Also known as: Maha Ashtami, Durgashtami, Saddula Bathukamma (Telangana) · Observed: Bengal, North India, Odisha, Assam and Telangana
Significance of Durga Ashtami
Durga Ashtami, or Maha Ashtami, is the eighth day of Sharad Navaratri and is regarded as one of the most powerful days for worship of the Goddess. In the North, it is dedicated to Mahagauri, the eighth of the Navadurga, radiant and serene, who grants purity and the removal of sins. In Bengal and eastern India it is the central day of Durga Puja, when the largest crowds gather in pandals and the most important rituals of the festival are performed.
Because the Goddess is believed to have been in her fiercest and most victorious aspect on this day, it is also associated with the worship of weapons (astra puja) in some regions.
Sandhi Puja and the Legend of Chamunda
The Devi Mahatmya tells that during Durga's battle against the asuras, the demons Chanda and Munda attacked her. From her brow sprang the fearsome goddess Chamunda, who slew them at the exact junction of Ashtami and Navami. This moment is honoured by Sandhi Puja, performed during the forty-eight minutes spanning the last twenty-four minutes of Ashtami and the first twenty-four of Navami. In Bengal, one hundred and eight lamps are lit and one hundred and eight lotuses are offered, recalling Rama's offering to the Goddess. The drums, conches and chanting at this hour make it the emotional climax of Durga Puja.
How Durga Ashtami Is Celebrated
Devotees fast and offer anjali, flowers offered with folded hands while the priest chants mantras, a ritual especially beloved in Bengal. Kumari Puja, the worship of a young girl as a living form of the Goddess, is performed at many places, most famously at the Belur Math of the Ramakrishna Mission. In North India, families perform Kanya Puja or Kanjak on Ashtami or Navami, inviting nine young girls and often a boy representing Bhairava, washing their feet and serving them halwa, puri and black chana before giving gifts.
In Telangana, the day is the final day of Bathukamma, called Saddula Bathukamma, when women create the largest flower stacks and immerse them in lakes amid songs. In Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, Durgashtami is part of the Dasara festival and an occasion for worship of tools and vehicles in some families. In Gujarat, the Garba continues late into the night, and in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu temples of the Goddess hold special fairs.
How the Date Is Determined
Durga Ashtami is Ashwin Shukla Ashtami, the eighth tithi of the bright fortnight of Ashwin. The general rule is to observe it on the day when Ashtami prevails at sunrise. The texts state that Ashtami mixed with Saptami should be avoided and that Ashtami joined with Navami is preferred, so when Ashtami begins after sunrise on one day and continues into the next, almanacs usually choose the second day. The timing of Sandhi Puja is computed separately from the exact end of Ashtami.
Rituals and customs
- Fasting and offering anjali to the Goddess
- Sandhi Puja at the junction of Ashtami and Navami
- Offering one hundred and eight lamps and lotuses
- Kumari Puja or Kanya Puja for young girls
- Serving halwa, puri and black chana as prasad
- Saddula Bathukamma in Telangana