Durga Ashtami: The divine celebration of power and triumph
Durga Ashtami, also known as Mahashtami, is one of the most significant and revered days of the Durga Puja festival. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm in India, particularly in the states of West Bengal, Assam, and other parts of the country. Falling on the eighth day of the festival, Durga Ashtami is dedicated to the worship of the fierce and formidable Goddess Durga.
History behind Durga Ashtami
Durga Ashtami honors the victory of good over evil in remembrance of Maa Durga's conquest of the demon Mahishasura. According to legend, only a female warrior could vanquish Mahishasura. The sacred trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva formed Durga when Lord Indra was defeated on the battlefield. Each part of her body was endowed with the strength of different male gods.
Spiritual significance
Durga Ashtami is dedicated to the Goddess Durga, who is worshipped as the divine embodiment of strength and power. It's a powerful celebration of the divine feminine energy, Shakti. Women typically take center stage at the festival. Devotees believe that worshipping Goddess Durga during this time invokes her blessings and protection. Further, cultural performances are organized to celebrate the goddess's grace and divine energy.
Traditional practices on the day
The day begins with recitations from sacred texts, followed by elaborate pujas (prayers) offered to the goddess. Devotees seek her blessings for their well-being and prosperity. On Durga Ashtami, people dress in their finest attire and visit elaborately decorated pandals. Devotees usually follow a strict fast, feast, and worship Goddess Durga, a symbol of power, on this auspicious day.
Significance of the day
Ashtami sees the custom of Kumari Puja or Kanya Pujan, where young girls are invited and worshipped as Devi Durga's avatars. Another captivating aspect of Ashtami is the Sandhi Puja, which usually takes place at the exact juncture when Ashtami transitions into Navami. The goddess's energy is believed to be at its zenith during this time, making it an incredibly auspicious moment for blessings.
