Discover the Different Names of Masik Durgashtami: Also Known as Durga Ashtami, Masik Durgashtami, and Monthly Durgashtami in Hindu Traditions
Every month on Ashtami Tithi of Shukla Paksha, devotees of Goddess Durga celebrate Durgashtami, a day of fasting and devotional worship, in order to ask for the blessings of Goddess Durga for protection, prosperity, and strength.
What Masik Durgashtami Means
Mahashtami, the most significant Durgashtami, occurs during the nine-day Shardiya Navratri festival in the month of Ashwin. It has great significance and is considered to be one of the most fortunate days of Navratri. Devotees give special prayers, rituals, and sacrifices in honour of Goddess Durga on this day. Numerous temples conduct intricate pujas, and homes host unique rituals. The day symbolizes the power and victory of the Goddess over evil forces.
Durgashtami 2025 Dates & Timings
| Date | Tithi Begins | Tithi Ends | Hindu Month |
| January 17, 2025, Friday | 04:25, Jan 17 | 01:57, Jan 18 | Pausha |
| February 16, 2025, Sunday | 13:32, Feb 15 | 11:07, Feb 16 | Magha |
| March 17, 2025, Monday | 22:58, Mar 16 | 20:15, Mar 17 | Phalguna |
| April 16, 2025, Wednesday | 08:40, Apr 16 | 06:55, Apr 17 | Chaitra |
| May 16, 2025, Friday | 18:14, May 15 | 17:32, May 16 | Vaishakha |
| June 14, 2025, Saturday | 03:15, Jun 14 | 03:20, Jun 15 | Jyeshtha |
| July 14, 2025, Monday | 12:32, Jul 13 | 13:01, Jul 14 | Ashadha |
| August 13, 2025, Wednesday | 22:50, Aug 12 | 23:55, Aug 13 | Shravana |
| September 12, 2025, Friday | 10:07, Sep 12 | 10:50, Sep 13 | Bhadrapada |
| October 12, 2025, Sunday | 01:25, Oct 11 | 02:45, Oct 12 | Ashwina |
| November 10, 2025, Monday | 17:58, Nov 10 | 19:15, Nov 11 | Kartika |
| December 10, 2025, Wednesday | 11:32, Dec 09 | 12:45, Dec 10 | Margashirsha |
Legends and History
Hindu mythology has a strong connection to Durgashtami. Legend has it that Goddess Durga appeared to vanquish the monster Mahishasura. She represents the justice and might of God. It is thought that Goddess Durga manifested her most fearsome form on Mahashtami, which falls during Shardiya Navratri. To bring peace and dharma back, she destroyed strong demons. Every month, believers commemorate this triumph with devotion, prayer, and fasting.
Benefits of Observing Durgashtami
Observing fast and worshipping Goddess Durga on this day brings many benefits. It is believed to remove obstacles and bring prosperity. Devotees pray for good health, protection, and happiness. Women often seek the Goddess’s blessings for marital bliss and well-being. Students pray for wisdom and success in academics. Those facing difficulties in life believe that Maa Durga’s divine blessings bring solutions and peace.
How Durgashtami Should Be Celebrated
There are devotional celebrations and customs during Durgashtami. After taking a holy bath and getting up early, devotees change into new garments. Flowers are used to adorn temples and homes. There are special aartis and pujas. Many devotees fast throughout the day and only eat in the evening after completing the puja. Special bhajans and devotional meetings are held in temples. Reciting Durga Saptashati and chanting Durga Stotra are regarded as extremely auspicious.
Durgashtami Rituals
• Present the Goddess with flowers, fruits, and candies.
• Light incense sticks and a diya (light) in front of the idol.
• Recite the Durga Saptashati and the Durga Stotra.
• Eat Satvik cuisine and observe a fast.
• Give prasad to devotees and relatives.
Durgashtami Mantra
Chanting Durgashtami mantras is considered highly beneficial. The most powerful mantra to recite on this day is:
“Om Dum Durgaye Namah”
Chanting this mantra 108 times is believed to bring divine blessings. When these prayers are said with confidence and sincerity, mental peace and spiritual health are improved.
Lastly, Durgashtami: Reflections
Durgashtami is celebrated with great zeal and dedication each month. It is a powerful day to invoke the blessings of Goddess Durga. The most significant Durgashtami is Mahashtami, which is celebrated during Shardiya Navratri. Devotees observe ceremonies, pray, and fast in order to receive divine blessings. Worshipping Goddess Durga on this day is said to provide bravery, wealth, and protection from bad forces.
