- By Kashish Rai
- Sat, 03 May 2025 12:38 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Masik Durga Ashtami May 2025: Celebrated monthly, the sacred day of Masik Durga Ashtami is dedicated to Goddess Durga. This significant festival is observed on the eighth day (Ashtami Tithi) of the waxing phase of the moon (Shukla Paksha). Devotees keep fast on this day with great reverence to receive blessings from Maa Durga. Fasting on this day carries special religious significance. As per Hindu belief, Durga was brought into existence by Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva to slay a powerful demon who was creating havoc on the earth. Masik Durga Ashtami in Vaishakh Shukla Paksha falls on 5th May 2025.
Masik Durga Ashtami May 2025: Date And Time
- Masik Durga Ashtami May 2025: 5th May 2025, Monday
- Ashtami Tithi Begins: 07:18 AM, May 04
- Ashtami Tithi Ends: 07:35 AM, May 05
Masik Durga Ashtami May 2025: Shubh Muhurat
- Abhijit Muhurat: 11:52 AM to 12:45 PM
- Amrit Kaal: 10:13 AM to 11:47 AM
- Tri Pushkara Yog: 07:51 AM to 12:34 PM
- Ravi Yog: 05:39 AM to 12:34 PM
Masik Durga Ashtami May 2025: Significance
Masik Durgashtami vrat is believed to remove all evil karmas of previous births and infuse divine blessings in one's life. This fast enhances love and relationships, increases self-confidence and instils courage. The devotees believe that it keeps them away from disease while conferring health, prosperity, success, peace and happiness. Devotees keep the vrat with utmost devotion, adhering to rituals mentioned in scriptures.
Legend has it that Durga was brought into being by the collective powers of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva to bring peace when evil had taken over the world. The demon Mahisasura, whom only a woman could kill under a boon from Brahma, ravaged the gods. Durga arrived as a glowing warrior goddess with ten arms, each one bearing a weapon, astride a lion. She defeated Mahisasura with her trident on Durga Ashtami and re-established peace. Another widely popular legend states that Lord Ram prayed to Goddess Shakti prior to the fight with Ravana. With her benediction, he acquired the vigour to overcome the demon king and liberate Sita. These strong tales emphasise the celestial importance of Masik Durgashtami.
Goddess Durga is fervently worshipped on the significant occasion of Masik Durga Ashtami. (Image Source: Canva)
Masik Durga Ashtami May 2025: Rituals
Worshippers of Goddess Durga keep a day-long fast and perform puja of the goddess's eight divine forms in pursuit of her blessings. Throughout the puja, they present her with traditional prasad like kheer and halwa. One of the important customs of Durgashtami is worshipping a young girl who represents the goddess. Worshippers offer her halwa and puri and a gift, treating her as a living form of Durga.
The puja starts with the establishment of a sacred pot (kalash) on an altar. The pot is typically made of five metals, copper, silver or clay. It is filled by devotees with water and spices, adorned with mango leaves and a coconut is placed on it with its face downwards. An idol or picture of Goddess Durga is kept close to it. Flowers are offered by devotees chanting her names, and a ritual bath of the idol is done, followed by sixteen sacred offerings.
Prasad consists of panchamrit (a combination of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar), fruits, dry fruits, betel leaves, cloves, cardamom, and more. The ritual ends with waving camphor (aarti) and inviting nine young girls for the ritual. People wash their feet with holy water, reward them with gifts, and break their fast by asking for the blessings of the goddess.
(Disclaimer: This content includes advice providing generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified spiritual or astrological opinion. Always consult a specialist for more information before adopting any measures.)
