On Ashtami, goddess Mahagauri is worshipped.
Although one can perform Kanya Puja every day of Navratri, it is considered to be auspicious if performed on the eighth day.
Durga Ashtami of Shardiya Navratri is on Sunday, October 22, this year. Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga and Ravi Yoga are being formed on Durga Ashtami. On this day, the Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga is from 06:26 a.m. and will conclude at 06:44 p.m. The auspicious work done in this duration is considered to fulfil wishes. On Mahashtami, the goddess Mahagauri is worshipped. She is the eighth avatar of the goddess Durga.
Here are four things to do on Durga Ashtami according to the astrologer Chakrapani Bhatt from Varanasi. These four things will bring wealth, happiness, prosperity and success to the devotees.
Keep fast on Mahashtami
Those who follow to keep fast on the first and last day of the Navratri can keep fast on Durga Ashtami as it is considered to be important. According to folklore, when goddess Parvati performed rigorous penance to please Lord Shiva, her body had become black and weak for thousands of years. Lord Shiva then gave her Mahagaur Varna.
Perform Kanya Puja
Although you can perform Kanya Puja every day of Navratri, it is considered to be auspicious if performed on the eighth day. In this ritual, you worship girls between the age of 2 years to 10 years. Their numbers can range from 1 to 9. This ritual is done as girls are considered to be the symbol of goddess Durga. The girls should be offered gifts as Dakshina after the ritual.
Perform Havan
On the day of Durga Ashtami, you can perform Navratri Havan at your home. According to astrologer Chakrapani Bhatt, through the havan your home will be purified and the negative energy will be removed. Along with this, you will also please Navadurga and receive blessings from Goddess Durga.
Visit Durga Pandal
Attend the evening aarti of Mahashtami at Durga Pandal near your home to seek blessing from Goddess Durga. Also when a married woman is visiting her in-laws or maternal home, they should be offered betel leaves, betel nut, Akshat, lump turmeric and durva among others on her lap.
