Ashtami and Navami are two important days in the Navratri festival, which are celebrated over a period of nine days. These days hold significant importance in Hindu mythology and are celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm.
Navratri is a nine-day long Hindu festival celebrated in India and other parts of the world. The word “Navratri” is derived from two Sanskrit words “Nava” meaning nine, and “Ratri” meaning night. The festival is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine forms, also known as Navadurga.
The significance of Navratri varies depending on the region and community in which it is celebrated. However, there are some common themes associated with Navratri:
victory of good over evil
According to Hindu mythology, Navratri marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, who was troubling the gods and humans. Thus the festival is seen as a celebration of the victory of good over evil.
Divine Feminine Worship
The nine forms of Goddess Durga that are worshiped during Navratri represent different aspects of the divine feminine. Devotees believe that by worshiping these forms, they can attain spiritual enlightenment and attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
renewal and purification
Navaratri is also seen as a time of renewal and purification. Devotees fast, meditate and perform various rituals to purify their mind and body and seek blessings from the divine.
Social gatherings and cultural festivities: Navratri is the time for social gatherings and cultural festivities. People wear traditional attire, sing and dance on devotional songs, and participate in various cultural events and competitions.
Overall, Navratri is a festival of great importance in Hinduism and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by millions of people around the world. Worship of Maa Durga on both the days is of utmost importance and these days are celebrated with great enthusiasm because of their special significance.
Importance of Ashtami and Navami
Ashtami and Navami are two important days in the Navratri festival, which are celebrated over a period of nine days. These days hold significant importance in Hindu mythology and are celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm.
On the day of Ashtami, the eighth form of Maa Durga, Mahagauri is worshipped, and Durga Ashtami fast is also observed on this day. This day is of utmost importance for the aspiring devotees of Durga Puja.
Ashtami is the eighth day of Navratri and is dedicated to Goddess Durga. On this day, people perform special prayers and rituals to honor the divine feminine power of the Goddess. It is believed that Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahishasura on this day, which signifies the victory of good over evil. Many devotees observe a fast and offer special bhog to the goddess.
On the other hand, on Navami, the Navami form of Maa Durga, Siddhidatri is worshipped. Some people also observe Navami fast on this day. On this day pudding, poori and black gram are made as prasad which is used as bhog. After the bhog, Kanjaka is made to sit, in which 9 girls are worshipped.
Navami, the ninth and last day of Navratri, is dedicated to worshiping Goddess Siddhidatri. She is the ninth form of Goddess Durga and is known for her divine powers and blessings. It is believed that worshiping him on this day brings success, prosperity and good luck. On this day people do special worship and offer food to the goddess. Many people also break their fast on this day and celebrate.
Apart from their religious importance, Ashtami and Navami also have cultural and social significance in India. People wear new clothes and participate in community events and celebrations. Many families organize feasts and distribute sweets and gifts to their near and dear ones.
method of worship
The method and method of worship varies from region to region and family, but it is considered necessary to offer white flowers to Maa Durga on this day. Maa Durga’s idol, incense, lamp, fruits, sweets, coconut, vermilion, roli, akshat etc. are used in worship.
Devotees usually offer flowers, fruits, sweets and other offerings to Goddess Durga. They also light candles and incense sticks, chant hymns and prayers, and perform other rituals to honor the goddess and seek her blessings.
Ashtami and Navami are important days in Navratri, which hold significance both religiously and culturally. They are celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion to bring people together in a spirit of happiness and unity.
Overall, Ashtami and Navami Puja is an important Hindu festival that is celebrated with great devotion and reverence, and is believed to bring happiness, prosperity and good fortune to those who observe it.