Ashadha Gupt Navarātri नवरात्रि | July 6th-15th
Artwork: Pinterest
Observed during the month of Ashad (June/July), this auspicious Hindu festival spans nine nights, honoring the nine incarnations of the goddess Durgā, revered as Śakti. Celebrated from the Pratipadā tithi (1st lunar day) to the Navamī tithi (9th) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon), this nine-day festival coincides with the onset of the monsoon season.
This festival is one of the two lesser-known navarātri’s celebrated each year, marking auspicious periods for worship dedicated to the divine feminine. "Gupta" signifies hidden or secret, reflecting the esoteric and inward-focused nature of this Navarātri.
Dedicated primarily to Goddess Vārāhi, one of the seven (some say eight) mother goddesses (Saptamātṛkas) and consort (also known as Bhū Devi - personified earth) of Lord Vārahā (boar), the third incarnation of Lord Viṣṇu, Ashadha Gupt Navarātri holds profound spiritual significance and is also a time of importance for farmers seeking blessings for their crops.
Goddess Vārāhi was born from the body of Lord Vārahā and has the face of a boar. She is said to be another form of Parvati, who holds the energy of Yama dev. Among the Das Mahāvidyā, she is Kamalā. She is depicted as riding a buffalo (or Tiger) and holding a staff in her hand. She is said to be the embodiment of knowledge (jñān) and the slayer of demons (ignorance), bestowing compassion and protection upon her devotees.
Many fast during the day, chant mantras to Goddess Durgā, including the Devī Māhātmyam (Durgā Saptashati), and some perform the Das Mahāvidyā sādhanas.
Aum Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundayai Vichche
ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे