Durga Ashtami 2025

Particularly in West Bengal, Ashtami is celebrated with great enthusiasm and passion. In this region of the country, the ten-armed goddess riding a lion is honoured. This day is dedicated to Goddess Shakti, a Durga avatar who represents enduring power and the triumph of 'good' over 'evil.’ During the Astra Puja ritual, Goddess Durga's weapons are worshipped while mantras are recited. The eighth day of the festival is known as Ashtami.  

On Durga Ashtami, devotees usually observe a strict fast and worship the goddess Durga, who represents strength. Huge Durga idols are set up all over India as a celebration of ancient customs and practices. Devotees visit massive puja pandals for worshipping. 

How is Durga Astami Celebrated?

Durgashtami is commemorated through a variety of rituals and traditions aimed at invoking the goddess's blessings. Here are some of the prominent customs and observances linked to Durgashtami: 

1. Fasting: Devotees often observe a day-long fast on Durgashtami as an expression of their devotion and penance. Some individuals opt for a solitary meal during the day, while others refrain from both food and water until they perform the evening puja. 

1. Astra Puja: Astra Puja is the ceremonial veneration of the weapons and armaments employed by Goddess Durga to conquer the demon Mahishasur. During this ritual, mantras are recited to channel the divine potency of these weapons. 
2. Virashtami: This day is also known as Virashtami due to the showcasing of a variety of weaponry, arms, and martial arts skills. Experts may demonstrate their proficiency in weaponry and combat techniques. 
3. Ashtanayikas Worship: On this day, the eight incarnations of Durga, collectively referred to as the Ashtanayikas, are honoured. These goddesses include Brahmani, Indrani, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Narasinghi, Kameshwari, Maheshwari, and Chamunda. 
4. Ghat Establishment: Devotees create a sacred ‘ghat’ or receptacle in front of the deity. This receptacle is adorned with red sandalwood paste, fruits, flowers, sweets, betel leaves, cardamom, and coins, and these offerings are distributed among relatives and friends. 
5. Aarti and Mantras: The goddess is revered by lighting a lamp seven times, while the Durga Saptashati mantra is recited 108 times during the puja. 

1. Worship of Yoginis: The 64 Yoginis, regarded as associates of the goddess, are also revered on Durgashtami. 
2. Worship of Minor Deities and Guards: Other minor deities and protectors connected to the Mother Goddess, including Bhairava, may also be paid homage on this day. 
3. Goddess Gauri Puja: On Durgashtami, the deity is also worshipped as Goddess Gauri. As part of this custom, nine young virgin girls are honoured. Their feet are washed, and they are offered traditional sweets like halwa, puri, and kheer. 
4. Temple Celebrations: Numerous temples devoted to Goddess Durga organize extensive pujas and ‘havans’ on Durgashtami. Devotees flock to these temples in significant numbers to partake in the festivities and seek the goddess's blessings. 
5. Sandhi Puja: Durgashtami culminates with the Sandhi Puja, marking the transition to the subsequent day, Mahanavami. This puja is carried out at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami and is deemed an influential and propitious time for worship.

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.

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