Durga Ashtami: Religious significance

Durga Ashtami occurs on the eighth day of Shardiya Navratri. According to the Panchang, Durga Ashtami fast is observed on the Ashtami date of Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month.

On this day, we worship Maa Mahagauri, the eighth form of Maa Durga. She is also called the eighth Navadurga. On the day of Durga Ashtami, after worshiping Mahagauri, Kanya Puja and Navratri Havan are also performed.

Navratri Havan is also done on the day of Mahanavami. On this Durga Ashtami, two auspicious Yogas including Sarvartha Siddhi have been formed.

According to the Vedic calendar, this year Ashwin Shukla Ashtami Tithi started on October 21 at 09:53 PM and will remain till 07:58 PM today. Udayatithi is considered for fasting, hence the fast of Durga Ashtami is today.

Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga on Durga Ashtami is from 06:26 am to 06:44 pm and Ravi Yoga is from 06:44 pm to 06:27 am tomorrow. Today's Abhijit Muhurta is from 11:43 am to 12:28 pm.

Today, Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga is from 06:26 am to evening. In such a situation, you should worship Maa Mahagauri, Kanya Puja and perform Navratri Havan in Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga. Keep in mind Rahukaal at the time of worship. Today's Rahukaal is from 04:20 pm to 05:45 pm. Bhadra on Durga Ashtami is from 06:26 am to 08:58 am.

How to worship of Maa Mahagauri on Durga Ashtami

First of all anoint Maa Mahagauri with Ganga water. Then offer Akshat, vermilion, yellow flowers, fruits, incense, lamp, naivedya, clothes etc. to Goddess Mahagauri. To please Goddess Mahagauri, offer coconut. If you wish, you can also offer sweets made from coconut, puri, halwa, kheer, black gram etc. After this read Durga Chalisa. At last perform Aarti of Maa Mahagauri. After that perform Navratri Havan. Then do Kanya Puja and receive blessings.

Method of ‘kanya pujan’ on Durga Ashtami

After worshiping Goddess Mahagauri, make arrangements for Kanya Puja. Spread a seat for Kumari at home. According to your capacity, invite girls in numbers from 1 to 9. Their age should be between 2 to 10 years. Along with the girls, invite a small child also for food. Make all the girls and boys sit on the seats. Then wash their feet with water. Worship him with Akshat, flowers, sandalwood or roli. Then serve them puri, halwa, kheer, black gram, sweets etc. After having food, touch their feet and seek blessings. Send them off by giving them gifts and Dakshina.

Benefits of Mahagauri Puja on Durga Ashtami

Goddess Mahagauri, wearing white clothes and riding on a bull, has four arms and holds a trident in her hand. Worshiping him increases lifespan, happiness and prosperity. One gets freedom from sin, sorrow and suffering and their wishes are fulfilled.