Navratri’ in Sanskrit means ‘nine nights’. On these nine nights, people observe fast and offer special prayer to the ‘Nine Forms of Maa Durga’. Goddess Durga is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. She took the avatar of Devi Durga to destroy Mahishasura.
Every year, four types of Navratri are celebrated, and among them, Chaitra and Sharadiya are the popular ones, whereas, the Magha and Ashadaha are known as the Gupt Navratri, and very few people are aware of this festival.
GUPT NAVRATRI(गुप्त नवरात्र)
Performing the shakti puja of goddess, relieves the worshipper from all the problems and gives the blessing of victory. Gupt navratri also comes twice just like normal navratri, first in ashada month and then in magh month. During these Navaratri, the devotee worships to enhance the power of sadhana and tantras.During the ancient Vedic age, this Gupt Navratri was only known to few accomplished ‘Sadhaks’ or Sages. The Gupt Navratri holds special importance for Tantriks and Sadhaks.It is believed that by performing ‘Saadhna’ for Goddess Durga during this period will put an end to all materialistic problems. Hence Gupt Navratri is mostly popular for Tantrik Puja. During this period, the Sadhaks invoke Goddess Durga to be bestowed with knowledge, wealth and success.
Magha Gupta Navratri (माघ गुप्त नवरात्रि)was celebrated from February 12, 2021 (Friday) and concluded ninth day on February 21, 2021 (Sunday).
Ashadha Gupt Navratri (Hindi: गुप्त नवरात्र) is an auspicious 9-day observance that is dedicated to worshipping nine different forms of Goddess Shakti or Durga. It is one of the important festivities observed by Hindus with utmost devotion and enthusiasm. Gupt navratri is also known as Shakambhari Navratri or Gayatri Navratri; and is celebrated with immense gaiety and reverence in all parts of India, especially the northern states. This year Ashadha Gupt Navratri 2021 starts on July 11, Sunday and ends on July 18, Sunday
देवी भागवत के अनुसार वर्ष में चार बार नवरात्रि आते हैं और जिस प्रकार नवरात्रि में देवी के नौ रूपों की पूजा की जाती है, ठीक उसी प्रकार गुप्त नवरात्रि में दस महाविद्याओं की साधना की जाती है। गुप्त नवरात्रि के दौरान साधक माँ काली, तारा देवी, त्रिपुर सुंदरी, भुवनेश्वरी, माता छिन्नमस्ता, त्रिपुर भैरवी, माँ ध्रूमावती, माँ बगलामुखी, मातंगी और कमला देवी की पूजा करते हैं।
गुप्त नवरात्रि विशेषकर तांत्रिक क्रियाएं, शक्ति साधना, महाकाल आदि से जुड़े लोगों के लिए विशेष महत्त्व रखती है। इस दौरान देवी भगवती के साधक बेहद कड़े नियम के साथ व्रत और साधना करते हैं। इस दौरान लोग लंबी साधना कर दुर्लभ शक्तियों की प्राप्ति करने का प्रयास करते हैं।माघ नवरात्री उत्तरी भारत में अधिक प्रसिद्ध है, और आषाढ़ नवरात्रि मुख्य रूप से दक्षिणी भारत में लोकप्रिय है।
Significance and Importance of Chaitra Navaratri 2021:
The first day of Chaitra Navratri falls during the full moon phase, which is known as Shukla Paksha phase. The first day of Chaitra Navratri also marks the firts day of the Hindu calendar. During the nine days, the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped and all the nine days are considered as auspicious. The rituals performed during these nine days vary every day.
In different parts of the country, Chaitra Navratri is known with different names. In Maharashtra, the first day of Chaitra Navratri is known as Gudi Padwa, while in Kashmir, the Chaitra Navratri is known as Navreh. Even though the names are different all across the nation, the festival is celebrated with the same enthusiasm and joy.
Nine Avatars of Goddess Durga
1. Goddess Shailputri
Goddess Shailputri is the first manifestation of Goddess Durga. She holds a Trishul in one hand and a lotus in the other and rides a bull called Nandi. Goddess Parvati was born as the daughter of Himalaya and in Sanskrit, Shail means the mountain, thus she is known as Shailputri.
2. Goddess Brahmacharini
The second day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Brahmacharini. The goddess walks bare feet with a rudraksh mala in one hand and a sacred Kamandalu in the other. The meditative form of this goddess symbolises Goddess Parvati when she engaged in her deep meditation to please Lord Shiva.
3. Goddess Chandraghanta
The third day of Navratri is of Goddess Chandraghanta. She is a fierce 10-armed goddess with a crescent moon on her forehead, which gives her the name Chandraghanta. She rides on a tiger to destroy all evil and wicked
4. Goddess Kushmanda
Chaturthi or the fourth day of Navratri is of Devi Kushmanda. The name Kushmanda is derived from three words – ‘Ku’ (little), ‘Ushma’ (warmth or energy) and ‘Amnda’ (egg), which means the creator of the universe.
5. Goddess Skandmata
Goddess Skandmata who is worshipped on the fifth day is also known as Panchami. Skandmata is a four-armed deity, who carries a lotus in two of her arms with a sacred Kamandalu and a bell in the other two. She also carries a little Kartikay on her lap and because of this Kartikay is also known as Skanda. She is seated on a lotus.
6. Goddess Katyayani
The sixth day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, who is a form of Shakti. Also known as the warrior goddess, Katyayani is considered as one of the most violent forms of Goddess Parvati. She has four arms and carrying a sword. She is the daughter of Sage Katyayan and rides on a lion.
7. Goddess Kaalratri
Saptami or the seventh day of Navratri is of Goddess Kaalratri. As per legends she sacrificed her skin colour and embraced a dark complexion to kill demons. She is a four-armed deity who rides a donkey, carries a sword, a trident, and a noose. She has a third eye on her forehead that is believed to contain the entire universe.
8. Goddess Mahagauri
Durga Asthami or the eight-day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Mahagauri. She is a four-armed deity who rides on a bull or a white elephant. She carries a Trishul and a damru in her hands.
9. Goddess Siddhidatri
The ninth or the final day of Navratri is of Goddess Siddhidhatri. She is projected as a four-armed deity sitting on a lotus, holding a mace, discus and a book and lotus in her hands. This form of Goddess Durga signifies perfection
Nine Days of Chaitra Navratri 2021:
Day 1: 13th April (Tuesday) Pratipada
Day 2: 14th April (Wednesday) Dwitiya
Day 3: 15th April (Thursday) Tritiya
Day 4: 16th April (Friday) Chaturthi
Day 5: 17th April (Saturday) Panchami
Day 6: 18th April (Sunday) Shasthi
Day 7: 19th April 2021 (Monday) Saptami
Day 8: 20th April (Tuesday) Annapurna Ashtami -Sandhi Puja
Day 9: 21st April (Wednesday) Rama Navami
Day 10: 22nd April (Thursday) Dashami, Navratri Parana
Conclusion
I was not aware of there exits 4 types pf Navratri !! Its learning for me to understand Gupt Navratri . I have included nine form of Durga ji that we pray each day . Lets Durga Ma helps us dispeller of delusion ,conqueror of fear, Divine cleanse the impurities of our mind and lead us to light. Always keep our mind and thought to continue enhance our self learning to enlighten light inside our heart that allows us to get motivated to adopt good moral values for a productive life jai Mata Di