Durga Ashtami: Worship of Mata Mahagauri on Chaitra Ashtami

Significance of Durga Ashtami

Today marks the auspicious occasion of Durga Ashtami, which falls on a Saturday this year. It is the eighth day of the Chaitra Navratri, a significant day in the Hindu calendar, devoted to the worship of the eighth form of Goddess Durga, known as Mahagauri. This day holds immense spiritual importance and is celebrated with great devotion across the country.

Who is Mata Mahagauri?

Mata Mahagauri is revered for her radiant beauty and her benevolent nature. She is depicted as riding a bull and holding a trident, symbolizing strength, purity, and divine power. According to legend, Mahagauri performed intense penance to attain Lord Shiva as her consort. As a result of her rigorous penance, she acquired a fair complexion and came to be known as Mahagauri, meaning "extremely white". Her divine presence is believed to eliminate all kinds of sufferings and grant peace, beauty, and good health to her devotees.

Benefits of Worship

Worshipping Mahagauri on Ashtami is said to fulfill all the desires of devotees. She is known to bless her followers with fearlessness and prosperity, and her worship is believed to rid the body of various toxins and ailments, promoting overall well-being. On this day, devotees offer special prayers and perform rituals to seek her divine blessings.

Importance of Kanya Pujan

Ashtami is also marked by the tradition of Kanya Pujan or Kumari Pujan, a ritual where young girls are worshipped as embodiments of the goddess herself. The ritual involves washing the feet of young girls, offering them food, gifts, and seeking their blessings. It is believed that feeding and honoring these girls on Ashtami can fulfill all wishes and bring prosperity into the household.

Auspicious Timings (Muhurat)

There are several auspicious timings or muhurats on this day that are considered ideal for performing the rituals and havan (sacred fire ceremony):

• Shubh Yoga: 07:41 AM to 09:15 AM

• Abhijit Yoga: 11:59 AM to 12:49 PM

• Labhmrit Muhurat: 01:58 PM to 05:06 PM

For those observing Navami rituals on Sunday, the Labhmrit Muhurat will extend from 09:15 AM to 12:23 PM.

Rituals and Observances

Durga Ashtami is observed with great fervor in homes and temples. Devotees fast, chant hymns, and participate in cultural and devotional activities throughout the day. Many people begin the day with an early morning bath, followed by the decoration of the prayer area with flowers, diyas, and the idol or image of Goddess Mahagauri. Offerings typically include coconut, sweets, fruits, and special dishes prepared for the occasion.

Ashtami Havan and Conclusion of Fasting

In many households, the Ashtami havan is also performed to mark the culmination of the Navratri fast. The sacred fire is lit and offerings are made with chanting of mantras to purify the surroundings and invite divine energies. This ritual is believed to invoke the blessings of all the nine forms of Goddess Durga.

Spiritual Reflection

Durga Ashtami is not just a day of religious observance but also a time to reflect on inner purity, strength, and devotion. It encourages devotees to embrace the virtues of compassion, discipline, and faith. The divine blessings of Mahagauri are sought to overcome obstacles in life and to attain spiritual growth and fulfillment.

May this Durga Ashtami bring peace, health, happiness, and prosperity to all.