Maha Ashtami falls on October 22.
An expert said that Maha Ashtami fasting has enormous power compared to all other fasts.
Navratri began on October 15, with the Ashtami fast being of particular importance during Shardiya Navratri, which falls on Sunday, October 22. News18 spoke to Pandit Manotpal Jha and he said that the start of the Maha Ashtami fast will take place at 8 pm. 21st of October. However, Sanatan Dharma celebrates festivals based on sunrise. Therefore, Maha Ashtami fast is observed on October 22 to worship Maa Durga after eight days of fasting without water. This practice is believed to bring wealth, fame and various blessings.
Pandit Manotpal Jha added that Ashtami fasting has enormous power compared to all other fasts. It is seen as crucial regardless of one’s background. Whether you are seeking relief from ailments, problems or challenges or are seeking health, this fast is of great importance. Therefore, women abstain from water during this fast and prepare their offerings in the evening, which include Arwa rice, Dubri and turmeric. They visit the temple of Durga Mata, light a lamp and present their offerings while expressing their heartfelt wishes.
Pandit Jha emphasized that this Maha Ashtami fast is not just any fast; it is a demanding and highly rewarding spiritual practice. The auspicious times for observing Maha Ashtami fasting are between approximately 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM. During this period, women can visit the temple in the evening and offer Khoichha to the Mother Goddess, which is very auspicious and beneficial. Although there are other times on such days, such as 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM, the most auspicious time to make this offering is in the evening. Therefore, it is recommended to present Khoichha to Goddess Durga during this evening.
To receive the divine blessings of Goddess Lakshmi on Ashtami, it is important to start by taking a purifying bath, practicing meditation and worship, and reciting these mantras to invoke her grace: “I offer my respect to the goddess who resides in the form of Lakshmi in all living beings…’
To overcome various challenges and diseases, and even to achieve victory over opponents, one must recite the following mantra: Yes. I think it’s good. I think I did a good job ्ष्मी रूपेण संस्थिता…(O Supreme Goddess, the one who resides as Lakshmi in all beings and possesses the power to eliminate all problems, please destroy our enemies. You, who exist in every living being as the embodiment of all abilities and grace, we seek your presence and blessings).”
