Navratri 2023 Day 8: Durga Ashtami Shubh Muhurat, Rituals and Significance of 108 Lotus Flowers

DURGA ASHTAMI 2023: Durga Puja aka Navratri, a major festival of India, celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. Mahashtami or Ashtami, the eighth day of Durga Puja, is a pious and revered occasion during the festival observed across India. Elaborate rituals, including special prayers and offerings, are conducted to seek the blessings of Goddess Maha Gauri for strength, courage, and protection. It is a time of heightened spiritual fervor and communal gatherings, showcasing the vibrant cultural and religious heritage of this nine-day festivity.

Ashtami 2023: Date and Day

This year, the Durga Ashtami falls on Sunday, October 22. It is also the eighth day of Navratri, devoted to worshiping Mother Mahagauri.

Ashtami 2023: Time and Muhurat

The Ashwin Shukla Ashtami Tithi is from 9:53 PM on October 21, 2023 to 7:58 PM on October 22, 2023, allowing for auspicious celebrations and prayers dedicated to Goddess Durga during that time.

Ashtami 2023: Significance

Mahashtami holds great significance in Hindu culture. It is believed to be the day when Goddess Durga’s energy and power peak, marking a fierce battle and ultimate victory over the buffalo demon, Mahishasura. Devotees honour the goddess in her warrior form on this day.

Performing rituals and prayers on Mahashtami is believed to invoke the strength, courage, and blessings of Goddess Durga, seeking protection from malevolent forces and obstacles in life. Many observe fasts and partake in special pujas, offering flowers, fruits, and other symbolic items to the deity.

Ashtami 2023: Sandhi Puja

1. The ritual of “Sandhi Puja,” the juncture between Ashtami and Navami, is especially important and auspicious.
2. Families often gather to offer prayers, sing hymns, and make offerings to the goddess.
3. It is a moment of heightened spiritual energy and is said to fulfill the devotees’ wishes.
4. Mahashtami exemplifies the triumph of good over evil, instilling faith and devotion in the hearts of millions.
5. The rituals of Sandhi Puja have great powerful and transformational effects.
6. The people participating in this auspicious puja have to fast from when Ashtami starts till the Sandhi puja is over at Navami.

Ashtami 2023: Significance of 108

1. Over 108 diyas or lamps are lit because it symbolises the arrival of light over darkness.
2. Devotees give ulu dhoni, a loud-pitched sound that is made by rolling tongues, to ward away all the negativity and evil eyes.
3. Next, as many as108 lotus flowers are offered to Maa to represent beauty and life.
4. Also, 108 garlands of stone apple leaves, sarees, jewellery, and fruits are also offered.
5. The numerical 108 is crucial because it signifies the 108 names of Durga Maa.