We all are aware of Durga Puja which usually falls between September to October every year. Durga Puja is celebrated for 9 days and is known as Navratri. During the 9-day festival, Maa Durga is worshipped in 9 different forms. According to some legends, it is believed that Lord Rama prayed to Goddess Durga for nine days before battling with Ravan. Goddess Durga was pleased with Shri Ram’s devotion and blessed him with victory. Thus, Lord Rama won the battle. But did you know, that Durga Puja also occurs every month and is known as Durgashtami? Let’s find out more about the significance of Durgashtami and puja timings.
Significance of Durgashtami
Durgashtami is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is an auspicious day for the Hindus. It falls on the 8th day of Lunar month on Ashtami Tithi of Shukla Paksha. On this sacred day, people worship Maa Durga to get her blessings.
For the puja rituals during Durgashtami, people wake up early and take a bath. Devotees then place an idol of Goddess Durga and adorn her with red flowers and light a diya in front of her. The diya is lit with desi ghee. People recite the Durga Chalisa and offer homemade prasad to Maa Durga like kheer, halwa puri and chana. After completion of puja, people break their fast with the prasad. In the evening, Sandhya Aarti is performed.
Puja Timings for Durgashtami, March 2024
This month, Phalguna Durgashtami falls on March 17. The Ashtami Tithi will begin on March 16 at 9:38 P.m. and end on March 17 at 9:52 pm.
Mantras for Masik Durgashtami
You can chant the mantras below during puja:
“Om Jayanti Mangala Kali Bhadra Kali Kapalini Durga Kshama Shivadhatri Swaha Swadha Namostute”
“Sarva Mangal Mangalaye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike Sharanyaye Triyambike Gauri Narayani Namostute”
Durga Puja is all about celebrating the triumph of good over evil or light over darkness.