Sharad Navratri 2024 Day 8: Kanya Pujan On Ashtami!

As the Sharad Navratri 2024 draws to a close, the importance of the final days becomes increasingly evident. While every day of Sharad Navratri holds special significance, the days of Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami stand out as the most crucial.

Also read: Horoscope 2025

On Ashtami, many devotees perform Kanya Pujan. In today’s special blog from AstroSage, we will delve into the Ashtami Tithi (eighth day) of Shardiya Navratri, also known as Maha Ashtami. We will explore which form of the goddess is revered on this day, the auspicious timings for the rituals, and essential considerations for those performing Kanya Pujan. Let’s dive into our detailed discussion on the Ashtami Tithi of Sharad Navratri 2024.

To Know More About Your Life, Talk To The Best Astrologers

Sharad Navratri 2024 Day 8: Date & Timing

Let’s first discuss the Ashtami Tithi of Sharad Navratri 2024. This year, Ashtami Tithi falls on the ninth day of Navratri, which means Durga Ashtami will be observed on October 11, 2024. On this day, the worship of Goddess Mahagauri is recommended. According to the Hindu Panchang, the date will be Ashtami, the phase will be Shukla Paksha, the Nakshatra will be Uttara Ashadha, and the Yoga will be Sukarma. The Abhijit Muhurat will be from 11:44:20 AM to 12:30:41 PM.

Puja Vidhi For Goddess Mahagauri During Sharad Navratri 2024

On the Ashtami Tithi of Navratri, devotees honor Goddess Mahagauri. Many also perform Kanya Pujan on both Ashtami and Navami to seek her blessings. It is believed that Goddess Durga descends to Earth during Navratri to alleviate the suffering of her devotees. Ashtami Tithi is considered one of the most significant days of Navratri, as it is said that Goddess Durga manifested on this day to vanquish the demons.

On Ashtami, Devi Durga is said to have defeated the demons Chanda and Munda. Therefore, even if one cannot observe the full nine days of Navratri or fast, observing a fast on Ashtami and Navami is considered equivalent to participating in the entire Navratri celebration.

Goddess Mahagauri, the eighth form of the goddess, is depicted with a fair complexion, as her name suggests, and is dressed in white garments. Worshipping Devi Mahagauri is believed to cleanse all sins and bestow eternal merit upon devotees. Her meditation and worship are thought to bring prosperity and purity into one’s life, ensuring lasting merit.

Devotees who worship Goddess Mahagauri with sincerity have their sins absolved and are safeguarded from future sins, suffering, and daily hardships. Her blessings are believed to lead to extraordinary spiritual achievements and provide relief from troubles. This form of the goddess is likened to Annapurna, the goddess of nourishment. Consequently, many people perform Kanya Pujan on Ashtami to honor Goddess Mahagauri, who is revered as the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and peace. Worshiping Goddess Mahagauri is thus essential for attaining both material and spiritual well-being.

To Know Your Moon Sign, click here: Moon Sign Calculator!

Meaning And Significance Of Goddess Mahagauri’s Name

Goddess Mahagauri, the eighth form of Goddess Durga, is worshiped on the Ashtami Tithi of Navratri. She is also honored as Goddess Parvati and Annapurna. The name “Mahagauri” reflects her complete fairness, often compared to the purity of conch shells and jasmine flowers. It is believed that her age is merely eight years.

Goddess Mahagauri is depicted adorned in white garments and jewelry. It is said that she attained this fair complexion through intense penance, which led to her being venerated as the resplendent and auspicious Mahagauri. She is known as the bestower of wealth and prosperity and is revered as the divine mother who alleviates physical, mental, and worldly sufferings.

Sharad Navratri 2024 Ashtami Tithi: Mantras, Offerings, And Auspicious Color

On the Ashtami Tithi of Shardiya Navratri, it is essential to include the following mantra dedicated to Goddess Mahagauri in your worship:

Mantra:

Shvete Vrrishe Samarudha Shvetambaradhara Shuchih| Mahagauri Shubham Dadyanmahadevapramodada|
Ya Devi Sarvabhu Teshu Mam Gauri Rupena Samsthita| Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah

Regarding offerings, the Devi Bhagavata Purana suggests presenting a coconut to Goddess Mahagauri on Ashtami Tithi, as she is particularly fond of it. Additionally, since many people perform Kanya Pujan on this day, it is also customary to include black chickpeas as prasad.

When it comes to Goddess Mahagauri’s favorite colors and flowers, she is especially fond of the night-blooming jasmine (Raat Rani). In terms of colors, Goddess Mahagauri prefers white or light-colored garments. Therefore, for the worship on Ashtami Tithi, ensure that you use white and light-colored clothing.

