The nine manifestation of Durga (Nava Durga) are Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri. Masik Durgashtami is especially dedicated to the worship of Maha Gauri, the eighth one among the nine manifestations of Ma Durga. Durgashtami is marked by a daylong worship of Ma Durga on the Shuklapaksha ashtami with pujas and vrat concluding in the evening. It is said the vrat observed on this day can remove all the afflictions in the life of devotees and bring peace, prosperity and happiness into families.
The complexion of Mahagauri is compared to that of white conch, jasmine or moon. Mahagauri is ever youthful and looks like an eight year old girl child. Peace and compassion are her attributes. Among her four hands, two are in abhaya and varada mudras (protective and boon giving poses respectively) with the other two carrying trident and damaru (dumbbell shaped drum). She is depicted in white or green sari and is shown to ride on a bull.
Weapons of Goddess Durga are worshipped on the day and it is known Astra Puja. The day is also known as Virashtami as there are displays using arms or martial arts. It is one of the most important day for Goddess Worship in Hindu religion. There is also a belief in some regions that Goddess Kali appeared from the forehead of Durga on this day to annihilate Chanda and Munda and Rakthabija. During the Durga Puja rituals on Mahashtami day the 64 Yoginis and Ashtanayikas – the eight consorts – of Durga are also worshipped.
The eight consorts of Durga, also known as Eight Shaktis, are interpreted differently in different regions of India. But ultimately all the eight goddesses are incarnations of Shakti with different aims. Sometimes they are also an attempt to give form to a particular aspect of Shakti.
The Ashtanayikas that are worshipped during Durga Puja are Brahmani, Maheswari, Kameswari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Narasinghi, Indrani and Chamunda.
Numerous minor deities including many attendants and guards of Durga are worshipped on the day. A fast is observed by staunch Durga devotees on Durga Ashtami. Both men and women observe the fast. Shakti temples conduct special pujas on the day and are visited by millions of devotees. A tradition associated with Durga Ashtami originated in North India is to honor the kanjaks in the home. A group of young, unmarried girls (a group of five or seven) are invited into the home to honor them. The tradition is based on the belief that each of these young girls( kanjaks ), represents the shakti (energy) of Durga on Earth. The group of girls are welcomed by washing their feet (a common ceremonial in India to welcome someone), welcoming them into the home, and then the rituals are done as Alati and Puja. After the rituals the girls are fed sweets and foods and honored with small gifts.
Durgashtami day ends with Sandhi puja, which overlaps into the next day which is the Mahanavami day.
Another important puja on the day is the Mahanisha puja.
The complexion of Mahagauri is compared to that of white conch, jasmine or moon. Mahagauri is ever youthful and looks like an eight year old girl child. Peace and compassion are her attributes. Among her four hands, two are in abhaya and varada mudras (protective and boon giving poses respectively) with the other two carrying trident and damaru (dumbbell shaped drum). She is depicted in white or green sari and is shown to ride on a bull.
Weapons of Goddess Durga are worshipped on the day and it is known Astra Puja. The day is also known as Virashtami as there are displays using arms or martial arts. It is one of the most important day for Goddess Worship in Hindu religion. There is also a belief in some regions that Goddess Kali appeared from the forehead of Durga on this day to annihilate Chanda and Munda and Rakthabija. During the Durga Puja rituals on Mahashtami day the 64 Yoginis and Ashtanayikas – the eight consorts – of Durga are also worshipped.
The eight consorts of Durga, also known as Eight Shaktis, are interpreted differently in different regions of India. But ultimately all the eight goddesses are incarnations of Shakti with different aims. Sometimes they are also an attempt to give form to a particular aspect of Shakti.
The Ashtanayikas that are worshipped during Durga Puja are Brahmani, Maheswari, Kameswari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Narasinghi, Indrani and Chamunda.
Numerous minor deities including many attendants and guards of Durga are worshipped on the day. A fast is observed by staunch Durga devotees on Durga Ashtami. Both men and women observe the fast. Shakti temples conduct special pujas on the day and are visited by millions of devotees. A tradition associated with Durga Ashtami originated in North India is to honor the kanjaks in the home. A group of young, unmarried girls (a group of five or seven) are invited into the home to honor them. The tradition is based on the belief that each of these young girls( kanjaks ), represents the shakti (energy) of Durga on Earth. The group of girls are welcomed by washing their feet (a common ceremonial in India to welcome someone), welcoming them into the home, and then the rituals are done as Alati and Puja. After the rituals the girls are fed sweets and foods and honored with small gifts.
Durgashtami day ends with Sandhi puja, which overlaps into the next day which is the Mahanavami day.
Another important puja on the day is the Mahanisha puja.
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