Durga Ashtami, also known as Maha Ashtami, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated every year during the Navratri festival. It is celebrated on the eighth day of the Navratri, which falls on the 8th day (Ashtami tithi) of the Hindu month of Ashwin. This festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga, the embodiment of feminine power, and marks the victory of good over evil. According to the Gregorian calendar, it is celebrated in the month of September-October every year, Durga Ashtami 2023 is on October 22, Sunday.
Durga Puja 2023 Tithi & Sandhi Puja Muhurat Timings:
| Sunrise | 22 October 2023 06:30 AM. |
| Sunset | 22 October 2023 05:52 PM. |
| Ashtami Tithi Starts | 21 October 2023 09:53 PM. |
| Ashtami Tithi Ends | 22 October 2023 07:58 PM. |
| Sandhi Puja Muhurta | October 22, 07:35 PM – October 22, 08:23 PM |
Why do we celebrate Durga Ashtami: The Legend of Mahishasura
The celebration of Durga Ashtami is rooted in Hindu mythology, which tells the story of the goddess Durga and her victory over the demon Mahishasura. According to the myth, Mahishasura was a powerful demon who had gained the favor of Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. As a result, he was granted a boon that made him virtually invincible. Armed with this boon, Mahishasura began to wreak havoc on the earth and the heavens, causing destruction and chaos wherever he went.
The gods and goddesses, who were powerless against Mahishasura’s might, decided to create a powerful female warrior who could defeat him. They combined their powers and created Durga, a fierce and powerful goddess who was endowed with all their strengths and abilities. Durga was given weapons and was mounted on a lion, and she set out to defeat Mahishasura.
The battle between Durga and Mahishasura lasted for nine days, during which time the demon transformed himself into various forms to try and defeat the goddess. However, Durga was unfazed by his tricks and continued to fight with all her might. On the eighth day, known as Ashtami, Durga finally managed to slay Mahishasura, putting an end to his reign of terror.
The victory of Durga over Mahishasura is seen as a triumph of good over evil and is celebrated with great fervor and devotion during the festival of Durga Ashtami. The festival is a reminder of the power of faith, determination, and righteousness, and encourages people to strive for these qualities in their own lives. The celebration of Durga Ashtami is also a time to honor the divine feminine and the role of women in society, as Durga is seen as the embodiment of Shakti, the divine feminine energy that governs the universe.
2023 Masik Durga Ashtami Fasting Dates
| January 29, 2023, Sunday | Magha, Shukla Ashtami Begins – 08:43 AM, Jan 28 Ends – 09:05 AM, Jan 29 |
| February 27, 2023, Monday | Phalguna, Shukla Ashtami Begins – 12:58 AM, Feb 27 Ends – 02:21 AM, Feb 28 |
| March 29, 2023, Wednesday | Chaitra, Shukla Ashtami Begins – 07:02 PM, Mar 28 Ends – 09:07 PM, Mar 29 |
| April 28, 2023, Friday | Vaishakha, Shukla Ashtami Begins – 01:38 PM, Apr 27 Ends – 04:01 PM, Apr 28 |
| May 28, 2023, Sunday | Jyeshtha, Shukla Ashtami Begins – 07:42 AM, May 27 Ends – 09:56 AM, May 28 |
| June 26, 2023, Monday | Ashadha, Shukla Ashtami Begins – 12:25 AM, Jun 26 Ends – 02:04 AM, Jun 27 |
| July 26, 2023, Wednesday | Shravana, Shukla Ashtami Begins – 03:08 PM, Jul 25 Ends – 03:52 PM, Jul 26 |
| August 24, 2023, Thursday | Shravana, Shukla Ashtami Begins – 03:31 AM, Aug 24 Ends – 03:10 AM, Aug 25 |
| September 23, 2023, Saturday | Bhadrapada, Shukla Ashtami Begins – 01:35 PM, Sep 22 Ends – 12:17 PM, Sep 23 |
| October 22, 2023, Sunday | Ashwina, Shukla Ashtami Begins – 09:53 PM, Oct 21 Ends – 07:58 PM, Oct 22 |
| November 20, 2023, Monday | Kartika, Shukla Ashtami Begins – 05:21 AM, Nov 20 Ends – 03:16 AM, Nov 21 |
| December 20, 2023, Wednesday | Margashirsha, Shukla Ashtami Begins – 01:06 PM, Dec 19 Ends – 11:14 AM, Dec 20 |
Significance Of Durga Ashtami
One of the most significant rituals of Durga Ashtami is the Sandhi Puja, which is performed at the junction between Ashtami and Navami, marking the end of the eighth day and the beginning of the ninth day. During this puja, special offerings are made to the goddess, and hymns and mantras are chanted to invoke her blessings.
Another important aspect of Durga Ashtami is the celebration of the divine feminine energy, Shakti. Goddess Durga is believed to be the embodiment of Shakti, the divine feminine power that governs the universe. On this day, people celebrate the strength and power of women and acknowledge their role in society.
In addition to its religious significance, Durga Ashtami is also a time for social gatherings and feasting. Families and friends come together to share delicious meals and sweets, and exchange gifts and blessings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Durga Ashtami holds great significance in Hindu mythology and is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm by people all over the world. It is a time to celebrate the power of the divine feminine and to seek blessings from the goddess for health, wealth, and prosperity. The festival reminds us of the triumph of good over evil and encourages us to strive for righteousness in all our actions.
Also Read: Chaitra Navratri 2023: All You Need To Know
