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Shukla Paksha Ashtami for May 2019

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May 12, 2019, Sunday

Shukla Paksha Ashtami

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Introduction to Shukla Paksha Ashtami

The eighth day of the lunar phase is known as Ashtami. Ashtami in the waxing period of the Moon is known as Shukla Paksha Ashtami.

Significance of Shukla Paksha Ashtami

Shukla Paksha Ashtami is the 8th Tithi (lunar day) in the waxing phase of the Moon and is considered as the perfect day for accessing the energies of the Goddesses such as Durga, Pratyangira, and Varahi. Worshipping the goddess through mantra chanting, prayers and Pooja on this day can grant protection from evil forces. Attracting the vibrant energy of the Goddesses can also guard against the adverse effects of planets.

Shukla Paksha Ashtami

Importance of worshipping Goddesses Durga, Pratyangira, and Varahi

Goddess Durga is a fierce manifestation of Goddess Parvati, known as Mahishasura Mardini, the destroyer of evil forces. She was the primordial energy to whom the Devas surrendered to get rid of the demon Mahishasura. With celestial weapons, Goddess Durga killed the demon in the battlefield on the tenth day, which is celebrated as Vijayadashami – tenth day after Navratri .

Goddess Pratyangira Devi ensures safety from evil forces. As a mighty protector, the Goddess provides a strong shield from the bad influences of witchcraft and occultism. With a combination of lion and human forms, dark complexion and reddened eyes, the energy of Goddess Pratyangira is very swift and fast.

Goddess Varahi is boar-headed with a dark complexion and was created to banish all evil forces and safeguard spiritual aspirants. In Sri Vidya tradition (a religious system devoted to Goddess Lalita Tripurasundari ), Goddess Varahi is considered to be the Shakti who can take the devotee closer to upper realms of spirituality. Bonding with energies of the Goddess shall allow to devour evil energies that obstruct the progress and help ultimately to attain greater wisdom.

Rituals of Shukla Paksha Ashtami

Shukla Paksha Ashtami is also called Masik Durgashtami, as it is the ideal day of the month for the worship of Goddess Durga. Masik Durgashtami Vrat (fasting) is observed every month on the eighth day of the waxing Moon, which is called as Shukla Paksha Ashtami. On this day, Devi devotees observe daylong fast, which stretches from morning until evening. The day is marked by special rituals performed to Goddess Durga to receive her unending blessings upon you and your loved ones.

Shukla Ashtami falling in the Tamil month of Aippasi (mid-Oct to mid-Nov) is considered more sacred and is worshipped as Shardiya Navratri stretching for nine days. This Ashtami is called as Mahashtami, which is marked by a special Pooja to Goddess Durga and offerings such as Halwa, Kheer, etc.

Festivals Associated With Shukla Paksha Ashtami
  • Radhashtami - the birthday of Radha, the eternal lover of Lord Krishna an avatar of Lord Vishnu
  • Masik Durgashtami - Vrat (fasting) observed for Mother Durga every month on Shukla Paksha Ashtami
Benefits of Observing Shukla Paksha Ashtami Vrat

Propitiating the Goddesses on this powerful lunar phase can bestow you with the following benefits:

  • Health, wealth, peace, happiness and prosperity
  • Destroy evil forces
  • Fulfillment of desires
  • Remove barriers and provide relief from suffering
  • Improve intimacy in relationships, self-confidence, and valor
  • Blessing of progeny
  • Destroy all forms of problems and afflictions
Connect With The Divine

The sacred scriptures prescribe fire ceremony, Abishekam (hydration ceremony), Pooja/Archana (Light and Sound ceremony), Yantra and Mantra (special sounds) as the ways to offer your prayer to the divine. Out of these, fire ceremony is the most evolved spiritual technology on earth to connect with the divine beings. Participate in the remedial services to clear your karma and receive the blessings.

Durga Fire Lab

Durga Fire Lab- This Fire Lab is targeted to help with dating/marital related issues. Invoke Goddess Durga, who has the power to bless you to overcome marital and relationship issues.

Prathyangira Devi Homa

Performing Pratyangira Devi Homa will gift you with the best things of life. The powerful vibrations of this Homa will help you get rid of negative energy in any form-- enemies,..

Varahi Homa

The individual homa (Fire lab) invokes the blessing of Goddess Varahi, who can control the malefic effects of the nodal planet Rahu. Participating in the Varahi Homa can help you...