Sandhi Puja: Worship Goddess Durga with the Shodashopachara method on Durgashtami, learn the importance of Sandhi Puja..

Navratri 2025 Durga Ashtami Sandhi Puja: Today is Tuesday, the Ashtami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha of the Ashwin month. Both Durga Ashtami and Sandhi Puja hold special significance during Navratri. Durga Ashtami is a major day for the worship of Shakti, in which Mahagauri is worshipped. Sandhi Puja is performed at the junction of Ashtami and Navami and is considered the most effective sadhana. It was during this junction that Goddess Chamunda killed Mahishasura and Chand-Mund, hence this puja is also called Mahishasura Mardini Puja. Worshipping these two grants the devotee a path free of obstacles, prosperity, and incredible inner strength. Let's learn about the auspicious yogas, puja rituals, and significance of Durga Ashtami...

Durga Ashtami 2025 Auspicious Yogas
According to the Drik Panchang, Abhijit Muhurta begins at 11:47 am and continues until 12:35 pm, and Rahukaal begins at 3:09 pm and continues until 4:39 pm. On this date, the Sun will be in Virgo and the Moon will be in Sagittarius. Furthermore, Shobhan Yoga and Budhaditya Yoga are forming on Durga Ashtami, further enhancing the significance of this day.

Worship of Goddess Durga on Maha Ashtami
The worship of Goddess Durga on Maha Ashtami begins with the Mahasnan (great bath) and Shodashopachara (six-fold worship). This puja is similar to Maha Saptami, but the consecration ceremony is performed only on Maha Saptami. On Maha Ashtami, the nine Shakti forms of Goddess Durga are invoked in nine small urns. By worshipping these nine forms, devotees receive the Mother Goddess's blessings. Furthermore, the worship of virgin girls holds special significance on this day. On this day, unmarried girls are worshipped as manifestations of Goddess Durga. The worship of virgin girls is an integral part of the Navratri festival, and it is celebrated as a special one-day puja on Maha Ashtami.

Durgashtami 2025 Puja Vidhi
To worship the Mother Goddess on this day, it is considered auspicious to burn cow dung cakes in the home temple with betel leaves, cloves, camphor, cardamom, gum agarbatti, and some sweets. It is believed that doing so will relieve all suffering. Also, offer a betel leaf (paan beeda) containing catechu, gulkand, fennel, coconut powder, and a pair of cloves, but avoid betel nut and lime, in the temple of Goddess Bhavani.

The importance of Sandhi Puja
The Sandhi Puja holds special significance during the Navratri festival. The junction period between Ashtami and Navami (when Ashtami ends and Navami begins – a period of approximately 48 minutes) is called Sandhi Kaal. According to beliefs, Goddess Chamunda appeared during this time to slay the demons Chand and Munda. The auspicious time for Sandhi Puja, which lasts for 48 minutes, can fall at any time of the day. This puja is performed only at this designated time and has its own special significance. This auspicious day of Maha Ashtami and Sandhi Puja is a golden opportunity for devotees to receive the blessings of Goddess Durga. By adopting these measures, you can bring happiness, prosperity, and positive energy into your life.

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