Durga Ashtami vrat is a significant Hindu ceremony honouring Goddess Shakti. (Goddess Durga). Masik Durga Ashtami is a monthly Hindu festival celebrated on the ashtami tithi (eighth day) of the shukla paksha (bright lunar fortnight) of every month.
The most prominent Durga Ashtami day is the shukla paksha ashtami of the Ashwin month, which is known as Maha Ashtami or simply Durgashtami. Durga Ashtami occurs during the final five days of the nine-day Navratri celebration.
Durga Ashtami Tithi:
Masik Durga Ashtami occurs on March 29 during the Hindu calendar month of Chaitra.
On this day, the weapons of the goddess Durga are venerated in a ceremony known as Astra Puja. This day is also commonly known as ‘Virashtami’ due to the exhibition of weapons and other forms of martial arts. To seek Her divine blessings, Hindu devotees pray to the goddess Durga and observe a rigorous fast.
In the northern and western regions of India, Durga Ashtami Vrat is celebrated with complete devotion. In certain regions of Andhra Pradesh, the festival of Durga Ashtami is known as Bathukamma Panduga. Durga Ashtami Vrat is a significant Hindu religious observance.
About Maa Durga:
The Sanskrit word Durga means unconquerable. On Durga Ashtami, worshippers honour the goddess Durga. It is believed that Goddess Kali and sixty-four other Yoginis emerged from Goddess Durga’s forehead on Durga Ashtami. Maa kali killed the entities Chanda,Munda and Raktha Beeja on Durga Ashtami.
The other name for Durga Ashtami is Veera Ashtami; on Durga Ashtami, the Goddess Durga’s weaponry are venerated. Durga Ashtami is also known as Maha Ashtami. On Durga Ashtami, devotees of the goddess Durga observe a strict fast and consume only after sunset. Before consuming, Goddess Durga in the form of Kali is worshipped.
Rituals during Durga Ashtami Vrat:
On Durga Ashtami, devotees offer prayers to the goddess Durga. They rise early in the morning and make numerous offerings of flowers, chandan, and dhoop to the Goddess. In certain locations, Kumari Puja is also performed on Durga Ashtami Vrat day. Hindus venerate females between the ages of 6 and 12 as the Kanya (virgin) form of the goddess Durga. Special “Naivedyam” offerings are prepared for the goddess.
Fasting is an essential daily ritual. Durga Ashtami Vrat is observed by abstaining from food and drink throughout the day. Males and females equally observe the fast. Durga Ashtami Vrat is observed to acquire spiritual benefits and to obtain Goddess Durga’s blessings. Some devotees observe the fast by only consuming milk or fruits. On this day, the consumption of meat and alcohol is rigorously prohibited. The Durga Ashtami Vrat observer must lie on the floor and abstain from comforts and luxuries.
In some regions of western India, the custom of sowing barley seeds also exists. After the seeds have reached a height of 3 to 5 inches, they are presented to the Goddess and then distributed to the entire family.
On this day, devotees chant numerous Devi mantras. It is also beneficial to read the Durga Chalisa on this day. At the conclusion of the puja, the Durga Ashtami Vrat katha is also read.
After concluding puja rituals, Hindu devotees provide Brahmins with food and santarpana or dakshina.
Durga Ashtami Vrat adherents visit Shakti temples in the evening. On Mahashtami, special pujas are performed in the presence of tens of thousands of devotees.
Importance of the Durga Ashtami Vrat:
Durga means “invincible” in Sanskrit, while Ashtami means “eight day.” According to Hindu mythology, the fierce and powerful manifestation of Goddess Durga known as “Goddess Bhadrakali” manifested. Durga Ashtami is celebrated to commemorate the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. It is believed that those who observe the Durga Ashtami Vrat with complete devotion will receive happiness and good fortune throughout their lifetimes.
