Navratri 2023: On Maha Ashtami energy of Goddess Durga is at its peak

Navratri 2023 festival has now reached its peak in India. Everywhere in the country from households to Durga pandals, rituals, aartis, garba, and dandiya are being played to celebrate this religious festival. While Navratri is a nine-day festival that ends with Dussehra, the last few days starting from Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, and Maha Navami are considered more significant as this is the period when Goddess Durga began her fight with the demon king Mahishasura and eventually killed him on the 10th day.

Maha Ashtami is considered highly significant during Navratri because on this day the energy of Goddess Durga reaches its peak while fighting the demon. She is in a very aggressive mood and is engaged in a fierce battle with Mahishasura. On Maha Ashtami several offerings and prayers are made to the Goddess to pay homage and honour her courage and bravery. In many households, it is a practice to either fast for the entire Navratri or at least on Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami and offer fruits, flowers, and garlands to the Goddess.

The intention behind this puja is also to ask for blessings and shakti or power so that everyone can fight their own personal battles whenever life throws a challenge. One of the important parts of the religious ritual is lighting diyas. In many parts of the country, 108 diyas are lit and there is a great significance behind this number. These diyas or lamps indicate the victory of light over darkness and truth over evil.

Since Durga is known by 108 different names equal number of diyas are lit on Maha Ashtami. Similarly, in many places, 108 lotus flowers are also offered to the Goddess as it is considered to be her favourite flower.