Durga Ashtami Significance

Durga Ashtami is a significant Hindu festival, celebrated on the eighth day of Navratri. It honors Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. Devotees take early baths, fast, pray, visit temples, and offer things like milk, sugar, and fruits to the Goddess. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and is a time of devotion and unity among communities. Families come together, wear new clothes, and exchange gifts. While in some parts of the country, devotees perform ‘Kanjak’ or Kanya Puja. 

Durga Ashtami strengthens faith, promotes cultural values, and instills a sense of togetherness. It’s a day of joy and celebration, signifying the power of positivity and the protection that the Goddess offers. It’s a time for reflection, gratitude, and spiritual growth.

Mythology

The Maha Ashtami is the second day of the Durga Puja festivity. Maha Saptami is the day when the battle commences between Goddess Durga and Mahishasura, who is a demon king. The festival of Durga Puja is the celebration of the victory of the Goddess over the demon king.

As per Hindu mythology, the world was under the threat of the evil buffalo demon, Mahishasura who could not be defeated by any man or god. However, all the gods came together and collected their energies to give rise to Durga, the ten-handed goddess who had one of the deadliest weapons of each god.

The festival comes to an end on the day of Vijaya Dashami. It is the 10th day of the festival. Maha Ashtami is one of the most important days during the 5-day festival.

The Legend Behind Durga Ashtami

The festival of Durga Puja is associated with the legend of Lord Rama. As per the Ramayana, Rama’s wife, Sita was abducted by the demon king Ravana. In order to get his wife back from the abduction of Ravana, Lord Rama went into a battle against the demon king. Before he went for the battle, he prayed to the goddess Durga.

The festival of Durga Puja is the celebration of good over bad. This is also one of the most important days during the festival. On this day, devotees fast till the puja is over. As per the mythology, this is the second day of the battle between goddess Durga and Mahishasura which starts on the Maha Saptami.

State-wise Durga Ashtami Celebration

 

West Bengal:

In West Bengal, Durga Ashtami is a big celebration. People visit beautifully decorated pandals (temporary temples) to admire the idol of Goddess Durga. They offer flowers, and sweets, and perform traditional dances like Dhunuchi Naach.

Kolkata

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is famous for its grand Durga Puja celebrations. The city comes alive with elaborate processions and artistic idols. People often wear new clothes and indulge in delicious Bengali sweets.

Kerala

In Kerala, Durga Ashtami is a day for special pujas in temples. Devotees light lamps and offer prayers to the goddess. Some families also prepare special meals and invite relatives and friends over.

Delhi

In the capital city, Durga Ashtami is celebrated with great enthusiasm. People visit Durga temples, exchange gifts, and enjoy festive meals. Some communities also organise cultural events and plays.

Gujarat

In Gujarat, people celebrate Durga Ashtami with Garba and Dandiya dances. Women wear vibrant, traditional attire and dance in circles. It’s a joyous occasion with lively music and colorful decorations.

Assam

Assam celebrates Durga Ashtami with a dance called “Bihu.” People offer prayers in temples and visit each other’s homes. A traditional Assamese meal is also prepared, including sweets like pitha.

Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, Durga Ashtami is observed with devotion. People go to temples and light oil lamps. Some also fast on this day and break it after the evening puja.

Rajasthan

Rajasthan celebrates Durga Ashtami with great splendor. People dress up in traditional attire and visit temples, where cultural performances take place. Delicious Rajasthani sweets and snacks are enjoyed.

Maharashtra:

In Maharashtra, Durga Ashtami is celebrated with Aartis in temples. Some people also fast and break it with a special meal. It’s a day to seek the goddess’s blessings.

Bihar

In Bihar, Durga Ashtami is marked by visiting temples and organizing “kanya pujan” where young girls are worshiped as manifestations of Goddess Durga. It’s followed by delicious feasts.

These are just a few glimpses of how Durga Ashtami is celebrated across India. The essence of the festival is to worship Goddess Durga, seek her blessings, and come together with friends and family to celebrate the victory of good over evil.

How is Durga Astami Celebrated?

Durga Ashtami, also known as Maha Ashtami, is a significant day in the Hindu festival of Navratri, which is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. The way Durga Ashtami is celebrated can vary in different regions of India and among different communities, but there are some common traditions and rituals associated with this day. Here’s how Durga Ashtami is typically celebrated:

Fasting

Many devotees across the country observe a day-long fast on the auspicious day of Durga Ashtami. Some people abstain from consuming food and only have fruits, milk, or specific fasting foods.

Puja (Worship)

Devotees across the country visit local or famous temples dedicated to Goddess Durga, or they set up an idol or picture of the goddess in their homes. Special puja (prayer) ceremonies are performed, which often involve reciting hymns, offering flowers, incense, and lamps, and performing aarti (a ritual of waving a lamp or light in front of the deity).

Anjali (Offerings)

An important aspect of Durga Ashtami is the offering of “Anjali” or “Pushpanjali.” Devotees offer flowers and leaves while reciting prayers to seek the blessings of the goddess.

