Navratri Fasts — Hindu Sacred Fast
Ashada Navratri Vrat
Ashada Navratri (also called Gupt Navratri) is observed in the Ashada month (June–July) during Shukla Paksha. Unlike the two main Navratris, this is a secret or hidden Navratri (Gupt) meant primarily for Shakta tantric practitioners and advanced devotees. The presiding deity is Goddess Vindhyavasini and the ten Mahavidyas (tantric forms of the Goddess). It is believed that worship during Ashada Navratri grants secret (gupt) siddhis (spiritual powers) and fulfills deeply held desires that remain unanswered otherwise.
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Benefits
Grants hidden spiritual powers (gupt siddhis), fulfills desires impossible through ordinary worship, removes deep-rooted negative karma, bestows Tantric wisdom and protection, ensures blessings of the ten Mahavidyas including Kali, Tara, and Tripura Sundari.
Procedure
Observe fast for nine days. Worship Goddess Vindhyavasini and the ten Mahavidyas. Recite Durga Saptashati with special tantric emphasis. Perform midnight (Nishita Kaal) puja if following tantric tradition. Light diyas with sesame oil. Offer red flowers, red cloth, and kumkum. Maintain celibacy and silence as much as possible.
When to Observe
Ashada Shukla Pratipada to Navami — 9 days in June or July. One of the four Navratris of the year, though less widely observed than Chaitra and Sharad Navratri.
Fasting Rules
Avoid grains, non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, and alcohol. Permitted: phalahar, sabudana, and kuttu preparations. Those following tantric sadhana may follow specific guru-prescribed dietary rules.
How to Break the Fast
Break fast on Navami after completing the nine-day puja. Offer prasad to the Goddess first, then consume fruits, sweets, and a full sattvik meal.
FAQ
Q.What is Ashada Navratri Vrat?
Ashada Navratri (also called Gupt Navratri) is observed in the Ashada month (June–July) during Shukla Paksha. Unlike the two main Navratris, this is a secret or hidden Navratri (Gupt) meant primarily for Shakta tantric practitioners and advanced devo...
Q.What are the fasting rules for Ashada Navratri Vrat?
Avoid grains, non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, and alcohol. Permitted: phalahar, sabudana, and kuttu preparations. Those following tantric sadhana may follow specific guru-prescribed dietary rules.
Q.When should Ashada Navratri Vrat be observed?
Ashada Shukla Pratipada to Navami — 9 days in June or July. One of the four Navratris of the year, though less widely observed than Chaitra and Sharad Navratri.
Q.What are the benefits of Ashada Navratri Vrat?
Grants hidden spiritual powers (gupt siddhis), fulfills desires impossible through ordinary worship, removes deep-rooted negative karma, bestows Tantric wisdom and protection, ensures blessings of the ten Mahavidyas including Kali, Tara, and Tripura Sundari.