● Ashtami Tithi Starts at 03:20 PM on 21 June 2026
● Ashtami Tithi Ends at 03:39 PM on 22 June 2026
What is the Significance of Masik Durgashtami?
Masik Durgashtami is observed every month and gives devotees an opportunity to strengthen their bond with Maa Durga throughout the year through prayer, fasting, and devotion.
Maa Durga is worshipped as the protector of dharma and the destroyer of negativity. Devotees believe that worshipping her on this sacred day removes obstacles, fear, and difficulties from life. Many also pray for good health, family happiness, courage, and spiritual strength.
What is the Story Behind Masik Durgashtami?
The most popular story associated with Durgashtami is the victory of Maa Durga over the demon Mahishasura.
As per Hindu tradition, after performing severe penance, Mahishasura received a boon from Bhagwan Brahma. The demon requested that no man, deity, or beast could ever kill him. Brahma granted this wish, and Mahishasura became nearly impossible to defeat. Filled with pride, he began troubling both humans and the Devas (Bhagwan). Unable to bear his growing cruelty, Bhagwan Brahma, Bhagwan Vishnu, and Bhagwan Shiv combined their divine energies to create Maa Durga.
Armed with powerful weapons and riding a lion, Maa Durga fought Mahishasura for several days. Finally, she defeated and destroyed him, restoring peace and righteousness. Because of this victory, Maa Durga is also known as Mahishasura Mardini.
What Devotees Do on Masik Durgashtami?
On Masik Durgashtami, devotees wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and wear clean clothes before beginning the vrat. Many people keep a strict fast and avoid grains (rice, oats, corn, etc.), onion, garlic, and other tamasic foods throughout the day. Meanwhile, some devotees consume only fruits, milk, and simple sattvic food as part of the falahar vrat.
Throughout the day, devotees worship Maa Durga with kumkum, flowers, incense, diyas, fruits, sweets, and coconut. Many devotees spend time chanting “Om Dum Durgayei Namah”, “Durga Chalisa”, “Durga Saptashati”, or listening to Maa Durga bhajans with devotion.
A large number of devotees visit Maa Durga temples and offer food and clothes to young girls (Kanya Pujan). Some also help those in need on this day. Those who wish to participate in such devotional activities can also explore the sacred Sevas arranged by Sanatan Sansaar for this holy occasion.
Masik Durgashtami Puja Vidhi at Home
Follow the below-mentioned steps to worship Maa Durga on Masik Durgashtami:
● Get up early, take a bath and wear clean clothes
● Clean the puja area and place an image or idol of Maa Durga
● Light a diya using ghee and offer kumkum, flowers, fruits, coconut, and sweets at Maa Durga's feet
● Chant “Om Dum Durgayei Namah” or recite Durga Chalisa
● Pray to divine mother for protection, courage, and family well-being
Do aarti and if possible offer food and clothes to young girls or those in need
