Shukla Ashtami
Shukla Ashtami
Shukla Ashtami
Shukla Ashtami
Shukla Ashtami
Shukla Ashtami
Shukla Ashtami
Shukla Ashtami
Shukla Ashtami
Shukla Ashtami
Shukla Ashtami
Shukla Ashtami
Get to Know Everything About Durga Ashtami
Durgashtami is one of the festivals considered to be auspicious for Hindus. According to Hindu scriptures, the festival is celebrated to honour the demon killers' determination, strength, optimism, and the virtues of Goddess Durga.
According to mythological sources, she was created in the name of the holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shankar on the day of this.
The sacred Masik Durgashtamiobserved on the Ashtami Tithi is the 8th day of Shukla Paksha. This month, the day falls on June 18 and is also a Friday.
According to Hindu traditions, the devotees observe a full-day fast and pray to goddess Shakti. On this day, goddess Shakti grants blessings to bring prosperity, success, and peace to all who seek her blessings.
What is Masik Durgashtami?
Durgashtami is a highly important day celebrated every month to pay tribute to goddess Durga, who is considered a powerful goddess of Hinduism. Her creation was attributed to Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Masik Durgashtami takes place on Shukla Paksha, Ashtami Tithi, each month. The principal reason behind the origin of Durga was to kill the demon that spread evil across the world.
Masik Durgashtami, also called Maas Durgashtami, was celebrated on this day. Goddess Durga was born following the creation of the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara (Shiva).
Goddess Durga is considered one of the strongest famine characters who wiped out many asuras and brought justice to the universe. According to the mythology, anyone who follows the Durgashtami fast is protected from suffering and evil by eliminating anger, ego, self-centeredness, etc.
Durgastami is among the most important celebrations of Durga Puja. Therefore, many people will be fasting on this day.
Durga Puja is a Hindu holiday in South Asia that celebrates the worship of the goddess Durga.
Durga Puja is celebrated as mother goddess with ten arms and her triumph over the demon buffalo Mahishasura.
The entire world was under attack by the buffalo demon, Mahishasura, who no man or god could conquer. To defeat Mahishasura, Durga emerged from the forces of the gods. Every one arm held the most deadly weapon used by each god.
In Durga Ashtami, the gods' weapons worshipped by Durga are honoured.
The Importance of Masik Durgashtami
According to the tales narrated by the demons, there were Shumbh and Nishumbh that took over devaloka. Then, after receiving the gods' prayers, Goddess Parvati made the goddess Chandi on the holy day Ashtami goddess
Chandi murdered Chand along with Mund. She sacrificed their heads to Goddess Parvati. Hence, Chandi Devi was then named Chamunda.
The Mahashtami ritual of paying homage to 64 Yoginis and eight severe forms representing the goddess Durga and the goddess of death, Ashta Shakti, is important in the puja.
These Shaktis represent the incarnations of Goddess Durga and represent different energies. Brahmi Maheshwari, Kaumari, Maheshwari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Narsinghi, Indrani, and Chamunda are the eight Shaktis worshipped during Durgotsav.
According to the legend, a legend says the one who is believed to be Maa Durga's avatars Chamunda is seen on her forehead to defeat those evil spirits Chanda Munda who helped Mahishasura in executing his evil plans.
Therefore, devoted people observe a full day of fasting to get blessings from Goddess Durga. The belief is that a person who goes for performing Durgashtami fast in a caring manner is blessed with luck, success, as well as happiness.
Various communities in India conduct Astra Puja, where people worship weapons or Ayudha Puja in honour of Maa Durga's brave act. Hence, people also refer to this particular day as Vira Ashtami.
Kanya Pujan On The Auspicious Day Of Ashtami
Navami and Ashtami are considered two holy days to celebrate the meaning and relevance of womanhood. Durgashtami is nothing but a ceremony to celebrate Kanya Pujan. It is generally observed throughout India.
The festival of Kanya Pujan is when people worship girls by their parents and offer food items such as Chana, Halwa, and Puri. Women scrub the young girls' feet as a sign of respect for Shri Durga. Then, they use tilak to girls' foreheads, and then they are taken away with gifts.
Masik Durgashtami Vrat Rituals
The day before Durga Ashtami, all the devotees go for prayers at the feet of Goddess Durga. They rise earlier in the day and then make numerous wishes in front of Goddess Durga and put things like giving flowers, Chandan, and Dhoop.
The Kumari Puja ceremony is celebrated during the time that falls on Durgashtami Vrat in some areas. Hindus are believed to worship small girls aged 6-12 years to be their Kanya (virgin) version goddess Durga. A special 'Naivedyam' ritual is created for an offering to Goddess Durga.
The practice of fasting plays a significant role in a course on that particular day. The one who observes Durgashtami fasting is prohibited from drinking or eating throughout the day. Both men and women keep this fast equally. The Durgashtami Vrat has been believed to bring spiritual benefits and seek Goddess Durga's blessings.
Certain devotees observe the fast just by having milk or consuming fruit. Alcohol and having non-vegetarian foods are not permitted on the day. The person who observes this day, Durgashtami fast, needs to sleep on the ground and remain clear of the luxury and comforts. Luxurious things.
In certain areas in western India, you will find a tradition of planting barley seeds. Once the seeds have bounced up to an average height of 3 inches, people offer them to a goddess and share them among the family members.
Devotees sing different Devi prayers on the day. People also believe it is rewarding for people to study Durga Chalisa this time of year. After puja, devotees can also go through Durgashtami fast Katha.
The devotees give food and Dakshina, or Santa Rana, to Brahmins following Puja ceremonies.
The people who observe Durgashtami fast go to Shakti temples at night. Special pujas are held in the days of Mahashtami, which is observed with thousands of worshippers.
Frequently Asked Questions
This fasting aims to seek blessings from Goddess Durga and gain spiritual benefits. Some people drink water and milk all day, while others consume fruits. Even those who don't observe a fast on that day avoid any non-vegetarian foods or drinks.
In India, fasting is practised by the Hindu community during this holy day. Also, people gather on the day to dance 'Garba' and dress in vibrant clothing. People also call this day 'Astra puja', where they worship the weapons of Maa.
Devotees also sing various Devi mantras during this day. Women and men alike are invited to celebrate the eve by reading and reciting the Durgashtamifast Katha and Durga Chalisa. The consumption of non-vegetarian foods and drinks is strictly forbidden for those not fasting.