Maha Ashtami falls on October 22.
An expert said that the Maha Ashtami fast holds immense power compared to all other fasts.
Navratri started on October 15 with the Ashtami fast being of particular significance during Shardiya Navratri, which falls on Sunday, October 22. talked to Pandit Manotpal Jha and he said that the start of the Maha Ashtami fast will occur at 8:00 p.m. on October 21. However, Sanatan Dharma observes festivals based on sunrise. Therefore, the Maha Ashtami fast is observed on October 22 to worship Maa Durga after fasting without water for eight days. This practice is believed to bring wealth, fame and various blessings.
Pandit Manotpal Jha added that the Ashtami fast holds immense power compared to all other fasts. It is regarded as crucial, regardless of one’s background. Whether seeking relief from ailments, troubles or any challenges or seeking health, this fast is highly significant. Hence, during this fast, women abstain from water and, in the evening, prepare their offerings, including Arwa rice, Dubri and turmeric. They visit Durga Mata’s temple, light a lamp and present their offerings while making their heartfelt wishes.
Pandit Jha stressed that this Maha Ashtami fast is not an ordinary one; it is a demanding and highly rewarding spiritual practice. The favourable timings for observing the Maha Ashtami fast is between approximately 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. During this window, women can visit the temple in the evening and offer Khoichha to the Mother Goddess, which is highly auspicious and beneficial. While there are other times like 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on such days, the most auspicious time for making this offering is in the evening. Hence, it is recommended to present Khoichha to the Goddess Durga during this evening time.
To receive the divine blessings of Goddess Lakshmi on Ashtami, it’s important to start by taking a purifying bath, engaging in meditation and worship, and reciting these mantras to invoke her grace: “I pay my respects to the goddess who resides in the form of Lakshmi within all living beings…”
To overcome various challenges, and illnesses, and even to gain victory over adversaries, one should recite the following mantra: ” सर्वाबाधाप्रशमनं त्रैलोक्यस्याखिलेश्वरि. एवमेव त्वया कार्यमस्मद्वैरिविनाशनम. या देवी सर्वभूतेषु सर्वशक्ति रुपए सदस्यता लक्ष्मी रूपेण संस्थिता…(O Supreme Goddess, the one who resides as Lakshmi within all beings and possesses the power to eliminate all troubles, please annihilate our enemies. You, who exist in every living being as the embodiment of all abilities and grace, we seek your presence and blessings).”
