What is the importance of Ashtami?

Created by Asttrolok in Astrology 30 Aug 2023

Views: 351

Navratri is all light and celebratory throughout all nine days. People enjoy with joyous smiles on their faces the arrival and stay of Devi in their houses and vicinities. Navratri brings the same amount of enthusiasm to people across the country and institutions. Majorly covers the western and eastern parts giving the credit to Gujarat and Bengal. These two regions are the center of the celebration. The arrival of Navdrga is an occasion which is celebrated like the arrival of a daughter to their home, it's heart-warming that people have the same level of enthusiasm Ashtami is the 8th day of the Navratri, this day is associated with the Devi Mahagauri.

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Durga Puja, also known as Navratri, is one of the most important and cherished Hindu fesitval. This Pan-Indian celebration comprises the ceremonial worship of Goddess Durga in nine forms over nine nights, and it is performed in diverse ways throughout India. The event takes place in the month of Ashwin, which is usually September or October and is well-known not just in India but also in neighboring nations.

Eighth Day of Navratri

Ashtami, in particular, is celebrated with enormous zeal and zeal, particularly in West Bengal. In this section of the nation, the ten-armed goddess riding the lion is revered, and even Goddess Durga's weapons are worshipped while chanting mantras in a rite called as Astra Puja. Ashtami is the eighth day of the celebration, wherein worshippers maintain a strict fast, feast, and adoration for Goddess Durga, who represents power. Massive statues of Goddess Durga are built around India as a celebration of traditional culture and customs, while giant puja pandals are set up at various locations for devotees to attend and worship.

The Legend of Durga Ashtami

Durga Ashtami commemorates Goddess Durga's triumph over the malevolent buffalo demon Mahishasura. According to legend, Mahisasura could only be vanquished by a female fighter due to a blessing given upon it by Lord Brahma. When Lord Indra was defeated on the battlefield, the holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva formed Durga and graced each portion of her body with the energy of various male Gods. Durga Ashtami used the weapons that signified their manly might to beat Mahisasura with her trident on this day.

Women tend to take center stage at this event, serving as a sharp reminder of how women used to wield far greater power and rank in ancient India. Here are a few of the numerous misconceptions surrounding this festival:

To mark this day, animal sacrifices are done in temples in various areas of the nation, particularly West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam.
On the ninth day, laptops, automobiles, books, and work equipment are worshipped in South India as a sign of appreciation for the previous year's benefits. Offering one's tools to God commits one to conduct all work as worship.
On Ashtami, before breaking the fast, nine girls under the age of ten are adored, fed lavishly, and, among other things, gifted with new garments.

Rituals for Navratri Ashtami 2022

On the day of Navratri Ashtami, worshippers rise early and perform a bach.
They then worship Maa Durga by presenting her with flowers, fruits, sandalwood paste, Kumkum, incense, and other offerings.
The men and women then read the Goddess Durga Vrat Katha and Durga Chalisa together.

On this day, devotees also perform Kanya Puja. It is a significant day for those who observe the Navratri Fast since it is the day they break their fast by feeding young girls the traditional Bhog, which consists of Halwa, Puri, and Chane. According to the Devi Bhagwat Puran, the young girls worshipped on this day are the form of Goddess Durga. This is why nine girls and a boy (Langur) are worshipped and nourished on this day. Kanjak Puja or Kanya Puja is the name given to this Puja.

Whom Should We Praise?

On this day, females who have not yet reached puberty are worshipped. In other words, females from 5 to 9 are mostly worshipped.

The Importance of Kanya Puja

Kanya Puja is performed differently in each home. Some people celebrate it on the eighth day of Navratri, or Ashtami, while others celebrate it on the ninth day, or Navami. Similarly, the number of females invited to people's homes for this Puja varies. However, this rite should preferably be attended by 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9 girls.

Let us explain the significance of inviting these ladies:

Worshiping one female results in Aishwarya (prosperity)
Worshiping two girls grants you Bhog and Moksha.
Dharma, Kaam, and Artha would be provided by worshipping three girls.
Rajyapad can be obtained by worshipping four girls (authority)
Worshiping five girls boosts your Vidhya (Knowledge)
Six different types of Siddhi are bestowed upon you by worshipping six different girls.
Rajya can be obtained by worshipping seven girls (power and kingdom)
Sampada improves after worshipping eight girls (wealth)
Prabhutva will be provided by worshipping nine girls (Ownership)

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