Navratri Ashtami 2024 Date: Kanya Puja, also known as Kanjak Puja, is a revered ritual during Navratri, a nine-day Hindu festival honouring Goddess Durga. It is observed on the eighth and ninth days, where nine prepubescent girls are worshipped as embodiments of Goddess Durga's nine avatars, Navadurga. According to Hindu belief, Durga defeated the demon Kalasura in the form of a young girl, making these girls sacred representations of the goddess. The ritual involves idolising the girls, symbolising the divine feminine power. By honouring these young girls, devotees seek blessings and spiritual growth, making Kanya Puja an integral part of Navratri celebrations, steeped in tradition and spiritual significance. This sacred ritual holds a special place in Hindu tradition and culture.
Know when Ashtami Kanya Pujan will be observed. Additionally, check out the shubh muhurat, significance and rituals associated with this sacred day.
Navratri Ashtami 2024 Date: 11 Or 12 October, When To Perform Ashtami Kanya Puja?
As per the Udaya tithi consulting the Hindu Panchang, the Ashtami Kanya Puja during Shardiya Navratri is being observed on Friday, 11th October 2024.
- Ashtami Tithi Begins:12:31 PM, 10th October 2024
- Ashtami Tithi Ends: 12:06 PM, 11th October 2024
Navratri Ashtami 2024 Date: Shubh Muhurat To Perform Kanya Puja
Below are the auspicious timings as per Choghadiya to perform Kanya Puja on Ashtami tithi:
- Labha Muhurat: 07:47 AM to 09:14 AM
- Amrit Muhurat: 09:14 AM to 10:41 AM
- Shubh Muhurat: 12:08 PM to 01:34 PM
People feed halwa, poori and chana to Kanjakas or the little girls on the day of Kanya Pujan. (Image Source: Canva)
Navratri Ashtami 2024 Date: Significance
Ashtami Kanya Pujan holds immense significance in Hinduism, particularly during Navratri. On the eighth day of Navratri, devotees worship nine prepubescent girls, symbolising the nine forms of Goddess Durga, known as Navadurga. This ritual is rooted in the legend that Goddess Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura in the form of a young girl. By worshipping these girls, devotees seek blessings, spiritual growth, and purification. The ritual is believed to bring positivity, prosperity, and good fortune.
The significance of Ashtami Kanya Pujan extends beyond mere ritual. It emphasizes the importance of respecting and empowering feminine energy. In Hinduism, girls are considered embodiments of Goddess Durga's divine power. By worshipping them, devotees acknowledge the sacredness of childhood and femininity. The ritual also reinforces the values of nurturing, protection, and care. Devotees offer food, gifts, and worship to the girls, symbolising the societal responsibility to safeguard and promote the well-being of children, especially girls.
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Navratri Ashtami 2024 Date: Ritual
Ashtami Kanya Pujan involves a series of rituals that hold deep significance in Hinduism. The ceremony begins with the invitation of nine prepubescent girls, often accompanied by a boy, representing Lord Hanuman. Devotees bathe and adorn the girls with new clothes and ornaments, symbolising their transformation into Goddess Durga's divine forms.
The ritual proceeds with the washing of the girls' feet, an act of purification and reverence. Devotees then apply vermilion and turmeric to their foreheads, signifying the embodiment of divine energy. Offerings of halwa, poori, chana, coconut, fruits, and sweets are made, followed by worship and prayers to invoke Goddess Durga's blessings. The girls are then offered gifts and money.
The culmination of the ritual involves seeking blessings from the girls, now considered embodiments of Goddess Durga. Devotees seek forgiveness for past mistakes, receive prasad, and offer gifts or money as a token of appreciation. The ritual concludes with the devotees seeking the girls' blessings, recognising the sacred feminine energy they represent.
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(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert in the relevant field.)