Varahi Navratri Dates 2026

Varahi Navratri is the nine-night Shakti worship observed from Ashadha Shukla Padyami to Ashadha Shukla Navami. It is also known as Ashadha Gupta Navratri. During these days devotees worship Sri Varahi Devi, the commander of Goddess Lalitha Parameshwari's army.

Who Is Varahi Devi?

Varahi is one of the Sapta Matrikas, the Shakti of Lord Varaha. She is shown with a boar's face, holding a plough (halam) and a pestle (musalam). In the Lalitopakhyana of the Brahmanda Purana, she leads Lalitha Devi's forces in the war against Bhandasura, which is why she is praised as Dandanatha and Potrini. Devotees see her as a fierce yet deeply protective mother who removes fear, obstacles and drishti dosham.

What Is a Gupta Navratri?

Of the four Navratris in a year, Chaitra and Ashwayuja are celebrated openly. The ones in Ashadha and Magha are called Gupta (secret) Navratris, traditionally observed quietly through japam and parayanam. In recent years Varahi Navratri has become widely observed in homes and temples across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

How to Perform the Puja

• On Padyami clean the home, place a picture of Varahi Devi or a kalasham on a peetham and take sankalpam.
• Light the lamp daily and do kumkuma archana. Many traditions prefer evening or night worship.
• Recite the Varahi Ashtottara Shatanamavali, Varahi Kavacham or Lalitha Sahasranamam.
• Offer pulihora, daddojanam, panakam or garelu as naivedyam; customs vary by family.
• Conclude with puja on Navami, give tamboolam to muttaiduvas and do parana on Dashami.

Rules to Follow

Devotees keep to sattvic food, one meal a day and celibacy for the nine days. Some forms of Varahi upasana require mantra deeksha from a guru, so those without initiation should worship through the namavali and stotras. If unsure, consult your family priest.

Devotees believe sincere worship brings courage, protection for the family and success in efforts. May Sri Varahi Devi guard your home always.