Magha Gupt Navratri 2024
Magha Gupt Navratri are observed from Pratipada of Shukla Paksha of Magha month and is very important for divine worship, they are also known as Gayatri ‘Shishir Navratri’. These nine days are dedicated to worshiping Goddess Shakti and are very important for spiritual practice, worship, tantra, mantra sadhna, spiritual progress.
The word ‘Gupt’ means hidden or secret. Of the two Gupt Navratri, Magh Navratri is celebrated in the northern region of India –Uttar Pradesh, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Punjab. During this worship of 10 Mahavidyas Maa Kali, Tara Devi, Tripura Sundari, Bhuvaneshwari, Mata Chhinmasta, Tripura Bhairavi, Maa Dhrumavati, Maa Banglamukhi, Matangi and Kamala Devi are performed. In Gupt Navratri, the worship of Shakti is done very secretly. It is believed that the more secrecy the worship of Gupt Navratri is done, the more the goddess’s grace is showered on the seeker.
There are 4 Navratri in a year, out of which two Gupt Navaratri are available in Magha month and Ashadha month and two manifest Navratri are in Chaitra month and Ashwin month. Ashwin Navratri has particular significance in Kali Yuga, wherein festivals like Durga Puja and Dussehra come. Though these Navratri are less popular than Chaitra Navratri and Shardiya Navratri, devotees of Goddess Shakti observe fast and worship Navdurga during the nine days.
When is Magha Gupt Navratri in 2024?
The festival of Magha Gupt Navratri starts on 10th February. The Ashtami will be celebrated on 17th February, while Navami on 18th February.
Rituals
Like Chaitra and Shardiya Navratri, in Gupt Navratri, the Kalash is established on the first day of Goddess Puja and for the whole nine days in the morning and evening, the Goddess is worshiped, chanting mantras etc. Fasting is observed for nine days. The devotees take one meal a day and preferably supper. Non –vegetarian diet is strictly prohibited during the puja and the rituals. It is also guided not to do any prohibited evil deeds during this period.
Duirng the nine days of Navratri, the devotees and spiritual gurus take bath early in the morning and prepare the puja after cleaning, decorate the place with flowers, turmeric paste and vermilion. A red cloth is spread on the place of worship and a picture of idol of Maa Durga is installed in it.
A Puja thali is placed in front of the worship place and Maa Durga is offered prasads including lamp, flowers, kum kum, bangles, bindi, chuni and other things. The room of the worship is sanctified with the holy Ganga Jal and the lamp is lighted. After this, offering fruits and flowers etc., worship the goddess daily according to the law.
The sholakas and the mantras are recited on the day in the names of Durga, Durga Chalisa and Durga Saptami. In the end, Durga Arti is performed by singing the song of Amba kali.
Mantra to be chanted
Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu Gayatri Rupen Sanshthitah |
Namah Tasmai Namah Tasmai Namah Tasmai Namo Namah ||
Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu Matru Rupen Sansthitah |
Namah Tasmai Namah Tasmai Namah Tasmai Namo Namah ||
Nine Days of Magha Gupt Navratri
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Navratri Day 1: 10th February, do Ghatasthapana and worship Maa Shailputri.
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Navratri Day 2: 11th February, worship Maa Brahmacharini.
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Navratri Day 3: 12th February, worship Maa Chandraghanta.
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Navratri Day 4: 13th February, worship Maa Kushmanda.
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Navratri Day 5: 14th February, worship Maa Skandamata.
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Navratri Day 6: 15th February, worship Maa Katyayani and Maa Kalaratri.
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Navratri Day 7: 16th February, perform Maa Mahagauri puja and do Durga Ashtami.
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Navratri Day 8: 17th February, worship Maa Siddhidatri.
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Navratri Day 9: 18th February, Navratri Parana.
