Ashtami is a significant tithi in the Hindu calendar. Join us in this blog as we explore its meaning, significance, and the ways it is celebrated.
सर्व मंगल मांगल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थ साधिके।
शरन्ये त्रयम्बिके गौरी नारायणी नमोस्तुते ||
Sarva Mangal Maangalyaye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike Sharanyaye Triyambike Gauri Narayani Namostute.
This mantra is dedicated to the eighth great power of Navratri, Maa Mahagauri. Additionally, this mantra is from Durgasaptashati, its meaning is: Narayani, you are the one who bestows all kinds of auspiciousness, you are the auspicious Shiva, you are the one who fulfills all the efforts, you are kind to those who seek refuge, you have three eyes and you are Gauri. O Maa Durga, I salute your feet.
Namaste!
Welcome back all my avid readers. I am enthralled to write the best possible practices, meaning and significance of Ashtami in Hindu Culture.
Introduction
As we embrace the joyous season of festivals and celebrations, lets start the blog. We transition from Chaturmas to a time that highlights the significance of nature, devotion and seasonal changes. Festivals like Sawan Mas, which honors the serpent deity, Hariyali Teej, celebrating womanhood, and Hariyali Amavasya, paying homage to ancestors. Hence, all celebrate the beauty of nature and the changing seasons.
Ashtami is indeed a significant aspect of Hindu celebrations. It falls on the eighth day of the Shukla Paksha of every month of the Hindu Panchang. Notable observances on Ashtami include Krishna Janmashtami, Ahoi Ashtami, and Durga Ashtami during Navratri, which hold special significance and are celebrated with great devotion and festivity.
Significance of Durga Ashtami
Moreover, it is the tithi of every month celebrated with rejoice and great devotion. Further, it is also known as Athe, durga ashtami or masik ashtami. Meanwhile, it is a sacred day devoted to the worship of Goddess Durga. However, on this auspicious occasion, devotees honor Maa Durga through heartfelt prayers and by observing fasts, seeking her divine blessings and protection.
Apparently, Masik Durgashtami (monthly ashtami), a day of deep spiritual significance, is a sacred occasion for Hindus devoted to Goddess Durga. On this powerful Tithi of Shukla Paksha, devotees come together in reverence, observing strict fasts and offering heartfelt prayers to the Goddess.
Certainly, this day is marked by various sacred rituals. While including the recitation of Durga Saptashati path and the feeding of young girls under the age of ten. Thus, it symbolises the nurturing of divine feminine energy.
Besides, Temples dedicated to Durga Mata bustle with activity as devotees seek her blessings. And unmarried women, yearning for a suitable life partner, find special solace in this day.
By fasting and offering bhog prasad along with solah shringar to the Goddess, they express their deep desire for a harmonious union. Furthermore, devotees believe that Durga Mata will guide them toward the right path.
Rituals of Ashtami Puja
Infact, listing the rituals to be performed for puja:
- Firstly, wake up early in the morning and have your bathing rituals on time.
- Secondly, place an idol of Goddess Durga on a clean stool or puja place. And light a diya in front of the idol.
- Thenafter, offer Kumkum, rice and flowers to the deity.
- Also, prepare bhog prasad made of halwa, poori and chana.
- Do not forget to offer hibiscus flower garland or just flowers, meetha paan, dry fruits, and seasonal fruits, coconut to the deity.
- Besides, recite Durga Saptashati Paath along with Durga Kavach.
- Infact, do not forget to chant Durga Chalisa and Aarti.
- Do not consume any alcoholic material, onion, non veg food on this day.
- Indeed, indulge in positive activities, stay away from negative activities like gambling, speaking lie etc.
At the end of the day, devotee must break their fast with sattvik food.
To buy an idol of Maa Durga, click here.
Dates of Masik Ashtami 2024
- Pausha Durgashtami on January 18, 2024, Tithi begins at 10:06 PM on January 17, and ends at 08:44 PM on January 18, 2024.
- Magha Durgashtami on February 17, 2024, Tithi begins at 08:54 AM on February 16 and ends at 08:15 AM on February 17.
- Phalguna Durgashtami on March 17, 2024, Tithi begins at 09:38 PMon March 16 and ends at 09:52 PM on March 17.
- Chaitra Durgashtami on April 16, 2024, Tithi begins at 12:11 PM on April and ends at 01:23 PM on April 16.
- Vaishakha Durgashtami on May 15, 2024, Tithi begins at 04:19 AM on May 15 and ends at 06:22 AM on May 16.
- Jyeshtha Durgashtami on June 14, 2024, Tithi begins at 09:33 PM on June 13 and ends at 12:03 AM on June 15.
- Ashadha Durgashtami on July 14, 2024, Tithi begins at 03:05 PM on July 13 and ends at 05:25 PM on July 14.
- Shravana Durgashtami on August 13, 2024, Tithi begins at 07:55 AM on August 12 and ends at 09:31 AM on August 13.
- Bhadrapada Durgashtami on September 11, 2024, Tithi begins at 11:11 PM on September 10 and ends at 11:46 PM on September 11.
- Ashwina Durgashtami on October 11, 2024, Tithi begins at 12:31 PM on October 10 and ends at 12:06 PM on October 11.
- Kartik Durgashtami on November 9, 2024, Tithi begins at 11:56 PM on November 8 and ends at 10:45 PM on November 9.( GopAshtami)
- Margashirsha Durgashtami on December 8, 2024, Tithi begins at 9:44 AM on December 8 and ends at 08:02 AM on December 9.
Conclusion
Masik Durgashtami isn’t just a day of worship—it’s a day to connect with the divine, renew faith, and seek the grace of the powerful Mother Goddess.
May be the Shakti help you grow happier.
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