Chaitra Navratri day 8: Worship Maa Mahagauri On Durga Ashtmi

Jai Mata Di! With Maa Durga blessings, we have arrived at Chaitra Navratri day 8, which is known as Durga Ashtami. Although all the nine days of Chaitra Navratri 2024 are very auspicious, the Durga Ashtami is the most significant day of all.

Some of the devotess culminate the Navratri Pooja on the day of Durga Ashatmi, whereas some of them celebrate Ram Navami and complete their nine days of fasting.

Maa Mahagauri is worshipped as the ultimate divine form of Maa Durga. Worshipping Maa Durga on Navratri day 8 cleanses all your karma and brings immense fortune in your life.

Here is Maa Mahagauri Puja Date, Vidhi, Timings and mantras:

Chaitra Navratri day 8: Durga Ashtami Puja Date

This year during Chaitra Navratri 2024, Durga Ashatmi will be celebrated on 16 April 2024. Although according to Drik Panchang, Durga Ashatmi will begin from 12:11 pm on 15 April and will end at 01:23 pm on 16 April, it might differ slightly in a few cities.

However, as per Hindu Calender, Durga Ashtami will be celebrated nationwide on 16 April 2024.

Maa Mahagauri Puja Vidhi

Chaitra Navratri day 8 Puja is a special day. Devotees perform ‘Kanya Puja’ on this day, also known as ‘kanjhak’ in common language. In this puja, devotees prepare Satvik Bhog which is offered as prasahd to 9 girls at their house. Then, these girls, the swarup of Mata Rani, give blessings to the devotees.

Here is Maa Mahagauri Puja Vidhi, mantras and what to offer for prashad. For Durga Ashtami Puja, today, you’ll prepare a special puja thali.

1. Maa Mahagauri loves Jasmine flowers. Offer her fresh Jasmine flowers’ garland;
2. Offer sweets made of Coconut, as it is very dear to Maa Mahagauri;
3. Offer 16 red bangles and 7 kinds of millets to Maa in the special Puja thali;
4. After you’ve prepared the Puja thali, now let’s get ready for the puja;
5. Wear clean white colored clothes and sprinkle gangajal all around your house and temple;
6. Light the diya and offer ‘Red sandalwood’ teeka to Maa Gauri;
7. Chant the given mantra and pray sincerely to Maa Gauri.

Chaitra Navratri day 8: Maa Mahagauri Aarti

After performing the Puja, sing Maa Mahagauri aarti with the Puja thali in hand. After the aarti, distribute the prasad among family and all present.

Now, offer prasad to the ‘kanyas’ ( girls). It’s best that they eat at your place. Take their blessings and pray to Maa Durga that may she bless you in abundance. Jai Mata di!

Also read: Significance of Chaitra Navratri day 1, day 2, day 3, day 4, day 5, day 6 and day 7.