Durva Ashtami Puja 2024: Know Date, Tithi Time, Significance, Rituals
Posted on September 10, 2024
Durva Ashtami Puja is a traditional Hindu festival that is observed in reverence to Goddess Parvati. It falls on the Ashtami (eighth day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) in the month of Bhadrapada (August-September). The festival holds special significance in the worship of the sacred Durva grass, which is believed to have divine properties and is considered auspicious in Hindu rituals.
Durva Ashtami Puja 2024 Date: Wednesday, September 11.
Ashtami Tithi Begins – 11:11 PM on Sep 10, 2024.
Ashtami Tithi Ends – 11:46 PM on Sep 11, 2024.
Significance of Durva Grass: Durva grass, also known as Doob or Darbha, holds immense spiritual importance in Hinduism. It is especially dear to Lord Ganesha and is used in almost all Hindu pujas. Offering Durva grass is believed to bring good health, prosperity, and longevity. In Durva Ashtami Puja, this sacred grass becomes the central element of worship.
Rituals of Durva Ashtami
Fasting: Devotees, mostly women, observe a fast on this day. It is believed that fasting on Durva Ashtami brings blessings from Goddess Parvati and ensures the well-being of their family.
Puja of Durva Grass: The main ritual involves worshipping the Durva grass. Devotees collect fresh Durva grass in the morning, wash it, and offer it to deities, especially Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha.
Offerings: Along with Durva grass, devotees also offer fruits, flowers, and other items to the goddess. Special prayers are performed, asking for the blessings of peace, prosperity, and health.
Mythological Story: Devotees often recite the story associated with Durva Ashtami. According to mythology, a demon once troubled the gods, and Lord Vishnu in his incarnation destroyed the demon. Durva grass emerged from the demon’s blood, which was then used in worship by the gods.
Breaking the Fast: After the puja is complete, the fast is broken, and prasad (offerings) is distributed among family members.
Importance
Durva Ashtami Puja is considered highly auspicious for married women, as it is believed to ensure the long life of their husbands and overall prosperity in their homes. Additionally, the use of Durva grass in this puja emphasizes its importance as a sacred element in Hindu culture.