Masik(Monthly)Durga Ashtami

"Masik Durga Ashtami is a festival dedicated to Goddess Durga celebrated on the eighth day of the waxing phase of every month. It is observed to seek the blessings of Maa Durga. Observing this fast is of utmost importance."

"The procedure for worshiping each month is explained differently.

According to the Narada Purana - On the eighth day of the waxing phase of the Chaitra month, Mata Bhavani's birth took place. After performing the puja (worship), devotees celebrate the grand festival of Mata's journey with great joy and enthusiasm. This day is considered very auspicious for having the darshan (sight) of Jagadamba (Mother of the Universe). Seeing the compassionate Maa Jagadamba on this day brings total well-being to people. Especially, it is customary to eat Ashoka tree buds on this day. Those who consuming eight Ashoka tree buds on the eighth day of the Chaitra month in the Punarvasu Nakshatra always receive happiness by the grace of God. With the worship of the goddess on the eighth day of the waxing phase of the Chaitra month, this auspicious date is also called 'Mahashtami'.On the eighth day of the waxing phase of the Vaishakh month, after taking the vow for the fast, first take a bath with water. Then offer a food offering made from sugar and on the next day, the ninth day, feed unmarried girls the sugar-infused offering and meal of the Goddess.

In this way, by worshipping the Goddess, Mata becomes pleased with her devotees and blesses them, ensuring their well-being. Those who worship the Goddess with devotion on the eighth day of the waxing phase of the Jyeshtha month receive happiness akin to that of celestial beings (Demi God) and nymphs. On the eighth day of the waxing phase of the Ashadha month, after bathing with water mixed with turmeric, one should also bathe the Goddess in the prescribed manner and worship her.

Afterwards, one should bathe with clean water and apply a paste of camphor and sandalwood. Then offer the food mixed with sugar and perform the ritual of sipping water. Feed the Brahmins according to one's capability and give them donations, if possible, of gold, as donating gold is considered excellent. After offering donations with devotion, bid them farewell with a content heart and then have your meal silently. In this way, by faithfully observing this fast, a person finds refuge in the divine realm. Similarly, every month on the eighth day of the waxing phase, worship of the Goddess is performed. That's why it is called monthly Durga Ashtami.

Let's understand what the typical worship procedure of monthly Durga Ashtami is-

On the eighth day of the waxing phase of every month, after completing daily rituals and activities, if possible, one should visit a temple of Goddess Durga with full devotion and perform her worship following the prescribed rituals. If visiting a temple is not possible, sit in front of the deity's idol at home, focus on the form of the Goddess, and make a vow for the fast while lighting incense and lamps.

After taking the vow, perform the worship of Mata Durga according to her customs and traditions. During worship, first offer pure ghee, yogurt, fruits, flowers, rice grains (akshat), etc. Light incense and lamps and perform the aarti (ritual of worship with light) of Goddess Durga. Chant special mantras of Maa Durga and, if possible, recite the Durga Chalisa and the story of Mata Durga. Offer sweets and fruits to Goddess Durga as prasad (divine offering). After worship, pray to the Mata for the welfare of your life and distribute prasad to the members of the family.

Devotees who worship Goddess Durga with complete devotion and a pure heart receive happiness, prosperity, and wealth in life. Additionally, peace and harmony prevail in their married life.

Durga Ashtami fasting is an important day for worship and puja of Mata Durga. On this day, the story of Maa Durga's greatness and the tale of her victory are narrated.

Below is a brief summary of the story of Durga Ashtami:-

Story-

Long ago, there was a powerful demon king named Mahishasura who was cruel and wicked, troubling the deities immensely. Despite the deities' efforts to defeat him in battle, Mahishasura emerged victorious, seizing control of heaven. Distressed by Mahishasura's immoral actions, the deities approached Brahma seeking help. Then Brahma and Vishnu went to Shiva and explained their problem. Shiva created a special fierce form of energy and installed it on a golden throne, declaring that only through this energy could Mahishasura be vanquished. deities then worshipped the goddess Durga, equipped with special weapons, and prayed for her to slay Mahishasura. Goddess Durga accepted their prayers, assuring the deities that she would indeed defeat Mahishasura.

Mahishasura was an extremely powerful demon. He challenged Maa Durga to battle and fought against her. During the battle, Maa Durga used her powers to defeat Mahishasura and killed him with her trident.

The victory of the deities was celebrated with great pomp around the Himalayas. Goddess Durga informed the dieties of their victory and requested them to organize the arrival of Mata Durga every year. In this way, the festival of Mata Durga's victory is celebrated every year, which we know as Durga Puja and Navratri.

This is the concise story of Durga Ashtami, which summarizes the greatest victory of Maa Durga. On this day, Maa Durga is worshipped, revered, and honored through prayers, chanting of mantras, and performing aarti.

Benefits of observing the monthly Durga Ashtami fast

The monthly Durga Ashtami fast eliminates all the difficulties and obstacles that come in a person's life.

Devotees receive the blessings of Maa Durga, leading to prosperity.

Observing this fast and worshiping on this day brings progress in business, prosperity in wealth, and success in life.

Related topics-

• Navratri
• Shailputri Prathma
• Brahamcharini Dutiya
• Chandraghanta Tratiya
• Kushmanda Chaturthi
• Skandamata Panchami
• Katyayani Shasthi
• Kalratri Saptami
• Durga Ashtami (Mahagauri)
• Siddhidatri Navami