Durga Ashtami also known as ‘Maha
Ashtami’ is an important Hindu ritual dedicated to Goddess Shakti. It is
observed on the ‘ashtami’ (8th day) of the ‘Shukla Paksha’ (the bright
fortnight of moon) of every lunar month. On this day the weapons of Goddess
Durga are worshiped and the celebration is known as ‘Astra Puja’. This day is
also popularly referred as ‘Virashtami’ owing to the display of arms and other
forms of martial arts. Hindu devotees offer prayers to Goddess Durga and keep a
strict fast to seek Her divine blessings. Durga Ashtami Vrat is observed with
complete devotion in the northern and western regions of India. In Telangana,
Durga Ashtami is celebrated as ‘Bathukamma Panduga’. Durga Ashtami Vrat is a
significant observance for followers of Hinduism.
Significance
of Durga Ashtami Vrat :
In Sanskrit language the word
‘durga’ means ‘undefeatable’ and ‘ashtami’ signifies ‘eight day’. According to
the Hindu legends the fierce and powerful form of Goddess Durga, known as
‘Goddess Bhadrakali’ was incarnated. The day of Durga Ashtami is celebrated as
the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon named ‘Mahishasura’. It is believed
that one who observes the Durga Ashtami Vrat with full dedication will be
bestowed with happiness and good fortune in their lives.
Rituals
during Durga Ashtami Vrat :
- On the day of Durga Ashtami, devotees pray
to Goddess Durga. They get up early in the morning and make several
offerings to Goddess in the form of flowers, chandan and dhoop. In some
places, Kumari Puja is also performed on the day of Durga Ashtami Vrat.
Hindus worship girls aged between 6-12 years as the Kanya (virgin) form of
Goddess Durga. Special ‘Naivedyam’ is prepared for offering to the
Goddess.
- Fasting is an important ritual of the day.
the observer of Durga Ashtami Vrat abstains from eating or drinking all
through the day. the fast is observed by men and women alike. the Durga
Ashtami Vrat is observed to acquire spiritual gains and seek the blessings
of Goddess Durga. Some devotees keep the fast by drinking only milk or
eating fruits. Consuming non-vegetarian food and alcohol is strictly
prohibited on this day. the observer of the Durga Ashtami Vrat must sleep
on the floor and keep away from the comforts and luxuries.
- In some regions of western India there is
also a custom of sowing barley seeds. After the seeds reach a height of
3-5 inches they are offered to the Goddess and later distributed among all
family members.
- Devotees chant various Devi mantras on
this day. It is also considered rewarding to read Durga Chalisa on this
day. At the end of puja, devotees also read the Durga Ashtami Vrat katha.
- Hindu devotees provide food and santarpana
or dakshina to Brahmins after completing the puja rituals.
- The observer of Durga Ashtami Vrat visit
Shakti temples in the evening. Special pujas are conducted on the day of
Mahashtami that is witnessed by thousands of devotees.
2017 Dates :
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06
|
January
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(Friday)
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Masik Durgashtami
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|
04
|
February
|
(Saturday)
|
Masik Durgashtami
|
|
05
|
March
|
(Sunday)
|
Masik Durgashtami
|
|
04
|
April
|
(Tuesday)
|
Masik Durgashtami
|
|
03
|
May
|
(Wednesday)
|
Masik Durgashtami
|
|
02
|
June
|
(Friday)
|
Masik Durgashtami
|
|
01
|
July
|
(Saturday)
|
Masik Durgashtami
|
|
31
|
July
|
(Monday)
|
Masik Durgashtami
|
|
29
|
August
|
(Tuesday)
|
Masik Durgashtami
|
|
28
|
September
|
(Thursday)
|
Durga Ashtami
|
|
28
|
October
|
(Saturday)
|
Masik Durgashtami
|
|
27
|
November
|
(Monday)
|
Masik Durgashtami
|
|
26
|
December
|
(Tuesday)
|
Masik Durgashtami
|
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