Ashtami falls on the eighth day of the waxing Moon, according to the Hindu calendar. There is one Ashtami every month that is dedicated to Goddess Durga since she was created on the eighth day of the waxing moon phase.
The combined power of the Trinities Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva) created the powerful Goddess and the destroyer of the evil Maa Durga in the Ashwin month to kill the demon Mahishasura. That is how the Ashtami that falls during the Navratri is considered the most significant. However, every Ashtami is the day of Maa Durga, and hence observing fast on this day draws benefits to devotees’ lives.
Durga is worshipped in two ways: Satvik and Tantrik. While Satvik Puja considers worshipping Durga, offering her Satvik food, and saying the Durga Puja, Tantriks even offer wine to Goddess Durga to receive expertise in Tantra Vidya.
The Planetary Position Forming on this Day
This month’s Durga Ashtami will fall on December 22, Tuesday. On the day, Mars will be in Pisces and in the Revathi Nakshatra, which denotes wealth and knowledge. There is a Yog forming too, the Chandra Mangal Yog, also known as Shashi Mangal Yog, which depicts fame and financial success.
This way, Moon on the day will bless us with a strong intuition and increased mental power. Mars bestows us with a passion so we can be fully dedicated to our ambition. However, Jupiter will be with Saturn that may draw some negative effects, such as Saturn’s trait, which is about feeling lethargic. So if we worship Goddess Durga on this day, we tend to get the ill effects removed and only get blessed with goodness.
Other than that, the Moon is also placed in Uttarabhadrapada Nakshatra (Saturn Star) that invites stability to one’s life. Saturn also resides with Jupiter, and it will also go to its own sign, Capricorn, making the day even stronger and fruitful if we worship Goddess Durga.
Thus praying to Durga would promote stability and success in all endeavors. This is also the perfect time to seek forgiveness since observing fast on Ashtami washes off all our sins. It eliminates the feeling of jealousy, anger, and cruelness, clearing our hearts and filing with compassion.
Goddess Durga keeps the evil away and sanctifies our minds with positivity. She gives us courage since she is the fearless creation bestowed by all three Gods’ powers.
Mantras Of Goddess Durga and Mars to be Chanted at least 108 Times
Om Sri DurgaayaNamaha
Meaning – I bow to Goddess Durga (the divine consort of Shiva)
Om KaatyayanaayaVidhmaheyKanyaakumaarideemahi, tannoDurgihiprachodayaat
Meaning – I meditate on Kaatyaayani (Durga) and the Goddess at Kanyakumari (Durga), the ruler of the physical, mental and spiritual realms. May Her light illumine us.
Om Sri bhaumaayaNamaha
Meaning – I bow to the bhauma (Mars).
Dos and Don’ts while observing Ashatami Fast
- Devotees should wake up early morning and wear clean clothes after taking a bath.
- Wear red color clothes and apply sandalwood tilak.
- One should keep fasting as per the health condition. You can observe fast without eating anything or consume milk and fruits.
- You should meditate on the name of Durga and chant mantras at least 108 times.
- You can also recite Kanda Shashti Kavacham.
- Light up a lamp and keep it the whole day.
- Worship Goddess Durga and offer red-colored flowers like Hibiscus.
- Conclude the Vrat by reading the Vrat Katha and praying to the Goddess.
- On the day, don’t disrespect anyone or keep hatred in your heart.
- Try to help people and feed animals.
- Stay away from any non-vegetarian and tamasic food; only consume Vrat-friendly foods.
- Don’t bring bad thoughts into your mind, and be sober.
Worshipping Shakti with your whole heart and devotion is the way to get positivity, power, health, and wisdom. Let Maa Durga destroy your inner demons and let the ray of hope take place.
Having a Panchangam always helps since you don’t miss any important date regarding any spiritual day. Visit Astropedia and visit the online Panchangam.
