Worshipping the primordial Shakti — the divine feminine principle embodies- during the ‘Gupt’ (secret) Navratri is much more auspicious than doing the same during the other two Navratri which come in the months of Chaitra and Ashwin as per the Hindu lunar calendar, say the seers.
As the Gupt Navratri began on Sunday the temples dedicated to the Devi in the city have been appropriately decorated and the devotees are observing Durga Path and reciting stotras to please the goddess.
The Vaishno Devi temple located in Sapt Sarovar area has seen streams of devotees since Sunday morning. While the people are worshipping the Goddess for peace and prosperity the seers are practising austerities to gain spiritual powers.
While speaking of the importance of the ‘Gupt’ Navratri, the manager of lal Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir Durga Das said, “Though Chaitra Navratras which come in April are more well-known than these Gupt Navratri the austerities and prayers done during the latter bring health.”
Notably, Mahamandaleshwar Santoshi Ma of Kankhal practises silence on all these nine days while remaining in seclusion. Dakshin Kali Peethadheeshwar Brahmchari Kailashanand says, “The devotees of Ma Bhagwati secretly worship her for gaining powers and these Gupt Navratri have special significance as per Upanishads and Puranas.”