October 24, 2020, Saturday
07:57 AM to 09:16 AM
10:36 AM to 11:56 AM
02:35 PM to 03:55 PM
Click the 'Play' button to read out loud this webpage content
The eighth day of Navratri or Durga Puja celebrations is known as Durgashtami or Durga Ashtami. It is also known as Maha Ashtami. It is observed on the eighth day (Ashtami)of the bright lunar fortnight in the month of Aippasi (Mid October- Mid November). The festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga in the form of Shakthi and denotes the triumph of good over evil.
Shakti and Durga are two words used to describe the Goddess. While Shakti resides in us and enables us to deal with exploitation, oppression, and facing hurdles, Durga is about putting laws and systems in place that prevent people from exploiting and abusing us. Observing Vrat (fast) and performing the pooja on this day invokes the blessings of the Goddess for victory over material obstacles and spiritual growth.
Durga Ashtami celebrates the victory of Goddess over the king of the Asuras, the buffalo demon, Mahishasura. According to legend, Lord Brahma, bestowed a boon of invincibility to Mahisasura as he was pleased with his penance. He also stated that a female warrior could only defeat him. The demon was very delighted with this boon and went about terrorizing all three realms. When Lord Indra was defeated in the battlefield, the Tridev, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, created Durga and each part of her body was blessed with the strength of different male Gods. She got the face of Shiva, ten arms of Vishnu, and feet from Brahma. All other Gods gave her different weapons like trident, conch, sword, thunderbolt, spear and equipped her with armor, and adorned her with jewels. Her vehicle, the lion, was gifted by The Lord of the mountains. On this day, Durga Ashtami, she made use of the weapons that symbolized their masculine strength to defeat Mahisasura.
Devotees wake up at the dawn of the festival day and have a bath to cleanse themselves. Fasting is observed until the end of the pooja, or a partial fast can be observed as well. Morning prayers begin with the chanting of Sanskrit hymns dedicated to the praise of the Goddess. Young girls are worshipped in the ritual of Kumari pooja on this day. In the evening, Sandhi pooja is conducted, since it is believed that on the evening of Ashtami, Navami begins. This puja is quite elaborate and usually takes place in a communal setting. One hundred eight lotuses and one hundred eight earthen oil lamps are offered to the Goddess. People also make many sweets, wear new clothes and celebrate with their friends and family.
The Goddess is worshipped to seek her protection from all the evil forces afflicting life and to destroy any negative influences. She is the giver of wealth, prosperity, and happiness. Devotees pray for strength and courage to conquer their inner demons as well and attain peace.