Maha Ashtami, also called Ashtami and Durgashtami, falls on Monday, October 3 this yr. It is among the most necessary days throughout the auspicious festivals of Navratri and Durga Puja. They’re devoted to Maa Durga and her 9 avatars (Navdurgas). Devotees worship the Goddess and her 9 kinds, honouring the victory of fine over evil. Throughout Ashtami, folks worship Maa Mahagauri and carry out numerous rituals, together with Kanjak or Kanya Puja, Sandhi Puja, Mahasnan, and extra. Learn alongside to know extra particulars.
Who’s Maa Mahagauri?
Hindu mythology says that Goddess Shailputri, on the age of sixteen, was extraordinarily stunning and blessed with a good complexion. Subsequently, she got here to be often called Goddess Mahagauri due to her honest pores and skin. Like Maa Shailputri, she mounts a bull, and due to that, she known as Vrisharudha. She has 4 palms – whereas one hand on the appropriate facet carries a Trishul and the opposite stays in Abhaya Mudra, she holds a Damaru in a single left hand and retains the opposite in Varada Mudra. The Goddess is usually in contrast with a conch, the moon and the white flower of Kunda as a result of she has a good complexion. She is also called Shwetambardhara, as she all the time wears white garments. She symbolizes purity, serenity and tranquillity. (Additionally Learn: Navratri 2022: Know all concerning the 9 avatars of Maa Durga)
Navratri Day 8 Significance:
The eighth day of Navratri or the third day of Durga Puja, Maha Ashtami, celebrates Maa Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. Folks worship Maa Mahagauri on today, who is understood for bestowing her devotees with wealth and an opulent life-style, and eradicating all their sufferings. Praying to Maa Durga throughout Ashtami may also help rid one in all all their issues and sins. Ashtami quick additionally holds significance because it brings prosperity and luck.
In some elements of India, folks additionally carry out Astra Puja throughout Ashtami. Many devotees take into account it an auspicious day to hope to their instruments. Moreover, Maa Durga’s weapons are worshipped as symbols of feminine energy.
Navratri Day 8 Timings:
Maha Ashtami can be noticed on October 3 this yr. Drik Panchang says the Ashtami Tithi will start at 06:47 pm on October 2 and finish at 04:37 pm on October 3. The timings for Sandhi Puja will final from 04:13 pm to 05:01 pm. Whereas the Brahma Muhurta is from 04:38 am to 05:26 am, the Abhijit Muhurat is from 11:46 am to 12:34 pm.
Moreover, some devotees will observe the second day of Saraswati Puja, Saraswati Pradhan Puja, on Monday, October 3. The Puja Muhurat is from 07:31 am to 01:09 pm.
Navratri Day 8 Puja Vidhi and Samagri:
On Ashtami, devotees ought to start the day with Mahasnan to rid themselves of impurities and put on new garments. Then, set up 9 small pots to invoke 9 Shaktis of Maa Durga and worship them throughout Maha Ashtami Puja. Folks additionally welcome 9 younger single women into their homes to carry out Kanjak or Kanya/Kumari Puja, as they’re thought of divine manifestations of Maa Durga. These women sit in a single line, and devotees tie a holy dhaaga on their wrists. Then, the devotees wash their toes, put tilak on their foreheads, and supply the ladies specially-prepared prasad comprising of puri, halva and black grams. Lastly, folks additionally carry out Sandhi Puja on today.
Navratri Day 8 Bhog:
On the eighth day, worshippers supply a particular bhog of coconut to Goddess Mahagauri. It’s extensively believed that donating coconuts to the Brahmins on Ashtami brings prosperity and happiness.
Navratri Day 8 Color:
The color of the day on Maha Ashtami or Day 8 of Navratri is peacock inexperienced. Devotees who worship Goddess Mahagauri on today can put on garments of this shade. The color is a logo of uniqueness, individuality, compassion, and freshness.
Navratri Day 8 Mantra and Prarthana:
1) Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah
2) Shwete Vrishesamarudha Shwetambaradhara Shuchih
Mahagauri Shubham Dadyanmahadeva Pramodada