ĀṢĀḌHA GUPTA NAVARĀTRĪ
JULY 14/15–22/23
Observed during the month of Ashadha (June/July), this auspicious nine-night festival honors the Divine Mother in her many forms, especially Mā Durgā. It begins on the Pratipadā tithi (1st lunar day) and continues through the Navamī tithi (9th lunar day) of the Śukla Pakṣa (waxing moon), coinciding with the onset of the monsoon season.
It is one of the two lesser-known Navarātris observed each year and is considered a more secretive, inward-facing period of worship. “Gupta” means hidden or secret, reflecting its esoteric character.
This observance is especially associated with Goddess Vārāhī, one of the Saptamātṛkās (Seven Mother Goddesses) and a fierce form of the Divine Mother. In Śrī Vidyā traditions, Vārāhī is revered as Daṇḍanāthā, the commander and protector of Śrī Lalitā Tripurasundarī army, and in some traditions she is said to embody the force of Yama Deva.
Often depicted as a blue-hued, eight-armed, boar-faced sovereign goddess holding a staff, she is honored as a goddess of protection, wisdom, and the destruction of ignorance. Just as the boar delves beneath the surface to unearth what lies buried, Vārāhī unveils what has remained concealed, uprooting avidyā.
Many devotees fast during the day, chant mantras to Goddess Durgā, recite the Devī Māhātmyam (Durgā Saptashatī), and perform Daśa Mahāvidyā sādhanas.
ॐ श्री वाराही देव्यै नमः
Tradtionally this festival is observed when Pratipadā tithi (S1) is present at Sunrise in your location. July 14th US | July 15th India