Magh Gupt Navratri
-
One of the major Hindu festivals is Navratri, which is celebrated four times a year. The 4 Navratris are Magh (Gupt) Navratri, Vasantha or Chaitra navratri, Ashada navratri and Ashwin Navratri. These also coincide with different seasons in the country.
Magh Navratri is also called Shishir (winter) or Gupt Navratri. It is a 9-day festival that is dedicated to Goddess Durga.
Significance of Magh Navratri
During Magh Navratri, devotees worship the 9 forms of Goddess Durga with special Poojas to invoke her blessings. They perform consecrated chants of Durga Saptashati which is part of the Markandeya Purana.
It is customary to observe fasts and chant Slokas from many sacred texts that praise the Goddess and her exploits. Along with Ashada Navratri, Magh Navratri is called Gupt Navratri. The word ‘Gupt’ means ‘secret’. Here, it means that these 2 Navratris are not very well known unlike Vasantha Navratri and Ashwin/Sharad Navratri. The reason for this is that Gupt Navratris are celebrated more by sadhaks (spiritual aspirants) and Tantriks.
Magh/Gupt Navratri presents an ideal opportunity for Tantriks and sadhaks to do Poojas and rituals for the Goddess. They also believe that this period is a good time to invoke the Goddess and help people to get rid of their problems. So they perform Durga Pooja, Durga Saptashati Path and Kali Pooja at this time.
Magh Navratri occurs in the Hindu month of Magh (January-February). The festival marks the victory of good over evil. Nine forms of Durga are worshipped during Navratri. They are Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.
Magh Navrati Rituals
In Magh/Gupt Navratri, 10 Dasa Mahavidyas are also worshipped. They are Tara, Tripura Sundari, Bhuvaneshwari, Chinnamasta, Kali, Bhairavi, Dhumavati, and Bagalamukhi. The belief is that worshipping the Dasa Mahavidyas during Gupt Navratri can make our wishes come true and bring good fortune.
Another belief is that the worshipper should maintain secrecy during the worship during Gupt Navratri. The more secrecy there is, the more success and benefits you can get from the Pooja and rituals.
Tantrik worship and ceremonies are very significant in Gupt Navratri. The devotees take a vow of fasting and establish the Kalash. They worship the Goddess in the morning and evening for 9 days and perform Aarti.
Magha Navratri Pooja can protect you from dangers, injuries, and destruction. The devotee also gets Riddhi and Siddhi. Your desires can be fulfilled by performing Durga Pooja during the Magh Navratri.Magh Navratri 2022 Dates and Timings
As per the Hindu calendar, Magh/Gupt Navratri will be from Feb 2 - February 11. The Ghatasthapana will be from 7:09 am to 8:31 am on February 2. At this time, one may recite the Durga Saptashati.
Magh Navratri Significance
Magh/Gupt Navratri 2022 happens during a very auspicious Muhurats in the form of Ravi Yoga and Sarvarthasiddhi Yoga. This is beneficial for those who want to begin new work. You can buy a house, land, or vehicle can be done now. Buying or investing will prove to be beneficial. Also, festivals like Vasant Panchami and Narmada Jayanti are also approaching. Hence, this Gupt Navratri is even more special.
Benefits of Magh Navratri
Removes obstacles to success in life and career.
Bestows financial benefits and profits.
Helps you find a good life partner.
Boosts your marital relationship and domestic harmony.
Magh Navratri Rituals
Devotees wake up at sunrise and have a bath.
After the morning ablutions are over, they clean and decorate the Pooja room or area.An idol of Durga is kept on a red cloth. Vermilion, rice, flowers, dhoop and incense sticks are used for the Pooja.
Devotees offer chunri, bangles, and bindi to the Goddess. The 9-day rituals begin on Pratipada and ends on Navami.
On each of the 9 days, devotees worship 9 different forms of the Goddess.
The Pooja rituals for the 9 days are given below:
·
Navratri Day 1: Pratipada – Ghatasthapana and Shailputri Puja
Navratri Day 2: Dwitiya – Brahmacharini Puja
Navratri Day 3: Tritiya – Chandraghanta Puja
Navratri Day 4: Chaturthi – Kushmanda Puja
Navratri Day 5: Panchami – Skandamata Puja
Navratri Day 6: Sashthi – Katyayani Puja
Navratri Day 7: Saptami – Kaal Ratri PujaNavratri Day 8: Ashtami – Mahagauri Puja and Sandhi Puja
Navratri Day 9: Navami – Siddhidatri PujaDashami, the 10th day, is the last day of the Navratri festival and is called Navratri Parana.
Many devotees observe a rigorous fast during Magh Gupta Navratri. They eat only one meal after the Pooja and also offer food to a Brahmin. Some keep a partial fast and take only milk and fruits.
Reciting ‘Durga Mantra’ 108 times during Magha Navratri is very auspicious. Reading the Durga Stotra also pleases the Goddess and makes her bless her devotees abundantly.