Introduction
Devotees regard Mahashtami, also known as Maha Durgashtami, as the second and one of the most significant days of the Durga Puja festival. Worshippers commence the day with the Mahasnan (ritual bath), and priests perform the Shodashopachar Puja (षोडशोपचार पूजा) in sixteen steps. Priests conduct this ritual in a manner similar to that which they observe on Maha Saptami, except for the Prana Pratishtha (प्राण प्रतिष्ठा), which they carry out only on Saptami.
On this sacred day, priests place nine earthen pots on the altar, and devotees invoke and worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga through specific rituals that tradition prescribes for Maha Ashtami.
Devotees regard the Kumari Puja as one of the most revered traditions of Mahashtami, during which they honor and worship young unmarried girls as living embodiments of the divine feminine energy of Goddess Durga. While devotees observe this ritual throughout all nine days of Navratri in some regions, they most often prefer and perform it specifically on Ashtami.
Devotees celebrate another spiritually charged event on Mahashtami—the legendary Sandhi Puja, which priests perform during the transition between Ashtami and Navami tithis—specifically during the last 24 minutes of Ashtami and the first 24 minutes of Navami. Hindu tradition considers this time window, known as Sandhi Kaal, the most auspicious period of the entire Durga Puja.
Mythological Significance of Durga Ashtami
Hindu scriptures state that Durga Ashtami marks the day when Goddess Durga annihilated Mahishasura, the demon king who had terrorized the heavens. The Mahishasura Mardini Roop symbolizes this victory—a ferocious form of Maa Durga, where the gods armed her with divine weapons.
The Devi Mahatmyam (Durga Saptashati) describes how the goddess emerged from the combined powers of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva to end the terror of Mahishasura. Maha Ashtami thus represents Shakti (divine feminine power) in her most glorious and protective form.
Hindu tradition also believes that on this day, 64 Yoginis and Ashta Nayikas (eight shaktis like Brahmani, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, etc.) manifested to support Durga in her battle, symbolizing the collective power of the feminine force.
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Rituals and Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step)
a. Preparation
- Wake up early and bathe before sunrise.
- Clean the altar and place a photo or idol of Maa Durga.
- Adorn the deity with red flowers, kumkum, and a red saree/cloth.
- Light a ghee lamp and incense sticks.
b. Invocation (Dhyana and Avahanam)
- Chant Durga Dhyana Mantras or the Argala Stotram.
- Offer water, flowers, rice, and sandalwood paste while inviting the goddess to bless your home.
c. Durga Ashtami Puja
- Offer red hibiscus flowers, fruits, betel leaves, coconut, haldi, kumkum, and sweets (especially puri-halwa-chana).
- Chant Durga Saptashati, or 108 names of Durga.
- Perform aarti with a camphor flame or ghee diya.
d. Kanya Pujan (Kumari Puja)
- Invite 9 young girls (symbolizing Nav Durga) between the ages of 2 to 10.
- Wash their feet, apply tilak, tie moli, and offer food, sweets, and gifts.
- This is believed to be the most sacred part of Ashtami puja.
e. Sandhi Puja (Optional but Powerful)
- Performed at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami.
- Involves lighting 108 lamps and chanting Devi Kavach or Narayani Stuti.
- Symbolizes Durga’s transformation into Chamunda, the slayer of Chanda-Munda.
Fasting Rules (Upvas Vidhi)
Many devotees observe a strict fast (nirjala or phalahar) on Durga Ashtami.
Types of fast:
- Nirjala (without food and water)
- Phalahar (fruits, milk, and sattvic food only)
- Partial fast (one proper vegetarian meal)
Dos and Don’ts:
- Avoid garlic, onion, alcohol, meat, and processed food.
- Chant mantras, listen to bhajans, and meditate on the Devi.
- Break the fast after Kanya Pujan or post-Navami, depending on your tradition.
Benefits of Observing Durga Ashtami
- Grants inner strength and courage to face life’s struggles.
- Removes obstacles, fear, and negative energy.
- Brings prosperity, protection, and clarity of purpose.
- Fasting and Sandhi Puja are believed to be equal to performing 100 yagnas.
- Women seeking strength, fertility, or solutions to family problems often gain blessings from Ashtami observance.
Durga Ashtami Celebrations Across India
- West Bengal: Ashtami is the grandest day during Durga Puja. Devotees wear new clothes, offer anjali (pushpanjali), and attend majestic Sandhi Puja.
- North India (UP, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab): Homes perform Kanya Puja with gifts like bangles, fruits, and dakshina.
- South India: Celebrated with Saraswati Puja and Ayudha Puja, where books and tools are worshipped.
- Maharashtra & Gujarat: Navratri garba celebrations reach their peak with Ashtami night being spiritually and socially vibrant.
- Fun Fact: In Mysore, the Ashtami day is part of Dasara Mahotsav, celebrated with royal processions and elaborate decorations at the Mysore Palace.
Do’s and Don’ts on Durga Ashtami
Do’s:
- Observe cleanliness and sattvic behavior.
- Offer red flowers and sweets to the goddess.
- Perform Kanya Puja or donate food to girls or Brahmins.
- Light a diya during Sandhi Kaal.
Don’ts:
- Avoid anger, lies, or egoistic behavior.
- Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food and alcohol.
- Refrain from disrespecting women or girls—Maa Durga resides in all of them.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. Can I perform Kanya Pujan at home?
Yes, even inviting one girl for symbolic worship is considered auspicious.
Q2. Is Durga Ashtami the same as Mahashtami?
Yes, both refer to the 8th day of Navratri, which is dedicated to Goddess Durga.
Q3. What is the difference between Ashtami and Navami?
Ashtami is for invoking strength and valor, and Navami is associated with Siddhi (spiritual completion).
Q4. Can men observe the Durga Ashtami fast?
Absolutely. Devotion knows no gender. Many men observe fasts and do puja on this day.
Q5. Can we eat food after Kanya Pujan on Ashtami?
Yes, if you have fasted, you may break your fast after Kanya Pujan or Sandhi Puja.
Conclusion of Durga Ashtami
Durga Ashtami is not just a festival—it’s a spiritual powerhouse of strength, devotion, and divine feminine energy. Whether you fast, chant mantras, or perform Kanya Puja, what matters most is your sincerity and devotion. As we observe Durga Ashtami in 2025, may Maa Durga destroy the negativities in our lives and bless us with wisdom, protection, and peace.
