Navratri 2021: Know the 8 important things about Maha Ashtami

The date of Ashtami holds great importance in Chaitra, Gupta, or Shardiya Navratri, which is called Maha Ashtami. It is also called Durgashtami, Aatham or Athmi. Let us know what the importance of this particular date is.

1. This tithi named Kalavati is Jaya Sangyak. Tuesday's Ashtami is Siddhida and Wednesday's is Mrityuda. Its direction is north. Ishan is the abode of all the deities including Shiva, hence the importance of this Ashtami is more. This date is extremely beneficial, holy, giving happiness and increasing dharma.

2. Devas, demons, Gandharvas, snakes, yakshas, Kinners, human beings, etc., all worship on Ashtami and Navami. According to the legends, on this date, the Devi Maa killed the Chand-mund demons. That is why this date has special significance.

3. On the day of Ashtami, along with the worship of Kul Devi, Goddess Kali, Dakshina Kali, Bhadrakali, and Mahakali are also worshipped. Maa Mahagauri is the form of Annapurna. Maa Annapurna is also worshipped on this day, so on the day of Ashtami, girls are offered food, and Brahmins are fed.

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4. In most of the houses, Paran takes place on the day of Ashtami. On the day of Maha Ashtami, after the MahaSnaan, Shodashopachar Puja of Maa Durga is performed. Nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped on the day of Maha Ashtami, so nine Kalash are kept on this day and Dhyan and Aavahan are done for the nine forms of Goddess Durga.

5. The deity of the 8th day of Navratri is Maa Mahagauri. Maa Gauri's vehicle is bull and her weapon is Trishul. The most merciful mother Mahagauri became famous in the whole world by the name of Bhagwati Mahagauri after attaining glory by doing hard Tapasya. Worship of Bhagwati Mahagauri fulfils all the desired wishes and bestows fearlessness, beauty to the devotees, ends the various types of diseases produced in the body, and fulfils life with happiness, prosperity, and health.

6. It is forbidden to eat coconut on the day of Ashtami because eating it destroys the intellect. Apart from this, it is forbidden to eat sesame oil, red-coloured greens, and bronze utensils. However, coconut can be offered to the Goddess. Pumpkin and bottle gourd is also considered forbidden in many places because it is offered as a gift to the Goddess.

7. If you are doing Ashtami Poojan, then worship Mahagauri in different ways like bhajans, kirtans, dances, etc. After performing pujas in various ways, food and Halwa should be fed to 9 girls. Offer these to the Goddess-
1. Kheer, 2. Malpua, 3. Sweet pudding, 4. Pooran podi, 5. Banana, 6. Coconut, 7. Sweets, 8. Ghevar, 9. Ghee-honey and 10. Sesame and jaggery.

8. Worshiping Maa Bhagwati on Ashtami eliminates suffering, sorrow and gives victory over enemies. Those who worship the goddess with the classical method become free from all diseases and are blessed with wealth and prosperity.