Durga Ashtami
Durgashtami is the eighth day of the Navratri or
Durgotsav festival that is celebrated across different parts of India. This day
is attributed to Goddess Shakti, an avatar of Durga who is symbolic of eternal
power and the victory of 'good' over the 'evil'.
When
is Durgashtami celebrated?
Durgashtami is celebrated on the eighth
day of Navratri that commences from 'Mahalaya' in the Indian month of Ashwin.
This falls in the Shukla paksha of the month. According to the Gregorian
calendar, it is celebrated in the month of September-October every year.
The
story of Durgashtami
- Goddess kali
culminated from the forehead of Devi Durga on this day and killed
Mahishasur — the king of Demons and his associates—Chanda and Munda.
- On this day,
Mother Durga annihilated Bhairo Nath, an evil 'tantric' in the form of
Vaishno Devi. This incident leads to the history of establishment of the
pilgrimage of Vaishno devi and it is said that the famous Bhairo nath
temple lies at the site where the head of Bhairo Nath fell after being
chucked off by the Goddess.
Other
names of Durgashtami
Durgashtami that is celebrated as apart
of the Navratri festival is known as Mahaashtami.
Rituals
of Durgashtami
- Devotees of
Goddess Durga keep a day long fast on this day.
- On this day,
all the weapons and artillery that were used for killing Mahishasur by
Goddess Durga are worshipped along with the enchanting of mantras. This
ritual is known as Astra puja.
- This day is
also referred to a s Virashtami as several weapons, arms and martial art
calibers are displayed by experts.
- During the
worship of the Mother, the eight avatars of Durga called Ashtanayikas are
also worshipped which include Brahmani, Indrani, Vaishnavi, Varahi,
Narasinghi, Kameshwari, Maheshwari and Chamunda.
- Goddess Durga
is worshipped by establishing a 'ghat' in front, red sandalwood paste,
fruits, flowers, sweets, betel leaves, cardamom and coins are distributed
among the kin.
- The Goddess is
shown a lighted lamp for 7 times and the special Durga Satshati mantra is
recited for 108 times.
- 64 Yoginis who
are considered the Devi's associates are also worshipped along with.
- Other minor
deities and guards of the Mother are also worshipped on this day that also
includes Bhairava.
- On this day,
the deity is worshipped as Goddess Gauri. To observe this, nine small
virgin girls are worshipped, their feet are washed and they are offered
halwa (a sweet disg made of semolina, milk, ghee and nuts), puri and kheer
a part of the ritual.
- Several temples
of the deity organize big scale pujas and 'havans' that are attended by
devotees in large numbers.
- Durgashtami
ends with the sandhi puja that ushers the next day Mahanavami.
- It is believed
that people who observe a staunch fast on this day to please Mother Durga
are always taken care by her benevolence and such people are always free
of delusions of any kind in life.
2017 Date : 28th September.
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