Durga Ashtami, also known as Mahashtami, is one of the most sacred days of the Chaitra Navratri festival. It is dedicated to worshipping Goddess Mahagauri, the eighth form of Goddess Durga. This day is marked by powerful rituals, devotion, and celebration across India. Chaitra Durgashtami will be celebrated on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
Durga Ashtami 2025 Date and Time
| Event | Date and Time |
| Chaitra Durgashtami | Saturday, April 5, 2025 |
| Ashtami Tithi Begins | 08:12 PM on Apr 04, 2025 |
| Ashtami Tithi Ends | 07:26 PM on Apr 05, 2025 |
On this day, nine small pots are installed, symbolising the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Each form of the Goddess is invoked and worshipped with devotion. Devotees observe fasts, chant prayers, and offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to the Goddess.
Durga Ashtami is also significant for the legendary Sandhi Puja, which occurs during the transition between Ashtami and Navami Tithi. This time frame—24 minutes before and after the shift from Ashtami to Navami—is called Sandhi Kaal and is considered the most auspicious period during Durga Puja.
Significance of Sandhi Puja
Sandhi Puja is the spiritual highlight of Durga Ashtami. It is believed to be the time when Goddess Chamunda, a fierce form of Durga, appeared to kill the demons Chanda and Munda. Traditionally, a Balidan (sacrifice) is offered during this time. While some communities perform animal sacrifices, many opt for symbolic offerings using banana, cucumber, or pumpkin—especially in Brahmin households, where actual sacrifice is not permitted.
Places like Belur Math in West Bengal follow the practice of symbolic Bali using banana and also light 108 earthen lamps, adding a divine glow to the sacred moment.
Goddess Mahagauri: The Eighth Form of Durga
On this day, devotees worship Goddess Mahagauri, known for her extreme purity and serene appearance. The name “Mahagauri” literally means “extremely fair.”
According to legend, Goddess Shailputri underwent severe penance to get Lord Shiva as her husband. Due to her devotion, she became radiant and pure, acquiring a fair complexion, thus earning the name Mahagauri.
Goddess Mahagauri rides a bull, the same as her earlier form, Shailputri, which is why she is also called Vrisharudha. She is depicted with four hands—holding a Trishul and a Damaru, while showing the Abhaya Mudra (gesture of fearlessness) and Varada Mudra (gesture of blessing).
She wears pure white clothes and is often compared to the conch shell, moon, and the Kunda flower, which symbolise her flawless beauty and divine grace. For this reason, she is also called Shwetambardhara, meaning “one who wears white garments.”
Spiritual Details
- Devanagari Name: महागौरी
- Favourite Flower: Night-blooming jasmine (Raat ki Rani)
ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नमः॥ Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah
Prayer (Prarthana):
श्वेते वृषेसमारूढा श्वेताम्बरधरा शुचिः। महागौरी शुभं दद्यान्महादेव प्रमोददा॥
Astrological Significance
Goddess Mahagauri is associated with the planet Rahu. Worshipping her is believed to help remove the ill effects of Rahu from one's horoscope, bringing peace and spiritual progress.
Durga Ashtami and Mahagauri Puja are not just rituals but celebrations of strength, purity, and divine energy. The combination of Sandhi Puja and Mahagauri worship makes Chaitra Ashtami one of the most spiritually charged days of Navratri. Devotees observe the day with utmost devotion, seeking blessings for inner peace, health, and prosperity.
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