May 2025: The holy day of Masik Durga Ashtami is devoted to Goddess Durga and is observed once a month. On the eighth day (Ashtami Tithi) of the moon’s waxing phase (Shukla Paksha), this important event is celebrated. In order to obtain Maa Durga’s blessings, devotees observe a reverent fast on this day.
There is particular religious importance to fasting on this day. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva created Durga in order to defeat a strong monster that was wreaking devastation on the planet. In Vaishakh Shukla Paksha, Masik Durga Ashtami is observed on May 5, 2025.
Date and Time of Masik Durga Ashtami in May 2025: Monday, May 5, 2025
– Ashtami Tithi Start time: 07:18 AM on May 4.
Ashtami Tithi concludes on May 5 at 07:35 AM.
Shubh and Abhijit Muhurats on May 20, 2025, Masik Durga Ashtami: 11:52 AM–12:45 PM
10:13 AM until 11:47 AM is Amrit Kaal’s time.
From 07:51 AM to 12:34 PM, Tri Pushkara Yog is organized.
From 05:39 AM until 12:34 PM, Ravi Yog
May 2025’s Masik Durga Ashtami: Importance
It is said that the Masik Durgashtami vrat purges one’s life of all bad karmas from past lifetimes and bestows celestial benefits. This fast builds bravery, boosts self-confidence, and improves relationships and love. Devotees say it grants people health, wealth, success, tranquility, and happiness while protecting them from illness. Following the traditions outlined in the scriptures, devotees observe the vrat with the greatest devotion.
According to legend, when evil had taken over the universe, the combined forces of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva created Durga to bring about harmony. The gods were devastated by the demon Mahisasura, who could only be killed by a woman with Brahma’s blessing. Arriving atop a lion, Durga was a radiant warrior goddess with 10 arms, each of which held a weapon. On Durga Ashtami, she used her trident to vanquish Mahisasura and restore harmony. Before the battle with Ravana, Lord Ram prayed to Goddess Shakti, according to another well-known version. He gained the strength to defeat the demon king and free Sita with her blessing. These powerful stories highlight Masik Durgashtami’s cosmic significance.
Masik Ashtami Durga May 2025: Customs
In order to get the blessings of Goddess Durga, devotees fast for the whole day and do puja of the goddess’s eight holy forms. They provide her traditional prasads like kheer and halwa during the puja. The adoration of a young girl who symbolizes the goddess is one of the major Durgashtami rituals. As a live embodiment of Durga, worshippers present her with gifts, halwa, and puri.
A holy pot (kalash) is placed on an altar to begin the puja. Copper, silver, clay, or five other metals are usually used to make the pot. Devotees fill it with water and spices, decorate it with mango leaves, and set a coconut face down on top. Near it is a portrait or idol of the goddess Durga. Sixteen holy gifts are made after the goddess is ritually bathed and flowers are presented by worshipers singing her names.
Panchamrit (a blend of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar), fruits, dried fruits, betel leaves, cloves, cardamom, and other ingredients make up prasad. Nine young girls are invited to participate in the rite, which concludes with the waving of camphor (aarti). People break their fast by requesting the goddess’ blessings, wash their feet with sacred water, and give them presents.
