BhaktiLoopDurga Ashtami Puja
Durga Ashtami, also known as Mahashtami, is the eighth day of the 9-day Navaratri festival and is one of the most significant days dedicated to Goddess Durga. On this day, devotees worship Mahagauri, the eighth manifestation of Navadurga. The day is marked by special pujas, fasting, and the highly revered 'Kanya Pujan' or 'Kumari Puja,' where young girls are worshipped as living forms of the Goddess. In many traditions, particularly in Eastern India, 'Sandhi Puja' is performed at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami Tithis, which is considered a highly auspicious time to worship Goddess Chamunda.
Purpose
To celebrate Goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura, seek her blessings for strength, courage, prosperity, and protection from evil. It is also a day to perform Kanya Pujan (worship of young girls as manifestations of the Divine Mother) and Sandhi Puja.
Key Rituals
Ashtami Snan (Ritual cleansing bath)
Worship of Goddess Mahagauri (the eighth form of Navadurga).
Kanya Pujan / Kumari Puja (Worship of 9 young, unmarried girls, often aged 2-10, representing the nine forms of Durga. Their feet are washed, food (like halwa, puri, chana) is offered, and they are given gifts and dakshina (money) before touching their feet for blessings).
Homa/Havana (Sacred fire ritual, where offerings are made into the fire to invoke the blessings of the Devi and purify the atmosphere).
Sandhi Puja (A very crucial ritual performed at the exact transition time (Sandhi Kshan) between Ashtami and Navami Tithis. This ritual is dedicated to Goddess Chamunda, and traditionally involves offering 108 lotus flowers, specific leaves, and other items.)
Aarti (Offering of light with a camphor lamp or ghee lamp, accompanied by devotional songs and prayers).
Durga Saptashati Parayan (Recitation of chapters from the Devi Mahatmya, which glorifies the deeds of the Goddess Durga).
Common Offerings
Red flowers (especially Hibiscus/Joba Phool and Red Lotuses)
Bilva Patra (Bael leaves)
Fruits (Banana, Apple, Coconut, Pomegranate)
Sweets (Laddus, Halwa, Kheer, Mishti)
Puri (deep-fried puffed bread)
Kale Chane (black chickpeas)
Shringaar items (Sari, bangles, sindoor, bindi, alta for the Goddess icon and for the young girls in Kanya Pujan)
Panchamrita (a mixture of milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and sugar)
Water, Ghee, Camphor, Incense sticks (Agarbatti)
Naivedyam (cooked food preparations without onion and garlic)
Associated Mantras
Mantra 1
Mantra Text
Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundaye Vichche
Meaning
Salutations to Chamunda, who embodies the powers of Creation (Aim), Preservation (Hreem), and Dissolution (Kleem).
Benefits
This is the Navarna Mantra, a fundamental and potent mantra for invoking Goddess Durga's energy. Chanting it is believed to grant spiritual power, remove obstacles, bring success, and fulfill righteous desires.
Mantra 2
Mantra Text
Sarva Mangala Mangalye, Shive Sarvartha Sadhike, Sharanye Tryambake Gauri, Narayani Namostute.
Meaning
To the auspicious of all auspiciousness, the consort of Shiva, the fulfiller of all desires, the refuge, the three-eyed Mother Gauri, Salutations to you, O Narayani.
Benefits
This mantra invokes the Goddess for overall well-being, prosperity, protection, and the fulfillment of all righteous wishes. It is a powerful prayer for universal welfare and blessings.
Mantra 3
Mantra Text
Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu Shakti Rupena Samsthita, Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah.
Meaning
To the Goddess who resides in all beings in the form of power/energy, Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, my humble salutations again and again.
Benefits
This mantra acknowledges the omnipresent divine feminine energy in all creation. Chanting it fosters reverence for the divine within oneself and others, leading to inner strength, peace, and spiritual awakening.
Auspicious Days
Ashtami Tithi (Eighth day) during the Sharad Navaratri festival (typically in the Hindu month of Ashvin, September/October).
Regional Variations
Durga Ashtami celebrations vary significantly across different regions of India: - **West Bengal & Eastern India**: Celebrated as Mahashtami, it is one of the most important days of Durga Puja. Sandhi Puja is a highly significant ritual performed during the transition of Ashtami and Navami. Kumari Puja (worship of young virgin girls) is also a prominent ritual. - **North India**: Emphasizes Kanya Pujan/Kumari Bhoj, where 9 young girls are worshipped and fed, often followed by the ceremonial breaking of the Navaratri fast. - **Gujarat**: Part of the vibrant Garba and Dandiya Raas celebrations, with devotees performing traditional folk dances in honor of the Goddess. - **South India**: While also part of Navaratri, the emphasis might be more on Saraswati Puja (on Maha Navami) or Ayudha Puja (worship of tools and instruments).
Related Pujas
Maha Saptami Puja (7th day of Navaratri, worship of Kalratri)
Maha Navami Puja (9th day of Navaratri, worship of Siddhidatri, Ayudha Puja, Saraswati Puja in some regions)
Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra - 10th day, marking the conclusion of Navaratri and Durga's victory)
Kalash Sthapana (Ritual marking the beginning of Navaratri on Pratipada Tithi)