buddhi-Ruupenna Samsthitaa |
Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah ||8||
8.1: To that Devi Who in All Beings is Abiding in the Form of Intelligence,
8.2: Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations again and again.

या देवी सर्वभुतेषु निद्रारूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥९॥
Yaa Devii Sarva-Bhutessu Nidraa-Ruupenna Samsthitaa |
Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah ||9||
9.1: To that Devi Who in All Beings is Abiding in the Form of Sleep,
9.2: Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations again and again.

या देवी सर्वभुतेषु क्षुधारूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥१०॥
Yaa Devii Sarva-Bhutessu Kssudhaa-Ruupenna Samsthitaa |
Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah ||10||
10.1: To that Devi Who in All Beings is Abiding in the Form of Hunger,
10.2: Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations again and again.

या देवी सर्वभुतेषु छायारूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥११॥
Yaa Devii Sarva-Bhutessu Chaayaa-Ruupenna Samsthitaa |
Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah ||11||
11.1: To that Devi Who in All Beings is Abiding in the Form of Shadow (of Higher Self) (Jivatma as a Shadow of Paramatma),
11.2: Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations again and again.

या देवी सर्वभुतेषु शक्तिरूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥१२॥
Yaa Devii Sarva-Bhutessu Shakti-Ruupenna Samsthitaa |
Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah ||12||
12.1: To that Devi Who in All Beings is Abiding in the Form of Power,
12.2: Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations again and again.

या देवी सर्वभुतेषु तृष्णारूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥१३॥
Yaa Devii Sarva-Bhutessu Trssnnaa-Ruupenna Samsthitaa |
Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah ||13||
13.1: To that Devi Who in All Beings is Abiding in the Form of Thirst,
13.2: Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations again and again.

या देवी सर्वभुतेषु क्षान्तिरूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥१४॥
Yaa Devii Sarva-Bhutessu Kssaanti-Ruupenna Samsthitaa |
Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah ||14||
14.1: To that Devi Who in All Beings is Abiding in the Form of Forbearance,
14.2: Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations again and again.

या देवी सर्वभुतेषु जातिरूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥१५॥
Yaa Devii Sarva-Bhutessu Jaati-Ruupenna Samsthitaa |
Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah ||15||
15.1: To that Devi Who in All Beings is Abiding in the Form of Genus (Original Cause of Everything),
15.2: Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations again and again.

या देवी सर्वभुतेषु लज्जारूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥१६॥
Yaa Devii Sarva-Bhutessu Lajjaa-Ruupenna Samsthitaa |
Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah ||16||
16.1: To that Devi Who in All Beings is Abiding in the Form of Modesty,
16.2: Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations again and again.

या देवी सर्वभुतेषु शान्तिरूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥१७॥
Yaa Devii Sarva-Bhutessu Shaanti-Ruupenna Samsthitaa |
Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah ||17||
17.1: To that Devi Who in All Beings is Abiding in the Form of Peace,
17.2: Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations again and again.

या देवी सर्वभुतेषु श्रद्धारूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥१८॥
Yaa Devii Sarva-Bhutessu Shraddhaa-Ruupenna Samsthitaa |
Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah ||18||
18.1: To that Devi Who in All Beings is Abiding in the Form of Faith (in Higher Self),
18.2: Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations again and again.

या देवी सर्वभुतेषु कान्तिरूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥१९॥
Yaa Devii Sarva-Bhutessu Kaanti-Ruupenna Samsthitaa |
Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah ||19||
19.1: To that Devi Who in All Beings is Abiding in the Form of Loveliness and Beauty,
19.2: Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations again and again.

या देवी सर्वभुतेषु लक्ष्मीरूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥२०॥
Yaa Devii Sarva-Bhutessu Lakssmii-Ruupenna Samsthitaa |
Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah ||20|| 20.1: To that Devi Who in All Beings is Abiding in the Form of Good Fortune,
20.2: Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations again and again

या देवी सर्वभुतेषु वृत्तिरूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥२१॥
Yaa Devii Sarva-Bhutessu Vrtti-Ruupenna Samsthitaa |
Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah ||21||
21.1: To that Devi Who in All Beings is Abiding in the Form of Activity,
21.2: Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations again and again.

या देवी सर्वभुतेषु स्मृतिरूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥२२॥
Yaa Devii Sarva-Bhutessu Smrti-Ruupenna Samsthitaa |
Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah ||22||
22.1: To that Devi Who in All Beings is Abiding in the Form of Memory,
22.2: Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations again and again.

या देवी सर्वभुतेषु दयारूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥२३॥
Yaa Devii Sarva-Bhutessu Dayaa-Ruupenna Samsthitaa |
Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah ||23||
23.1: To that Devi Who in All Beings is Abiding in the Form of Kindness,
23.2: Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations again and again.

या देवी सर्वभुतेषु तुष्टिरूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥२४॥
Yaa Devii Sarva-Bhutessu Tusstti-Ruupenna Samsthitaa |
Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah ||24|| 24.1: To that Devi Who in All Beings is Abiding in the Form of Contentment,
24.2: Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations again and again.

या देवी सर्वभुतेषु मातृरूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥२५॥
Yaa Devii Sarva-Bhutessu Maatr-Ruupenna Samsthitaa |
Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah ||25||
25.1: To that Devi Who in All Beings is Abiding in the Form of Mother,
25.2: Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations again and again.

या देवी सर्वभुतेषु भ्रान्तिरूपेण संस्थिता ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥२६॥
Yaa Devii Sarva-Bhutessu Bhraanti-Ruupenna Samsthitaa |
Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah ||26||
26.1: To that Devi Who in All Beings is Abiding in the Form of Delusion,
26.2: Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations again and again.

इन्द्रियाणामधिष्ठात्री भुतानां चाखिलेषु या ।
भूतेषु सततं तस्यै व्याप्तिदेव्यै नमो नमः ॥२७॥
Indriyaannaam-Adhisstthaatrii Bhutaanaam Ca-Akhilessu Yaa |
Bhuutessu Satatam Tasyai Vyaapti-Devyai Namo Namah ||27||
27.1: (Salutations) To that Devi Who Governs the Faculty of Senses of Beings in All the Worlds,
27.2: Salutations to Her Who is the Devi Who Always Pervades all Beings.

चितिरूपेण या कृत्स्नमेतद्व्याप्य स्थिता जगत् ।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥२८॥
Citi-Ruupenna Yaa Krtsnam-Etad-Vyaapya Sthitaa Jagat |
Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah ||28||
28.1: (Salutations to Her) Who in the Form of Consciousness Pervades This Universe and Abides in It,
28.2: Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations again and again.

Fast Rules

Fasting on the nine days is advised. The devotees can take one meal a day preferably supper. Non-vegetarian is strictly prohibited and the devotee must not indulge in evil deeds and falsehood. For the maximum time, he must chant the names of Ma Durga over the nine days.

Gupt Navratri benefits

Gupta Navratri is a matchless occasion and opportunity to propitiate Ma Durga. If the puja and vrat are performed sincerely with devotion, the blessings of Ma Durga shall descend on the devotees removing all their problems in life and giving them all prosperity.

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