Durga Ashtami 2023: Date, Timings, History, Significance-All You Need To Know

The Puja observance on Mahashtami commences with the Mahasnan, followed by the Shodashopachar Puja, a ritual similar to that of Maha Saptami Puja, except for the Prana Pratishtha.

Durga Ashtami 2023

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Mahashtami, also referred to as Maha Durgashtami, marks the third day of Durga Puja and is considered one of its most significant days. The Puja observance on Mahashtami commences with the Mahasnan, followed by the Shodashopachar Puja, a ritual similar to that of Maha Saptami Puja, except for the Prana Pratishtha, which is performed only once on Maha Saptami.

Durga Ashtami: Date And Timings

According to Drik Panchang, Durgashtami on Sunday, October 22, 2023

• Ashtami Tithi Begins - 09:53 PM on Oct 21, 2023
• Ashtami Tithi Ends - 07:58 PM on Oct 22, 2023

Durga Ashtami: History

In certain regions, it is believed that on this day, the goddess Chamunda emerged from Mother Durga's forehead and vanquished Chanda, Munda, and Rakthabija, who were the demons allied with Mahishasura. The Durga Puja rituals on Mahashtami include the veneration of the 64 Yoginis and the Ashta Shakti or Matrikas, which are the eight fierce forms of Goddess Durga. These Ashta Shakti, also known as the Eight Shaktis, hold various interpretations in different parts of India, but they all ultimately represent different manifestations of the powerful Divine Feminine energy.

The Ashta Shakti revered during Durga Puja are Brahmani, Maheswari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Narasinghi, Indrani, and Chamunda.

Durga Ashtami: Rituals

On Mahashtami, nine small pots are consecrated, and the nine forms of Durga, representing her various powers, are invoked into them. All nine manifestations of Goddess Durga are venerated during the Mahashtami Puja.

Young unmarried girls, regarded as embodiments of Goddess Durga, are also worshipped on this day, a practice known as Kumari Puja. In many regions, Kumari Puja is observed throughout the nine days of Durga Navratri, but it is particularly emphasized on Mahashtami.

Sandhi Puja:

The legendary Sandhi Puja also occurs on Mahashtami. This unique ritual takes place during the juncture of the last 24 minutes of Ashtami Tithi and the first 24 minutes of Navami Tithi, known as the Sandhi Time, which is considered the most auspicious period of the entire Durga Puja. Sandhi Puja is the pinnacle and the most crucial aspect of Durga Puja, often involving the symbolic offering of Bali, which can include animal sacrifice. However, those who abstain from animal sacrifice opt for symbolic offerings using vegetables like bananas, cucumbers, or pumpkins. In the case of the Brahmin community, the scriptures prohibit any form of animal sacrifice, and they strictly perform symbolic Bali. Even at the renowned Belur Math in West Bengal, symbolic offerings with bananas are conducted during the Sandhi Puja, and it is customary to light 108 earthen lamps during this sacred period.

Sandhi Puja: Date And Timings

According to Drik Panchang, Sandhi Puja on Sunday, October 22, 2023

• Sandhi Puja Muhurat - 07:34 PM to 08:22 PM
• Duration - 00 Hours 48 Mins