Durva Ashtami

Durva Ashtami is an important festival in the Sanatan tradition, dedicated to the worship of Lord Ganesha. It is celebrated on the Ashtami (eighth day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. Durva is a sacred grass that is very dear to Lord Ganesha. It is used in many rituals within the Sanatan tradition. Durva grass is considered pure and holy, and offering it to Lord Ganesha is believed to bring special blessings. The Durva Ashtami festival is mainly celebrated in West Bengal and the eastern regions of India. On this day, devotees fast and perform special worship of Lord Ganesha.

Puja Procedure

On the day of the fast, wake up early, take a bath, and wear clean clothes. Make a resolve to observe the fast. Clean the place of worship and set up the idols of Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha. Offer fruits, flowers, rice, incense sticks, yogurt, and other necessary worship items to the deities. Specifically, offer Durva grass to Lord Ganesha, as it is very dear to Him. Worship Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha with full devotion and according to your customs. After completing the worship, feed the needy and give donations according to your capacity.

Significance of Durva Ashtami

Observing the Durva Ashtami fast and performing the worship not only provides spiritual benefits but is also good for our environment and health. On this day, worshiping brings the blessings of Lord Ganesha, who removes obstacles and brings happiness and peace to life. Thus, Durva Ashtami holds an important place in the Sanatan tradition and should be celebrated with devotion and reverence.

Story of Durva Ashtami

According to a legend, a terrifying demon named Analaasura caused chaos on both Earth and Heaven. His cruelty troubled both the gods and humans greatly. Therefore, King Indra, other gods, and major sages sought the refuge of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva said, "Only Ganesha can resolve this crisis."

Hearing this, the gods and sages went to Lord Ganesha and prayed for relief from Analaasura's terror. Lord Ganesha listened to their prayers and set out to fight Analaasura. The battle lasted a long time, but Analaasura was not defeated. Then, Lord Ganesha used his divine power to capture and swallow Analaasura.

After swallowing Analaasura, Lord Ganesha experienced intense burning in his stomach. The pain was so severe that it became unbearable. At that time, Sage Kashyap prepared 21 strands of Durva grass and gave them to Lord Ganesha to eat. As soon as Lord Ganesha consumed the Durva grass, the burning sensation in his stomach was relieved.

This incident led to the tradition of offering Durva grass to Lord Ganesha. It is believed that offering Durva grass pleases Lord Ganesha and helps resolve devotees' problems. Thus, the terror of Analaasura ended, and the glory of Lord Ganesha spread far and wide.