Durva Ashtami Puja Wednesday 11th of September 2024
Durva Ashtami Puja Muhurat/Timing: = 06:07 to 18:26
Duration = 12 Hours 18 Mins
Durva Puja overlaps with Jyeshtha and Mula
Nakshatra Jyeshtha Starts = 10 September 2024 20:03:51
Nakshatra Mula Ends = 12 September 2024 21:52:41
Ashtami Tithi Starts = 11:11 PM on 10 September 2024
Ashtami Tithi Ends = 11:46 PM on 11 September 2024
About Durva Ashtami Vrat:
Durvashtami Vrat is observed on Shukla Paksha Ashtami in the month of Bhadrapada. Durva Ashtami Vrat is generally observed by women.
History and Importance of Durva Ashtami:
Durva has a religious Importance. It is a symbol of prosperity. As per the legends, the few hair strands that fell from Lord Maha Vishnu’s arm has became the Durva Grass. When the Asuras and Devas were carrying Amrit, after Samudra Manthan, few drops of Amrit fell on Durva Grass. Since then it became auspicious and immortal. Those who worships Durva Grass on Durva Ashtami day with dedication gets all their wishes fulfilled. It is believed that those who consumes non cooked foods on Durva Ashtami will be freed from all the sins. The Lord Sri Krishna explained the importance of Durva Grass to King Yudhisthira. A man who religiously performs the Durva Ashtami Pooja will be blessed to keep his legacy moving forward, from generations to generations.
Another reference says once a demon Analasur terrified the world and the Devas who then approached Lord Shiva seeking protection. Lord Shiva asked them to visit Sri Ganesha as he would be able to put an end to the demon. Devas approached Sri Ganesha and sought protection from Analasur. Lord Ganesha fought with Analasur and swallowed him. It caused a lot of agony to Sri Ganesha. Lord Indra gave him the moon to be worn on his forehead so that he could have a cooling effect. Hence, Sri Ganesha is also known as Bala Chandra. Lord Maha Vishnu gave him a Lotus flower. Varuna Deva showered rain on him, but the suffering of Sri Ganesha did not reduce. It was then that 88000 saints performed Archana to Sri Ganesha with 21 Durva grass. Sri Ganesha was cured from his stomach pain. Thus Sri Ganesha is worshipped with 21 Durva Grass on Ganesha Chaturthi day.