Navratri 2023: Why is Maha Ashtami special in Navratri, know its importance

Although Navratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country, the special celebration is seen in West Bengal. Big pandals are set up at various places and special pujas are performed on the day of Maha Ashtami.

Navratri has special significance in Hindu religion. Actually, there are four Navratris in a year, out of which two are mainly celebrated. First Chaitra Navratri, second Sharadiya Navratri. While Chaitra Navratri falls in the month of Chaitra, Shardiya Navratri is celebrated in the month of Ashvim. During this period, 9 forms of Maa Durga are worshipped. This year Shardiya Navratri is starting from 15th October and will end on 24th October.

During this period, Ashtami Tithi has special significance which is also called Maha Ashtami. On this day, Maa Gauri, the 8th form of Maa Durga, is worshipped. Mother Gauri's vehicle is bull and her weapon is Trishul. Let us know why Maha Ashtami is so important during Navratri?

Why is this date special?

Actually, it is believed that on the day of Maha Ashtami, Mother Durga had killed the demons Chand Munda. Therefore this date has special significance. It is believed that any devotee who worships Maa Durga with a true heart on this day, all his wishes are fulfilled and he receives special blessings of the Mata Rani. On this day, there is a tradition of worshiping the weapons of Mata Rani, due to which it is also called Veer Ashtami. It is believed that this date is very auspicious. Keeping a waterless fast on this day increases the longevity of children. On this day, while praying for the long life of her husband, red chunari is also offered to Mother Gauri.

Although Navratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country, its special significance is seen in West Bengal. Big pandals are set up at various places and special pujas are performed on the day of Maha Ashtami. Dhunuchi dance is also performed on the day of Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami. Navami Tithi is also known as Ram Navami. Kanya Puja has special significance on this day. In this, as a symbol of 9 forms of Maa Durga, 9 girls are called home and fed with love. It is believed that Mother Queen is pleased by worshiping the girl and her blessings always remain on the family. In some people, Kanya Puja is also performed on the day of Ashtami. In such a situation, both the dates have special significance.