Durga Ashtami is the eighth day of worship and the invocation of the divine feminine power. The Mother, adored as creatrix and mediatrix of creation, is revered under different names and forms: Durga, Kali, Saraswati and Lakshmi. She is the force that manifests, creates, sustains, transcends and animates the entire universe. The essence of the divine mother is revered in various attributes, personifications and emanations reflecting the versatility and plurality of our tradition, said Prof. Kumool Abbi.
The Goddess represents all that is beautiful, pure, true, luminous and glorious. Her worship brings abundance, auspiciousness, prosperity and wellbeing. As a mother, she preserves, nurtures and protects. Her formidable wrath destroys all that is untrue, evil, dark, obscure and hostile, clearing the path for truth, righteousness and dharma to prevail. She guides: Vanquishing the asuras Chand and Mund as Chamunda devi and slaying the buffalo demon Mahishasura as Goddess Durga, thereby reflecting the power, force, agency and glory of women to fight against oppression and deliver justice.
Temples across India are decked up for the festival. People fast and pray to the divine mother as a mark of devotion. Colourful pandals are decorated; rhythmic garba dances, jagrans, dhunuchinaach and sandhi pooja are held. The worship of weapons known as astra pooja takes place. This day is also known as Virashtami, commemorating and venerating martial prowess. It also commemorates the worship of the 64 yoginis.
Splendid and resplendent, the Goddess emerges as a fountainhead of love, beauty, illumination, purity and bliss, illustrated in her eighth form as Maha Gauri, who is worshipped on the day of Ashtami. On this day, nine virgin girls, who are embodiments of the Goddess are worshipped, representing her nine forms; their feet are washed in water and they are offered kheer, halwa and puri.
Published - October 19, 2026 05:04 am IST