Kumari Puja

In some regions, young girls who have not reached puberty are worshipped as embodiments of the goddess herself in a ritual known as Kumari Puja. They are dressed as goddesses and offer special prayers and offerings.

Cultural Performances

Many places organise cultural events, including dance, music, and drama, to celebrate Durga Ashtami. These events often showcase the rich cultural heritage of India.

Food Offerings

Special meals and dishes are prepared as offerings to the goddess and are later shared among the devotees. These offerings are known as “bhog.”

Kanjak or Kanya Pujan

In some parts of the country, young girls aged between 4 to 12 are invited to homes and offered gifts and food as a way to honor the divine feminine energy represented by Goddess Durga.

Dhunuchi Dance

In West Bengal and other parts of eastern India, you might witness the traditional Dhunuchi dance. Devotees dance with a censer or clay incense burner with burning coconut husk, creating a captivating and rhythmic display.

Sindoor Khela

In Bengal, women participate in Sindoor Khela, where they apply vermillion (sindoor) to the goddess’s idol and then playfully smear it on each other’s faces. It is a symbol of married women wishing each other happiness and long life.

Visiting Pandals

In some areas, temporary structures called “pandals” are set up to house beautifully decorated idols of Goddess Durga. People visit these pandals to offer their prayers and admire their artistic craftsmanship.

Processions

In some regions, there are processions that carry the idol of Goddess Durga through the streets, accompanied by music, dance, and enthusiastic devotees.

Community Celebrations

Durga Ashtami is often a time for social gatherings and celebrations, with friends and family coming together to celebrate the festival.

It’s important to note that the way Durga Ashtami is celebrated can vary based on regional customs and personal preferences. The common thread among these celebrations is the reverence and devotion to Goddess Durga, seeking her blessings for strength, prosperity, and protection.

Mantrasa to Chant on Durga Ashtami 

Durga Mantra in English:

“Sarva Mangala Mangalye Sive Sarvartha Sadhike

Saranye Trayambike Gauri Narayani Namostute”

Devi Stuti in English:

“Ya devi sarva bhuteshu, shanti rupena sangsthita

Ya devi sarva bhuteshu, shakti rupena sangsthita

Ya devi sarva bhuteshu, matri rupena sangsthita

Yaa devi sarva bhuteshu, buddhi rupena sangsthita

Namastasyai, namastasyai, namastasyai, namo namaha’‘

Durga Dhyan Mantra

”om Jataa Jut Samaayuktamardhendu Krit Lakshnam

Lochanyatra Sanyuktam Padmendu Sadya Shan Naam”

Durga Shatru Shanti Mantra

“ripavah Sankshayam Yaanti Kalyaanam Chop Padyate

Nandate Cha Kulam Punsaam Maahaatmyam Mam Srinu Yaanmam”

Durga Sarv Baadha Mukti Mantra

Om Sarvabaadhaa Vinirmukto, Dhan Dhaanyah Sutaanvitah |

Manushyo Matprasaaden Bhavishyati Na Sanshayah Om ||

Durga Duh Swapna Nivaaran Mantra

“Shanti Karmani Swapna Darshane

Grah Pidaasu Chograsu Maahaatmyam Srinu Yaanmam”

Durga Ashaant Shishu Shanti Pradaayak Mantra

“Baal Grah Bhibhutaanaam Baalaanam Shantikaarkam

Sanghatbhede Ch Nrinaam Maetri Karan Mutmam”

Shakti Mantra

“Sharnaagat Deenaart Paritraan Paraayaney, Servasyarti Harey Devi Naaraayani Namostutey |

Sarvasvaroopey Sarveshey Sarvshakti Samanvietey, Bhayebhyah Traahi No Devi Durge Devi Namostutey |

Rogaan Shoshaan Pahansitushtarushtatu Kaamaan Saklaan Bhishtaan, Tvaam Aashritaanaam Na Vipannaraanam, Tvaamaashritaahya Shraytaam Prayaanti |

Sarva Badha Prashmanan Trailokya Syakhileshwari, Evamevmev Tvayaa Kaaryam Sma Dveri Vinaashnam |

Sarvaa Baadha Vinirumk To Dhan Dhaanya Sutaan Vitah. Manushyo Mat Prasaaden Bhavishyati Na Sansha Yah |

Dehi Saubhaagyam Aarogyam Dehi Devi Param Sukham.

Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvisho Jahi |

Jyanti Mangalaa Kaali Bhadra Kaali Kapaalinee Durgaa Kshamaa Shivaa Dhaatree Swaahaa Svadhaa Namo Stutey ||

Mantras Source – templesinindiainfo

Pushpanjali during Durga Puja with Mantra

Om Jayanti, Mangala, Kali, Bhadrakali, Kapalini।

Durga, Shiva, Kshama, Dhatri, Svaha, Svadha Namostu Te॥

Esha Sachandana Gandha Pushpa Bilva Patranjali Om Hreem Durgayai Namah॥