GUPT NAVRATREY

Navratrey is dedicated to the feminine nature of the Divine. Ma Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati- ie energy, wealth and knowledge are symbols of the three dimensions of the divinity. They also represent the three basic qualities of existence- tamas, rajas and sattva.

As per the Mahakala Samhita, there are four Navratrey in the Vedic calendar named Sharad Navratrey, Chaitra Navratrey, Magh Gupt Navratrey and Ashadha Gupt Navratrey.

The Magha Navratrey, ie the Gupt Navratrey, is a nine days period dedicated to the nine forms of Shakti- Mother Goddess.

It falls in the month of Magha- January/February. It’s also called Shishir Navratrey due to the cold weather. It’s mainly observed in the North Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

In 2022, the Navratrey start Wednesday, 2nd February- ie Pratiprada of Shukla Paksha of Magha month.

The Kalash Sthapna mahurata is 8:34 to 9:59 AM and 12:13 to 12:58 PM. The last day of Navratrey is Thursday, 10th February 2022.

The Kalash with Jal and coconut, Kumkum, red Hibiscus flowers, fruits, along with a raw bowl for the sprouting of Jawar is kept in pooja. An Akhand Jyot is lit for Ma Bhagavati.

Prayers are dedicated to Lord Ganesh, Varun Dev, Vishnu Dev, Mahadev Shiva, the Navgraha and Ma Shakti. Devi Paath is recited and fast is observed.

The Gupt Navratrey is meant for saadhaks who perform specialized tantric rituals, V a s h i k a r a n s , Uchaatans, Stambhans, Videshan and Maran rituals. The prayers are offered in secrecy.

The saadhak worships to enhance the power of sadhana and tantra- the whole ritual is steered to enhance the understanding and mechanics of the esoteric aspects of spirituality, tantra, the wisdom of the self and to gain RiddhiSiddhi, ie- wealth, prosperity and wisdom.

According to Bhagwat, there are 10 Mahavidyas that originate from the aggressive and subtle forms of goddess Mahakaali. Every Mahavidya is capable of solving all the problems of her worshipper, in her various forms and manifestations.

The Dus Mahavidyas areDevi Kaali, Devi Tara, Maa Lalita, Maa Bhuvneshwari, T r i p u r Bhairavi, Mata Chinnamastika, M a a Dhoomavati, Maa Baglam u k h i , Devi Matangi, Mata Kamla. It is considered ‘shubh’ to chant scriptures like ‘Durga Saptshati’, ‘Devi Mahaatmya’, ‘Shrimad Devi Bhagwat’.

As per Mahabhagavata Puran, once Lord Shiva disagreed with Ma Sati on her insistence to visit her father Daksh’s yajna and started walking away. Ma felt offended and manifested herself into Dus Mahavidyas and blocked all the ten directions to stop Shiva.

Each form of the Devi has its own mantra, legend, direction, shakti and blessing. Dus Mahavidyas are also related to Vedic astrology and are worshipped to pacify the malefic effects of the nine planets.

As per Guhyatiguyha Tantra, they are the powers behind the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Navaratri is the best time to reflect upon one’s actions and thoughts through the worship of the Dus Mahavidyas, along with the nine forms of Maa Durga. Jai Maa!