Durgashtami 2019
By: Future Point | 20-Sep-2019
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Durgashtami is the 8th day of Navratri which is also known as Maha Ashtami and it is the most important day of 9 divine nights of Goddess. It is celebrated across different parts of India. This day is associated with Goddess Shakti, an avatar of Durga who is symbolic of eternal power and the victory of 'good' over the 'evil'.
On the day of Durga Ashtami, the procedure of worshiping Goddess Durga is the same as that of Saptami. However, on this day Praan Pratishtha is not done. On this day, all the nine manifestations of Ma Durga are worshipped. The most common is that Durga Ashtami celebrates Goddess Durga's victory over the demon, Mahishasur.
Durgashtami 2019 Date
This year Durgashtami will be celebrated on 6th October 2019(Sunday). This falls on the Shukla Paksha of the month.
Durgashtami Fasting Date and Time
Ashtami Tithi Begins: 09:53:11 on October 5, 2019
Ashtami Tithi Ends: 10:56:51 on October 6, 2019
Significance of Durgashtami Puja
One of the forms of Goddess Parvati is Ma Durga, the lion Goddess who is the fierce protector. The word Durga has its origin from the Sanskrit language where Durga means a place or a fort. Another meaning of Ma Durga is ‘Durgatinashini’, that can be translated as the ‘one who eliminates suffering and pain’. Ma Durga is believed to be the protector of the universe and her devotees. Goddess Durga removes all the sins and negativity from devotees' life. Every year, Durgashtami is celebrated with full enthusiasm and joy all over the country because it is considered the most important day of Durga Puja. On the day of Durgashtami, kumari puja is also done. However, in many states of India, Kumari puja is done on all nine days of the Navratri festival. It is also known by the name of Kumarika Puja or Kanya Pujan. The special ‘Naivedyam’ is also prepared for the Goddess.
Importance of Durga Ashtami
The 8th day of Navratri is also known as Astra Puja or Ayudha Puja which is also called Virashtami. This is because all weapons are propitiated and worshipped on this day, along with the display of martial arts. Maa Durga is the symbol of her devotee’s welfare. She solves all the problems and bestows good health, life, and happiness. The main attraction of the day is Kumari Puja. In the evening, Sandhi puja is performed by the end of Durga Ashtami and the beginning of Maha Navami. Sandhi Puja is one of the most important and auspicious rituals during Durga Puja and is considered highly sacred. Maha Ashtami is celebrated as a memory of Ma Durga becoming victorious over the demon Mahishasura. Devotees worship Goddess Durga to help them in overcoming all the problems of their life and seek strength to accomplish all their goals and objectives fearlessly.
Masik Durga Ashtami Puja Vidhi
The nine manifestations of Ma Durga are Shailiputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Mahagauri, and Sidhidatri. Masik Durgashtami is specially dedicated to Ma Gauri, the 8th manifestation of Ma Durga.
- Wake up early in the morning, take a bath and prepare the altar with the image of Ma Durga.
- Now light Diya or incense sticks in front of the altar, along with an Akhand Jyoti, i.e. a lamp that is kept lit for the entire day.
- After this, offer pink flowers, Coconut, and banana to the diety.
- On this day, Barley is also sown in earthen pots that hold great importance in the life of every devotee.
Durgashtami Vrat Dates
Fasting is an important ritual of the day. The observer of Durgashtmi Vrat abstains from eating and eating all night long. The Durgashtami Vrat is obtained to attain the blessing of Ma Durga. Some of the devotees observe the fast by drinking milk only milk or eating fruits. Consuming, Non-Vegetarian and alcohol are strictly prohibited on this day. The worshipers chant various Devi mantras on this day because it is considered very auspicious rewarding to read Durga Chalisa on this day. At the end of this puja, devotees also read the Durga Ashtami Vrat Katha. Hindu devotees provide food and Santa Rana or Dakshina to Brahmins after completing the puja rituals The observer of Durga Ashtami Vrat visit Shakti temples in the evening. Special pujas are conducted on the day of Maha Ashtami that is witnessed by thousands of devotees.
Navratri Ashtami Tithi Timing : Sep 05, 8:49 PM - Sep 06, 8:43 PM
It is believed that one who observes the Durga Ashtami Vrat with full devotion will be bestowed with happiness and good fortune in their lives. Maha Ashtami is one of the most auspicious festivals. But, apart from being a religious festival, it is also an occasion that brings people together and renewal with a celebration of traditional culture and norms.
May every worshipper get the blessings of Ma Durga on all the nine days of Navratri.