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This year, Maha Ashtami, also known as Ashtami and Durgashtami, falls on Monday, October 3. It is a significant day during the auspicious festivals of Navratri and Durga Puja. They are in honor of Maa Durga and her nine avatars (Navdurgas). Devotees honor the Goddess and her nine forms, celebrating the triumph of good over evil. People worship Maa Mahagauri and perform rituals such as Kanjak or Kanya Puja, Sandhi Puja, Mahasnan, and others during Ashtami. Continue reading for more information.
Who is Maa Mahagauri?
According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Shailputri was extremely beautiful and blessed with a fair complexion when she was sixteen years old. As a result of her fair skin, she became known as Goddess Mahagauri. She, like Maa Shailputri, mounts a bull, and as a result, she is known as Vrisharudha. She has four hands: one on the right side with a Trishul and the other in Abhaya Mudra, one on the left with a Damaru and the other in Varada Mudra. Because of her fair complexion, the Goddess is frequently compared to a conch, the moon, and the white flower of Kunda. She is also known as Shwetambardhara because she always dresses in white. She purity, serenity and tranquillity.
The Importance of Navratri Day 8:
Maha Ashtami, the eighth day of Navratri or the third day of Durga Puja, commemorates Maa Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. On this day, people worship Maa Mahagauri, who is known for bestowing wealth and an opulent lifestyle on her devotees and removing all their sufferings. During Ashtami, praying to Maa Durga can help one get rid of all their problems and sins. The Ashtami fast is also significant because it brings prosperity and luck.
During Ashtami, some people in India also perform Astra Puja. Many devotees believe that praying to their tools on this day is auspicious. Furthermore, Maa Durga’s weapons are revered as symbols of female strength.
Navratri Day 8 Timing:
This year, Maha Ashtami will be observed on October 3. According to Drik Panchang, the Ashtami Tithi will begin at 6:47 p.m. on October 2 and end at 4:37 p.m. on October 3. Sandhi Puja will take place from 04:13 pm to 05:01 pm. The Brahma Muhurta runs from 04:38 a.m. to 05:26 a.m., while the Abhijit Muhurta runs from 11:46 a.m. to 12:34 p.m.
On Monday, October 3, some devotees will observe Saraswati Pradhan Puja, the second day of Saraswati Puja. The Puja Muhurat runs from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Day 8 of Navratri Puja Vidhi and Samagri:
On Ashtami, devotees should start the day with Mahasnan to purify themselves and put on new clothes. Then, during Maha Ashtami Puja, install nine small pots to invoke Maa Durga’s nine Shaktis and worship them. People also invite nine young unmarried girls into their homes to perform Kanjak or Kanya/Kumari Puja, as they are revered as divine manifestations of Maa Durga. Devotees tie a holy dhaaga on the wrists of these girls, who sit in a single line. The devotees then wash their feet, apply tilak to their foreheads, and serve the girls specially prepared prasad of puri, halva, and black grams. Finally, on this day, people perform Sandhi Puja.
Navratri Day 8 Color:
On Maha Ashtami, or Day 8 of Navratri, the color of the day is peacock green. Devotees who worship Goddess Mahagauri on this day may wear this color. The color is a symbol of individuality, compassion, and newness.
Navratri Day 8 Mantra and Prarthana:
1) Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah
2) Shwete Vrishesamarudha Shwetambaradhara Shuchih
Mahagauri Shubham Dadyanmahadeva Pramodada
Source:HT
