Navratri Maha Ashtami 2026: The festival of Chaitra Navratri is considered very sacred and fruitful in Hindu religion. During these nine days, different forms of Maa Durga are worshipped. Among these, the day of Mahashtami has special importance, which is dedicated to Mother Mahagauri. There is a religious belief that by worshiping as per the rituals and worshiping the girl on this day, one gets the special blessings of the mother and the obstacles in life are removed. In the year 2026, Durga Ashtami will be celebrated on 26 March. On this day, some special auspicious times have been mentioned for worshiping the girl, worshiping in which gives more results.
When to do Kanya Puja on Ashtami or Navami?
Often there is doubt in the minds of people whether to worship Kanya on Ashtami or Navami. According to the scriptures, worshiping a girl on both the days is very auspicious. Those who keep fast on Ashtami, worship on this day, while some people consider it best to break the fast and worship the girl on Navami Tithi. You can worship on any of the two days as per your family tradition or convenience.
Auspicious time for girl worship on Ashtami
According to the Panchang, these three will be auspicious times for Kanya Puja on Ashtami day. Performing Kanya Puja in any of these three Muhurtas is considered auspicious.
- First Muhurta: Will be from 6:16 am to 7:48 am.
- Second Muhurta: Will be from 10:56 am to 2:01 pm.
- Abhijeet Muhurta: Will be from 12:02 pm to 12:52 pm.
Rules for worshiping girls on Ashtami
Age Attention: It is considered best to invite girls aged between 2 to 10 years for the puja.
Number of girls: According to the scriptures, worship of 9 girls is mandatory. If for some reason 9 girls are not found, then you can worship 2, 5 or 7 girls as per your devotion.
Importance of Batuk Bhairav: It is necessary to invite a small child along with the girls. That child is considered to be the form of Batuk Bhairav or Langura. Without them the worship of the Goddess is considered incomplete.
Kanya puja method on Ashtami
- When girls come home, first of all wash their feet and make them sit on a clean seat.
- Apply kumkum and akshat tilak on the forehead of all the girls.
- Tie Kalava (Raksha Sutra) on your hand.
- Offer food of Puri, black gram and halwa as Prasad to Mother Goddess with devotion.
- After the meal, give Dakshina, fruits or gifts as per your capacity and seek blessings by touching his feet.
Read this also: When is Maha Ashtami and on which date Ram Janmotsav will be celebrated, remove confusion
Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.