Tomorrow will be a powerful Durga Ashtami during Chaitra Navratri. Learn about the importance of Durga Ashtami, traditional rituals like Kanya Pujan and Havan, and how this festival strengthens India’s spirit of devotion and community.
Chaitra Navratri Durga Ashtami 2024 | Image Credit: Canva
New Delhi: Durga Ashtami is also known as Mahashtami. His nine small pots are installed on Durga Ashtami, in which his nine shaktis of Durga are invoked. In Durga Ashtami Puja, all her nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped. Tomorrow, her April 16, 2024, marks a very special day in the Hindu calendar: Durga Ashtami, Chaitranavratri.
This eighth day is dedicated to Ma Maha Gauri, the powerful and fierce manifestation of Durga. Let’s take a look at the significance and rituals associated with this auspicious occasion.
Durga Ashtami timing
- Start of Ashtami Tithi – April 15, 2024 12:11pm
- Ashtami Tithi Ends – April 16, 2024 1:23pm
Importance of Durga Ashtami
- Victory of good over evil: Like other forms of Durga, Ma Maha Gauri represents the victory of good over evil. Her white skin signifies purity and peace achieved after overcoming negativity.
- Spiritual transformation: Believers believe that the prayers offered on this day lead to inner purification and spiritual transformation. By seeking Maa Durga’s blessings, they aim to shed negative traits and embrace a more enlightened state.
- Married Life Blessings: Durga Ashtami is considered especially auspicious for married couples. They pray for a happy and prosperous marriage and seek blessings for each other’s happiness and long life.
durga ashtami ritual
- Kanya Pujan: This beautiful tradition involves worshiping young girls (8 to 11 years old) as the nine forms of incarnation of Durga. They are treated with respect and offered gifts that symbolize respect for the sacred feminine.
- Mahashtami Puja: The elaborate puja (worship ritual) on this day is of great importance. Nine earthen pots (representing his nine forms of Durga) are placed and mantras are chanted. Flowers, sweets, and sacred items are offered to appease the goddess.
- Havan: Sacred fire rituals are frequently performed, with prayers and offerings seeking Durga’s blessings for health, prosperity and spiritual growth.
May this Durga Ashtami bring you and your loved ones peace, blessings, and inner strength!
