Monthly Durga Ashtami

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Goddess Durga is the deity of Ashtami Tithi and she loves this Tithi. Hence, Ashtami Tithi of Shukla Paksha every month is celebrated as Durga Ashtami. On this day Goddess Durga is worshipped with full devotion. Preparations are made for the worship of Durga Mata after retiring from daily tasks at dawn. A Diya is lit in front of the Goddess and she is worshipped with coconut, Pan, cloves, Akshat, Kumkum, etc. Fruits and sweets are also offered to the Goddess.

Durga Ashtami is considered important from a religious perspective. Though this Tithi is celebrated both in Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha, the Ashtami of Shukla Paksha is celebrated as Durga Ashtami. On this day Puja is performed and a fast is observed. It is believed that Goddess Durga fulfills all the wishes of the devotees if these tasks are carried out with full devotion.

The Procedure of worshipping Lord Durga on Ashtami

It is very important to worship Goddess Durga by following the correct procedure on Ashtami. It is believed that worshipping the Goddess and observing a fast on this day frees the devotees from all forms of sufferings and bondages. Here is the procedure for the same:

  • After completing all the daily tasks and bathing, the devotee should wear neat and clean clothes.
  • Decorate the idol of the Goddess with beautiful red clothes and jewellery. If you don’t have an idol, then you can drape a red Chunari and Kumkum around the picture of the Goddess.
  • Red coloured clothes for the Asan and clothes of the Goddess is considered beneficial.
  • Sindoor, Akshat, cloves, red flower and cardamom should be offered to the Goddess.
  • An urn filled with water and coconut placed on it should be kept in front of the Goddess.
  • Fruits and sweets should be offered to the Goddess.
  • Dhoop and Akhand Jyot should be lit in the front of the Goddess. This should remain lighted for the entire day.
  • Durga Chalisa and Durga Saptashati should be recited in front of the Goddess.
  • Once the Arti ends, the devotee must seek affection and forgiveness from the Goddess for any mistakes done during the Puja and ask Durga Mata to bless him/her with a happy life.

    • Durga Ashtami Katha

    Goddess Durga is one of the most important Goddesses. She is worshipped in Shakt Parampara. She is believed to be a part of nature in the form of energy. It is believed that she is a part of everything in this world. Lord Shiva considers Goddess Durga his support system. He considers himself incomplete without her. Goddess Durga is described in scriptures in several forms. These forms of the Goddess have always nurtured nature and have protected nature from any type of danger.

    According to a famous story in our scriptures, there was a Devil named Mahishasur who indulged in evil deeds around the world. This led to fear among Devas and they started worshipping Tridev, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh seeking protection.

    It is believed that the Tridev came together embodied in the form of Goddess Durga. Thus Goddess Durga became extremely powerful with multiple weapons. Goddess Durga defeated Mahishasura and destroyed him freeing everyone from his evils.

    Perform Kanya Pujan on Durga Ashtami

    Performing Kanya Pujan on this day is considered very beneficial. Once Goddess Durga is worshipped, young girls are invited for a meal. They are also given a small gift (Dakshina). It is believed that young girls are a form of Goddess Durga. They are seated on an Asan and worshipped with a lot of love. Red Chunari and Kumkum should be gifted to them. The devotee should seek their blessings.

    Recite these Mantras on Durga Ashtami

    Goddess Durga is the supreme power of this world. She is the ultimate power that illuminates the world. The world functions only possible because of her. Hence when Goddess Durga Mantras are recited on this day with faith and trust, everyone receives her blessings. The importance of Mantras is said to be very effective in worshiping Adi Shakti. It is believed that these Mantras remove all the sufferings and obstacles of their devotees.

    Along with this, if these Mantras are recited during the inauspicious Yogas in a horoscope, then the native will get some relief from the negative impact of the Yogas.

    Durga Saptashati Mantra

    Sarva Mangala Mangalye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike
    Saranye Trayambike Gauri Narayani Namostute

    Om Jayanti Mangala Kali Bhadrakali Kapalini
    Durga Shama Shiva Dhatri Swaha Swadha Namostute

    Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu, Shanti Rupena Sangsthita
    Namastasye Namastasye Namastasye Namo Namah

    Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu, Lakshmi Rupena Sangsthita
    Namastasye Namastasye Namastasye Namo Namah

    Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu, Trishati Rupena Sangsthita
    Namastasye Namastasye Namastasye Namo Namah

    Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu, Matri Rupena Sangsthita
    Namastasye Namastasye Namastasye Namo Namah

    Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu, Daya Rupena Sangsthita
    Namastasye Namastasye Namastasye Namo Namah

    Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu, Budhi Rupena Sangsthita
    Namastasye Namastasye Namastasye Namo Namah

    Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu, Shanti Rupena Sangsthita
    Namastasye Namastasye Namastasye Namo Namah

    In the end, by reciting ‘Om Aim Hrim Klin Chamundaye Viche’ helps in destroying all the enemies and freedom from all kinds of obstacles is achieved.