মহাষ্টমীর প্রীতি, শুভেচ্ছা ও আন্তরিক প্রণাম। শুভ মহাষ্টমী ২০২৬। জয় মা দুর্গা।
Maha Ashtami is one of the most sacred and spiritually significant days of Durga Puja. It is a day when millions of devotees bow before Maa Durga, the eternal embodiment of Shakti — the divine feminine power that protects righteousness, destroys evil, dispels fear and restores balance in the universe.
Maa Durga is not merely a divine figure worshipped in temples and pandals. She is the timeless symbol of courage in the face of adversity, wisdom in moments of confusion, compassion in times of suffering, and unwavering determination when truth is challenged by injustice.
On this auspicious occasion, we remember that the real meaning of worship is not confined to rituals, flowers, incense, lights or grand celebrations. True devotion begins when we cultivate strength within ourselves to stand against injustice, discipline our minds, respect others, protect the vulnerable and uphold truth even when the path is difficult.
1. The spiritual significance of Maha Ashtami
Maha Ashtami falls on the eighth lunar day, or Ashtami Tithi, of the bright fortnight of Ashwin during the Durga Puja period. It commemorates the divine power of Maa Durga in her battle against the forces of evil, most famously represented by Mahishasura in Hindu sacred tradition.
The image of the ten-armed Goddess carries profound symbolism. Her many arms represent the ability to confront multiple challenges simultaneously, while the weapons bestowed upon her by the gods represent the collective strength of righteousness. Her lion signifies courage, authority and mastery over fear and uncontrolled impulses.
Mahishasura represents not only an external force of oppression but also the inner enemies that weaken human character — arrogance, greed, hatred, jealousy, dishonesty and the misuse of power.
The enduring message of Maha Ashtami is clear: evil may appear powerful for a time, but power without righteousness cannot claim eternal victory.
2. Pushpanjali: surrendering the heart to the Divine Mother
One of the most cherished traditions of Maha Ashtami is Pushpanjali, the offering of flowers to Maa Durga with prayers and sacred mantras.
The flowers symbolise the devotee's love, humility and surrender. Yet the deepest offering is not the flower held in one's hands; it is the purity of one's intentions.
When we offer flowers to Maa Durga, let us also offer our anger, ego, jealousy, dishonesty and destructive impulses. Let us pray for the wisdom to speak truth, the courage to defend the innocent and the strength to remain steadfast in the face of adversity.
May our devotion inspire us to become better human beings, more responsible citizens and more compassionate members of society.
3. Sandhi Puja: the sacred moment of divine power
Sandhi Puja is among the most spiritually significant observances of Durga Puja. It marks the transition between the final 24 minutes of Ashtami and the first 24 minutes of Navami.
Traditionally, devotees offer 108 lotuses and light 108 lamps while worshipping the Goddess in her fierce and protective aspect. The ritual recalls the divine destruction of demonic forces and the triumph of cosmic order over chaos.
For Maha Ashtami 2026, the Sandhi Puja window in Kolkata is expected to be around 10:29 AM to 11:17 AM on Monday, 19 October, according to one published Bengali calendar; exact timings can vary slightly with the panjika followed.
4. Kumari Puja: recognising the Divine in every girl child
Kumari Puja expresses the belief that the Divine Mother can be revered in the innocence and purity of a young girl. It reminds society that feminine power is not limited to the image of a Goddess in a temple; it must also be respected in every woman and girl.
The true fulfilment of this ritual lies in our conduct beyond the place of worship.
A society that worships Maa Durga must also protect its daughters, educate its girls, oppose violence against women, reject discrimination and ensure that every child grows up with dignity, security and opportunity.
The highest form of reverence for the Divine Mother is to honour, protect and empower women in everyday life.
5. The message of Maa Durga for 2026
In our contemporary world, the battle between good and evil is not merely a story from sacred tradition. It is reflected in the daily struggle between truth and falsehood, justice and oppression, service and selfishness, courage and cowardice.
Maa Durga teaches us:
Stand for truth: Do not abandon what is right merely because it is difficult or unpopular.
Conquer the ego: Real strength does not require arrogance, humiliation of others or the exhibition of power.
Resist injustice: Silence in the face of wrongdoing can allow injustice to grow.
Protect the vulnerable: Compassion becomes meaningful when translated into responsible action.
Use power wisely: Authority is a responsibility to serve, not a licence to dominate.
Preserve inner discipline: Victory over one's own anger, greed and fear is among life's greatest achievements.
The worship of Maa Durga becomes meaningful when the values celebrated in the pandals find expression in our homes, workplaces, courts, institutions and public life.
6. A prayer to Maa Durga on Maha Ashtami
O Maa Durga, Divine Mother of the Universe,
May Your blessings illuminate our minds with wisdom and our hearts with compassion.
Grant us the courage to stand against injustice, the strength to overcome adversity, and the patience to endure difficult times without surrendering our principles.
Protect the innocent, strengthen those who suffer, guide those who have lost their way and inspire those entrusted with authority to act with honesty, fairness and responsibility.
Remove the darkness of hatred, arrogance, greed and ignorance from our hearts. Teach us that true victory lies not in defeating another human being through malice, but in conquering the weaknesses within ourselves.
May every home be blessed with peace, every child with security, every woman with dignity, every family with hope and every community with harmony.
May Bharat flourish through unity, righteousness, knowledge, courage and service to humanity.
Jai Maa Durga! Jai Shakti! Jai Bharat!
7. Maha Ashtami 2026 — a message to share
শুভ মহাষ্টমী ২০২৬
जय माँ दुर्गा | জয় মা দুর্গা
On this auspicious Maha Ashtami, may Maa Durga bless us with the courage to uphold truth, the wisdom to distinguish right from wrong, the strength to fight injustice and the humility to serve humanity.
Let us celebrate the Divine Mother not merely through rituals and festivities, but through our actions, character and commitment to righteousness.
May the light of Maa Durga dispel the darkness of fear, hatred, dishonesty and oppression. May peace prevail, justice triumph, and goodness flourish in every heart.
Let truth be our strength. Let righteousness be our path. Let service be our devotion.
Jai Maa Durga! Jai Bharat! Vande Mataram!
Ashok Kumar Singh, Advocate High Court Calcutta
No comments:
Post a Comment