Durga Ashtami or Maha Ashtami is one of the most auspicious days of the five-day festival of Durga Puja celebrated in honour of the mother goddess Durga.
Durga Ashtami or Maha Ashtami in honor of Durga
Traditionally, the festival is observed for 10 days in Hindu homes, but the actual puja that takes place in 'pandals' takes place over a period of 5 days (starting from Shashthi). In India, fasting is undertaken by Hindus on this sacred occasion. People also gather on this day to dance 'garba' and wear colourful clothes.
This day is also known for 'Asthra Puja' (worship of weapons) as on this day the weapons of Goddess Durga are worshipped. The day is also known as Vira Ashtami as it is seen using weapons or martial arts on this day.
The eighth day of Navratri or Durga Puja celebrations is known as Durgashtami, or Durga Ashtami. It is also known as Mahashtami and is one of the most auspicious days according to Hinduism. It falls on the bright lunar fortnight Ashtami tithi of the month of Aswina according to the Hindu calendar.
It is believed that in some regions, Goddess Chamunda appeared on this day from the forehead of Mother Durga and annihilated Chanda, Munda and Rakthabija (the demons who were associated with Mahishasura). The 64 Yoginis and Ashta Shakti or matrikas (the eighth fierce form of Goddess Durga) are worshipped during Durga Puja rituals on Mahashtami.
The Ashta Shakti, also known as the Eight Shaktis, are interpreted differently in different parts of India. But ultimately, all the eight goddesses are incarnations of Shakti. They are the same powerful Divine Feminine, representing different energies.
The Ashta Shakti worshiped during Durga Puja are Brahmani, Maheswari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Narasinghi, Indrani and Chamunda.
A tradition associated with Durga Ashtami originating from northern India is to honor the kanyaka at home. A group of unmarried girls (a group of five to seven) are invited into the home to honor them. The tradition is based on the belief that each of these girls (kanyaka), represents the shakti (energy) of Durga on Earth.
The group of girls are welcomed by washing their feet (a common ceremony in India to welcome someone), welcoming them into the house and then rituals are performed like Alati and Puja. After the rituals, the girls are given sweets and food and are honored with small gifts.
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Today, Hindus celebrate Durga Ashtami or Maha Ashtami in honor of the mother goddess Durga. The weapons of the goddess are revered. The ceremony is part of the Durga Puja which lasts 10 days. #mythology #myth #legend #calendar #DurgaPuja #DurgaAshtami #MahaAshtami
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