Indore: Special worship on eighth day of Gupt Navratri held

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Special worship was organised in temples on the eighth day of Gupt Navratri known as Asthami on Saturday.

The worship began in various Durga temples of the city from 6 am on Saturday. The Navaratri celebrated in the month of Ashadha (June-July) is known as Ashadha Gupta Navratri. This Navaratri is also known as Gayatri Navratri or Gupt and is considered very significant in Hindu religion, explained Ashok Bhatt, head priest of Khajrana temple.

A total of four Navaratri is celebrated in a year - Sharad Navratri, Chaitra Navratri, Magha Gupta Navratri, and Ashadha Gupta Navratri. Out of four Sharad Navratri is the most observed followed by Chaitra Navaratri. “The other two Navaratri - Magha Gupta Navratri, and Ashadha Gupta Navratri - are Gupt which literally means secret,” Bhatt said.

Durga temples in Indore worshipped the goddess and offered prayers to heal the city and world from coronavirus and negate the destruction of a possible third wave.

Worship was organised at Pracheen Sri Durga Temple in Raj Nagar; Shri Durga Mata Mandir in Siyanganj; Durga temple in Tilak Nagar; Shree Yashodha Mata Mandir in Khajuri Bazar; Mahalaxmi mata mandir; and many others.

Gupt Navratri began with the installation of Kalash on Sunday, July 11. During Gupt Navratri, devotees worshipped alike other Navratris.

This time due to the decay of Shashti Tithi in Navratri, there was a Gupt Navratri of only eight days. On the last day, i.e. Sunday Navratri will conclude with ‘kanya puja’. A lot of devotees also lit the Akhand Jyoti, i.e. an earthen lamp which should keep burning for the whole nine days.
Navratri Parana will be organised in homes and temples on Sunday.