Durga Ashtami Sandhi Puja is a significant ritual that is observed on the eighth day of Navaratri, a nine-day festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. This day is also known as Maha Ashtami or Virashtami and is considered one of the most auspicious days of the festival. Sandhi Puja is performed at the juncture or sandhi when the eighth day ends, and the ninth day begins. This juncture is believed to be a powerful and auspicious time, and the Sandhi Puja is considered to be one of the most important pujas of Navaratri.
The Significance of Durga Ashtami Sandhi Puja
According to Hindu mythology, Durga Ashtami is the day when Goddess Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura. It is believed that on this day, the goddess imbues herself with divine power and destroys all the negative energies around us. The Sandhi Puja is performed at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami, which is considered to be an extremely powerful time. During this time, the energy of the goddess is believed to be at its peak, and performing the puja is said to bring immense blessings and good fortune.
The Sandhi Puja is also significant because it is believed to be the time when the goddess transforms from her ferocious form to her benign form. The puja is performed at the moment when the goddess is changing her form, and this transition is considered to be very auspicious. It is believed that performing the puja during this time can help individuals overcome their fears and obstacles and bring peace, prosperity, and happiness into their lives.
Puja Vidhi (Rituals of Durga Ashtami Sandhi Puja)
The Durga Ashtami Sandhi Puja is a complex ritual that requires several preparations and a certain level of expertise. Here is a step-by-step guide to performing the Sandhi Puja:
- Preparation
The preparations for the Sandhi Puja begin on the seventh day of Navaratri. The puja room is cleaned, and a new cloth is spread over the altar. A picture or idol of Goddess Durga is placed on the altar, along with other puja items such as flowers, incense, and prasad.
- Offering
On the day of Ashtami, the puja begins with offering water and flowers to the goddess. The puja items are placed in front of the idol or picture of the goddess, and the puja begins with the chanting of mantras.
- Lighting the Lamp
A lamp is lit using ghee or oil, and the flame is considered to be the representation of the goddess. The lamp is placed in front of the idol or picture, and the puja continues with the chanting of mantras.
- Invocation of the Goddess
The goddess is invoked by chanting the Durga Ashtami mantra. The mantra is recited 108 times, and the goddess is believed to be present in the room during this time.
- Kalash Sthapana
A Kalash (a pot) is filled with water and mango leaves and placed on the altar. The Kalash is considered to be the representation of the goddess, and it is worshipped as such during the puja.
- Sandhi Puja
The Sandhi Puja is performed at the exact moment when Ashtami ends and Navami begins. The puja begins with the chanting of mantras, and offerings of flowers, incense, and prasad are made to the goddess.
- Nine Forms of Durga Puja
After the Sandhi Puja, the Nine Forms of Durga Puja is performed. Nine small earthen pots are filled with soil, and different kinds of seeds are sown in them. These nine pots represent the nine forms of Durga. The seeds are watered daily, and on the tenth day of Navaratri, the seedlings are removed from the pots and immersed in a water body.
- Aarti
The puja concludes with the offering of aarti to the goddess. The aarti is performed using camphor, and the flame is waved in front of the idol or picture of the goddess. The aarti is accompanied by the chanting of mantras, and the puja is considered complete.
Conclusion
Durga Ashtami Sandhi Puja is an important ritual that is performed during Navaratri. The puja is performed at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami and is considered to be an extremely auspicious time. The puja is believed to bring immense blessings and good fortune to those who perform it with devotion and sincerity. The Durga Ashtami Sandhi Puja is a complex ritual that requires several preparations and a certain level of expertise. It is recommended to perform the puja under the guidance of a qualified priest. The puja is a powerful way to connect with the goddess and seek her blessings for a happy and prosperous life.
What is Durga Ashtami Sandhi Puja?
Durga Ashtami Sandhi Puja is a significant ritual that is performed during Navaratri on the eighth day of the festival. It is performed at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami and is considered to be a powerful and auspicious time.
Why is the Sandhi Puja performed during Navaratri?
Sandhi Puja is performed during Navaratri because it is believed to be a time when the energy of the goddess is at its peak. It is also believed to be the time when the goddess transforms from her ferocious form to her benign form.
What is the significance of the Nine Forms of Durga Puja?
The Nine Forms of Durga Puja is performed after the Sandhi Puja. Nine small earthen pots are filled with soil, and different kinds of seeds are sown in them. These nine pots represent the nine forms of Durga. The seeds are watered daily, and on the tenth day of Navaratri, the seedlings are removed from the pots and immersed in a water body.
How is Durga Ashtami Sandhi Puja performed?
Durga Ashtami Sandhi Puja is a complex ritual that requires several preparations and a certain level of expertise. The puja begins with offering water and flowers to the goddess. A lamp is lit using ghee or oil, and the flame is considered to be the representation of the goddess. The goddess is invoked by chanting the Durga Ashtami mantra. The Sandhi Puja is performed at the exact moment when Ashtami ends and Navami begins. After the Sandhi Puja, the Nine Forms of Durga Puja is performed. The puja concludes with the offering of aarti to the goddess.
Can the Durga Ashtami Sandhi Puja be performed at home?
Yes, the Durga Ashtami Sandhi Puja can be performed at home, but it is recommended to perform it under the guidance of a qualified priest. It is a complex ritual that requires several preparations and a certain level of expertise.
