The competition of Navratri is a big and auspicious celebration for Hindus everywhere in the world. It’s a nine-day auspicious competition that worships the ‘Shakambhari’ type of Goddess Durga, the supreme female energy. Among the many varied variations of this competition, one of many lesser-known but equally essential is Shakambhari Navratri, also called Banada Ashtami.
This yr, Banada Ashtami can be celebrated on January 18. It’s celebrated within the Pausha month of the Hindu lunar month of the calendar. This competition holds a particular place within the hearts of devotees, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh.
Historical past and Significance:
The phrase ‘Shakambhari’ is derived from two Sanskrit phrases – ‘Shakam’ which means greens or greens and ‘Bhari’ which means supplier. In response to Hindu mythology, Goddess Shakambhari is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga, who manifested herself to guard the world from a demon named Durgamasur.
Legend has it that Durgamasur had acquired immense energy by way of intense meditation and had develop into nearly invincible. He began wreaking havoc on the earth and even defeated many gods and goddesses. Seeing this, all of the gods went to Lord Brahma for assist. Lord Brahma then prayed to Goddess Durga, who took the type of Shakambhari, a goddess who gives nourishment by way of her greens.
Goddess Shakambhari then fought with Durgamasur for 9 days and eventually defeated him on the eighth day, which is widely known as Banada Ashtami. It’s believed that the victory of Goddess Shakambhari over the demon symbolizes the triumph of excellent over evil and the significance of a balanced and nutritious diet in sustaining bodily and psychological well-being.
Rituals and Celebrations:
Banada Ashtami is a day of nice significance for devotees of Goddess Shakambhari. The day begins with devotees performing a particular puja to honour the goddess and search her blessings. Folks adorn their houses and temples with flowers, lights, and rangolis to welcome the goddess.
One of many most important rituals of Banada Ashtami is providing varied varieties of vegatables and fruits to the goddess. These choices embrace inexperienced leafy greens, grains, fruits, and sweets constructed from recent produce. This ritual symbolizes the significance of a wholesome and balanced weight loss program in our lives. The meals supplied throughout this puja is later distributed as prasad amongst relations and devotees.
Other than these rituals, many individuals additionally observe a quick on today as a mark of respect for the goddess. They abstain from consuming grains and eat solely fruits, milk, and different satvik (pure) meals gadgets. This quick is believed to carry peace, happiness, and prosperity to at least one’s life.
The puja timings for Banada Ashtami in 2024 in response to Drik Panchang are as follows:
Shakambhari Navratri begins on January 18 (Thursday)
Shakambhari Navratri ends on January 25 (Thursday)
Ashtami Tithi begins – at 10:06 PM on January 17
Ashtami Tithi ends – at 08:44 PM on January 18
Devotees can carry out the puja throughout this time or can seek the advice of their native pandits for particular timings in response to their location.
Banada Ashtami isn’t just a competition, however a celebration of the divine female vitality. This competition highlights the ability and significance of Mom Nature, which gives us with nourishment and sustenance. It additionally emphasizes the position of ladies in society, who’re the nurturers and suppliers of life.
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