Durga Ashtami 2025 Today: Mahagauri Puja Muhurat, Panchang Tithi Timings, Havan Muhurat, Colour & Significance

Navratri, a colorful and spiritual festival, began this year on September 22, 2025. Celebrated across India and by people around the world, it marks nine days of worship, joy, and cultural events. As the days go by, devotees look forward to two of the most important days of the festival, Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami.

Durga Puja 2025: From Durgashtami, Dussehra to Visarjan; Dates, Rituals and Panchang Details

The five-day Durga Puja celebrations, particularly prominent in eastern India, commenced on September 27 with Shashti Tithi and will culminate on October 2, with Durga Visarjan and Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami. This period marks the symbolic homecoming of Goddess Durga to her maternal abode and is filled with rituals, prayers, music, dance, and spiritual performances that highlight the victory of good over evil.

When is Durgashtami 2025? Check Panchang Tithi (Date), Muhurat (Auspicious Timings) To Perform Puja on Ashtami

According to the Drik Panchang, the Ashtami Tithi this year began on Monday, September 29 at 4:31 PM and will conclude on Tuesday, September 30 at 6:06 PM. Following the Udaya Tithi tradition, where the tithi at sunrise is considered for observance, Maha Ashtami will be celebrated on September 30.

The next day, Maha Navami will be observed on October 1, followed by Durga Visarjan on October 2, marking the end of Navratri and the immersion of Goddess Durga's idols.
The Ashwina month's Shukla Paksha serves as the traditional lunar time for Durga Puja, with festivities commencing from Shashti (sixth day) and extending till Dashami (tenth day).

Durga Ashtami 2025 Puja Timings; Brahma, Abhijit Muhurat To Nishita Muhurat To Worship Mahagauri

For those performing Durga Ashtami Puja, the following muhurats (auspicious timings) have been highlighted:
Brahma Muhurat: 4:37 AM to 5:25 AM - Ideal for pre-dawn bathing, meditation, and preparation for rituals.
Abhijit Muhurat: 11:47 AM to 12:35 PM - A midday window considered especially sacred and powerful for worship.
Nishita Muhurat: 11:47 PM to 12:35 AM - A late-night auspicious time for deeper spiritual sadhana and offerings.

Maha Ashtami 2025: Auspicious Yogas and Nakshatras

This year's Maha Ashtami coincides with the formation of Shobhana Yoga, considered an especially auspicious time for sacred activities and spiritual observances. This yoga will last until 1:00 AM on October 1, after which the Atiganda Yoga will begin. The presence of Shobhana Yoga enhances the positive spiritual energy of the day, making rituals and worship more beneficial.

In terms of nakshatra (lunar constellation), Moola Nakshatra will remain in effect on the morning of Ashtami until 6:17 AM, after which Purvashada Nakshatra will begin. Both are considered favorable for spiritual practices, and the transition adds further auspiciousness to the day.

Durga Ashtami Puja Rituals

Maha Ashtami is one of the most significant days of Durga Puja and is observed with great devotion. The day begins with the invocation of Goddess Durga, followed by the Mahasnan (ceremonial bath of the deity), havan (sacred fire ritual) and Kanya Pujan, a revered ritual where nine young girls symbolizing the nine forms of Durga (Navadurga) are worshipped with offerings of food, clothes and gifts.

Devotees also participate in Saptashati path (recitation of Durga Saptashati), chanting of mantras, aarti (devotional songs), and various forms of folk and classical dance performances in pandals. The entire day is marked by an air of divinity and joy, with beautifully decorated Durga idols, community feasting and cultural programs taking center stage.

Spiritual Significance of Durga Ashtami

According to scriptures like the Devi Bhagavata Purana, Goddess Durga is worshipped in her various forms during Navratri. On Ashtami, she is venerated as Mahagauri, the eighth form of Durga, who symbolizes purity, serenity, and spiritual elevation. The legend says that after undergoing severe penance, Goddess Parvati's complexion turned dark.

Moved by her devotion, Lord Shiva cleansed her with the sacred water of the Ganges, transforming her into the radiant Mahagauri. Worshipping her on this day is believed to wash away sins, grant strength and bestow inner peace and divine grace.