It is also believed that Goddess Mahagauri has a connection with the Rahu planet, as she presides over it. Hence, individuals with Rahu dosha in their horoscope are advised to worship Goddess Mahagauri to seek relief from this affliction.

Worried About Your Career, Order CogniAstro Report Now!

Significance And Rituals Of Kanya Pujan On Maha-Ashtami

As previously mentioned, many people perform Kanya Pujan on Maha-Ashtami. If you are planning to conduct Kanya Pujan on this day or are already doing so, it is important to understand the proper procedure and guidelines for this ritual.

• First, according to the scriptures, you should visit the homes of young girls a day before Ashtami to invite them respectfully for the puja.
• On the day of Maha-Ashtami, as the girls arrive for the meal, welcome them with a shower of flowers and chant the names of the goddess.
• Seat the girls in a clean and comfortable place, and wash their feet with your own hands. Apply rice grains (akshat), flowers, and kumkum on their foreheads. Then, while meditating on the goddess, serve them the meal.
• After the meal, wash the girls’ hands and feet again. Seek their blessings and offer them some donations and gifts according to your capability.
• Additionally, ensure that when you invite nine girls for the meal, you also invite a young boy in the form of a Batuk or Kaal Bhairav. Provide him with the same respectful treatment and meals as well.

Guidelines For Kanya Pujan

If you plan to perform Kanya Pujan on Maha-Ashtami, it is important to adhere to these specific guidelines. During Navratri, while every day holds significance, Ashtami and Navami are particularly dedicated to the worship of nine young girls, each representing a different aspect:

• A 2-year-old girl, known as Kumari, is revered to alleviate sorrow and poverty.
• A 3-year-old girl is considered a Trimurti. Worshipping her brings prosperity and ensures happiness and well-being in the family.
• A 4-year-old girl, referred to as Kalyani, is honored to promote overall family welfare.
• A 5-year-old girl, known as Rohini, helps to relieve illness and suffering when worshipped.
• A 6-year-old girl, called Kalika, bestows knowledge, victory, and the benefits of Rajyoga.
• A 7-year-old girl is known as Chandika. Her worship grants wealth and prosperity.
• An 8-year-old girl, called Shambhavi, aids in achieving victory in disputes.
• A 9-year-old girl, known as Durga, helps in overcoming enemies and ensures the fulfillment of all tasks.
• A 10-year-old girl, named Subhadra, when worshipped and given food, fulfills all desires.

Are you aware of the importance of Sandhi Puja on Durga Ashtami during Sharadiya Navratri and what this ritual entails?

The term “Sandhi” refers to the moment when two periods, such as a day and night, a date, or a phase, overlap. For instance, the time between sunset and night is called Sandhya Kaal. Similarly, when one date ends and another begins, this transitional period is known as Sandhi. Performing worship during this period is referred to as Sandhi Puja.

Sandhi Puja is observed during the transition between Ashtami and Navami. It encompasses the last 24 minutes of Ashtami and the first 24 minutes of Navami, known as the Sandhi Kaal. During this time, both Ashtami and Navami deities can be worshipped simultaneously.

It is believed that during this period, Goddess Durga defeated the demons Chanda and Munda and later vanquished Mahishasura. The Sandhi Kaal is considered highly auspicious for performing Havan. It is believed that performing Havan during this time yields immediate results.

During Sandhi Puja, offerings of bananas, cucumbers, pumpkins, and other fruits and vegetables are made. Devotees light 101 lamps during this period to worship and venerate the Goddess. This practice is said to please the Goddess, fulfill desires, and bring prosperity and well-being into one’s life.

AstroSage Brihat Horoscope For All The Valuable Insights Into Future

Effective Remedies For Success On Ashtami Tithi Of Sharad Navratri 2024

On the Ashtami Tithi of Sharad Navratri 2024, consider the following remedies for success and fulfillment:

• If you are performing Kanya Pujan on this day, ensure that you gift a red chunri to the young girls after they have had their meal.
• Offer cloves and red flowers to Maa Durga on this day. This practice is believed to alleviate life’s difficulties and fulfill desires.
• If there is a negative atmosphere in your home, perform the worship of Maa Mahagauri with camphor.
• Burn camphor in a rose flower for prosperity and abundance and offer it to Maa Durga.
• To invite peace and tranquility into your home, light 9 lamps near a Tulsi plant on Ashtami Tithi and then circumambulate the plant.
• Visit a Durga temple and recite the Durga Saptashati. This is said to bring prosperity, happiness, and fame into your life.
• Practicing yoga and meditation on Ashtami Tithi can lead to the attainment of ultimate bliss.

For Astrological Remedies & Services, Visit: AstroSage Online Shopping Store! 

We hope you liked our blog. Thank you for becoming an important part of the AstroSage family. For more interesting blogs, stay connected with us!

Frequently Asked Questions

1.