Chaitra Durgashtami is observed on eighth day or Astami day during Chaitra Navratri or Vasant Navratri in Chaitra month. Chaitra Durgashtami is also celebrated as Bhavani Ashtami or Bhavani Jayanthi and Ashokastami in various places in India. Chaitra Durgashtami 2010 date is March 23. In 2010, it is very auspicious as it comes on Tuesday which is favorite day to Goddess Durga or Shakti. Other major Durgashtami observed is – Ashwin Navratri Durgashtami Puja.
There are no particular rituals associated with Chaitra Durgashtami but some devotees observe fasting and worship the Goddess with various pujas. Some perform three-day Puja during Saptami, Ashtami and Navami days in Chaitra Navratri.
Bhavani Jayanti, also known as Bhavani Ashtami, is an auspicious day dedicated to Goddess Bhavani. It is observed on Chaitra Shukla Astami, eighth day in bright half of Chaitra Month. In 2010, Bhavani Astami or Bhavani Jayanthi date is March 23, Tuesday. Bhavani Ashtami is also celebrated as Chaitra Navratri Durgashtami, and Ashokashtami in other parts of India.
Bhavani Ashtami is one of the major festivals in Tuljapur Bhavani Temple in Maharashtra, and some other mandirs dedicated to Goddess Durga Bhavani.
Ashok Ashtami or Ashokastami is one of the important festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti, the Mother Goddess. In 2010, Ashokashtami date is March 23. Ashokashtami is celebrated in Eastern Indian states, mainly in Orissa and West Bengal. Ashoka means the one who removes and protects from hurdles, obstacles and sorrow. Ashokashtami is also known as Bhavani Ashtami. On the day of Chaitra Shukla Astami, Goddess Bhavani is worshipped as one of the Goddess of Durga Navratri (Chaitra or Vasant Durga Navratri)
When is Ashokashtami Celebrated?
Ashokashtami is celebrated on the eighth day of the first half of the Chaitra month (Chaitra Shukla Astami), which falls between March and April. In 2010, Ashokashtami is observed on March 23.
Legend and Story of Ashok Ashtami:
According to the Hindu sacred texts and puranas, Lord Sri Ram performed the Ashok Astami Puja in order to slay demon Ravana. The myth says that Lord Sri Ram was unable to demolish Ravanasura as he was being saved by the Mother Goddess, Goddess Shakti. Ashokastami is the day when Lord Sri Ramachandra got rid of sorrow by the blessings of Lord Shiva and the Mother Goddess, Shakti.
Vibhishana, one of the brothers of Ravana, devotee of Lord Sri Ram, advised Lord Sri Ram to observe the rituals dedicated to the Mother Goddess and Lord Shiva for seven consecutive days. Lord Sri Ram did as Vibhishana told and blessed with the Goddess Shakti’s divine energy. He demolished Ravana on the eighth day.