Durga Ashtami 2024: Auspicious Timings, Significance, and Puja Vidhi

Durga Ashtami 2024: Durga Ashtami, also known as Maha Ashtami, is one of the most significant days of the Navratri festival. In 2024, Durga Ashtami will be celebrated with great devotion and fervor by devotees across the globe. This auspicious day falls on the eighth day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Ashwin. Durga Ashtami is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her fierce form, Mahishasuramardini, who symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. In this blog, we will explore the auspicious timings for Durga Ashtami 2024, the significance of the day, and the puja vidhi (rituals) that should be followed to seek the blessings of the divine mother.

Auspicious Timings for Durga Ashtami 2024

The timings of the Durga Ashtami puja are of utmost importance to ensure that rituals are performed during the most auspicious period. Durga Ashtami 2024 will be observed on October 10. 

Durga Ashtami 2024: Thursday, 10 October

Ashtami Tithi Start: 5:17 AM on October 10, 2024

Ashtami Tithi End: 6:12 AM on October 11, 2024

The most auspicious time to perform Durga Ashtami puja is during the Brahma Muhurta, which falls between 4:30 AM and 6:00 AM. If this time is not feasible, the puja can also be performed during the Vijaya Muhurta, which usually occurs in the afternoon.

Also Read: https://speaktoastrologer.com/dussehra-2024-significance-traditions/

Significance of Durga Ashtami 2024

Durga Ashtami holds immense spiritual significance in Hinduism. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Durga manifested her fierce form, Mahishasuramardini, to destroy the demon Mahishasura, who had been terrorizing the heavens and the earth. Her victory symbolizes the ultimate triumph of good over evil, and Durga Ashtami is celebrated to honor this divine victory.

On this day, devotees worship the eight forms of Goddess Durga known as the Ashta Shakti, which include:

Maa Shailputri: The daughter of the mountains.

Maa Brahmacharini: The one who practices penance.

Maa Chandraghanta: The goddess who wears the moon as her crown.

Maa Kushmanda: The creator of the universe.

Maa Skandamata: The mother of Lord Kartikeya.

Maa Katyayani: The warrior goddess.

Maa Kaalratri: The destroyer of darkness and ignorance.

Maa Mahagauri: The embodiment of purity and peace.

Devotees also believe that worshiping the goddess of Durga Ashtami brings prosperity, protection, and success in all endeavors.

Puja Vidhi for Durga Ashtami 2024

Performing the Durga Ashtami Puja with devotion and the correct rituals is essential to receive the blessings of the divine mother. A detailed guide to performing the puja vidhi: 

1. Kalash Sthapana: Begin the puja by setting up a Kalash (sacred pot) filled with water and placing mango leaves on top. Cover the Kalash with a coconut and place it on a bed of rice. This Kalash represents Goddess Durga.

2. Invoke Goddess Durga: Light a lamp (diya) and incense sticks. Chant Durga mantras and invoke Goddess Durga into the Kalash. Offer her fresh flowers, kumkum, and turmeric.

3. Offerings (Naivedya): Prepare traditional offerings such as halwa, puri, and chana (sweet dish, fried bread, and chickpeas) and place them before the goddess. Fruit, sweets, and betel leaves can also be offered.

4. Recite Durga Saptashati: Reciting the Durga Saptashati (700 verses dedicated to Goddess Durga) is considered highly auspicious. If reading the entire scripture is impossible, focus on key chapters praising the goddess’s victory over demons.

5. Perform Aarti: After the recitation, perform the aarti (ritual of waving lighted wicks) to Goddess Durga. Sing devotional hymns and songs in praise of the goddess.

6. Kumari Puja: One of the most important rituals on Durga Ashtami is the Kumari Puja. Young girls, representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga, are worshiped with great reverence. They are offered food, gifts, and new clothes as a mark of respect and gratitude.

7. Conclude the Puja: After the Kumari Puja, conclude the ritual by offering flowers and akshat (uncooked rice) to the goddess. Seek her blessings for the well-being of the family and success in all endeavors.

Fasting on Durga Ashtami 2024

Many devotees observe a fast on Durga Ashtami to purify their minds and bodies. The fast can be observed as either Nirjala (completely without water) or Phalahar (consisting of fruits and milk). It is believed that fasting on this day helps to cleanse the soul and receive the divine blessings of Goddess Durga.