Today the entire nation is celebrating Durga Ashtami and devotees worship the Hindu goddess Durga which symbolizes Shakti. Durga Ashtami also known as Durgotsava marks the victory of Maa Durga over evil. It is a nine days occasion in which last six days are observed as Mahalaya, Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Nabami and Bijoya Dashami. According to Hindu mythological story, Goddess Durga defeated evil demon Mahishasura and since then this festival is celebrated in India. Durga Puja is celebrated from sixth day till the tenth day of Navratri. It is one of the biggest celebrated religious festivals in the country.
On the tenth day of Navratri, devotees immerse the idol of Goddess Durga in the sacred water body on the evening of Dashami. This ritual symbolizes that Mother Goddess descends to the Earth on Shashti, on the sixth day and returns to her abode on Dashami. On the day of Durga Puja, people celebrate the festival and feast. But this occasion is much more than this. It is about the triumph of goodness over all the wrong things. Goddess Durga is the almighty savior for all her devotees. ALSO READ: Ashtami Wishes in Hindi: Durga Ashtami Messages, Images, Quotes, Whatsapp & Facbook Status to Wish Happy Maha Ashtami 2016 Greetings!
Devotees fast those days and also worship weapons of Goddess Durga on that day. It is said that Goddess Kali appeared from the forehead of Maa Durga on this auspicious day. Temples conduct special puja’s on those days. On the tenth day of Navratri, devotees immerse the idol of Goddess Durga in the sacred water body on the evening of Dashami. This traditional ritual symbolizes that Mother Goddess descends to the Earth on Shashti (sixth day) and returns to her abode on Dashami (tenth day). Durga Slokas symbolizes Goddess Durga as a divine force, embodiment of peace, wealth and power. ALSO READ: Happy Durga Ashtami Wishes: 20 Best WhatsApp Status, Facebook Messages, SMS, Images & DP to Wish Happy Maha Ashtami 2016
On this auspicious occasion, we have shared Maha mantras and Devi mantra which one can chant on this important day of Durga Puja:
1. Om Jayanti, Mangala, Kali, Bhadrakali, Kapalini. Durga, Shiba, Kshama, Dhatri, Swaha, Swadha Namahstu Te. Esha Sachandana Gandha Pushpa Bilwa Patranjali, Om Hrring Durgaoi Namah
2. Ya Devi sarva bhuteshu Matri rupena samsthita Ya Devi sarva bhuteshu Shakti rupena samsthita Ya Devi sarva bhutesu Shanti rupena samsthita Namestasyai Namestasyai Namestasyai Namoh Namah
The Sanskrit Devi Mantras mean:
The goddess who is omnipresent as the personification of universal mother The goddess who is omnipresent as the embodiment of power The goddess who is omnipresent as the symbol of peace I bow to her, I bow to her, I bow to her.
It is said that on this day Maa Durga killed evil demon Mahishasura. Maha Ashtami festival begins with Mahasnan and Shodashopachar Puja which is quite similar to Maha Saptami Puja. Kolkata is one of the best places to visit during Durga Puja as one would notice an unique blend of traditional culture, customs and modern values. Devotees fast for those ten days and worship nine forms of Durga. ALSO READ: Durga Ashtami 2016: Date, Muhurat, Puja Vidhi, Vrat, Mantra & Auspicious timing for Navratri Maha Ashtami 2016
We just hope you celebrate and strengthen the bond of love with the almighty. Wish you’ll a very Happy Durga Puja!