Lalita Panchami – Lalitha Panjami during Durga Navratri

Lalitha panchami, also spelt as Lalita Panjami, is the most auspicious day in Durga Navratri puja. Lalitha Panchami is celebrated on the fifth day of Durga Navaratri. On this day, devotees worship Mata Lalitha Devi, a powerful manifestation of Mother Goddess Shakti. Goddess Lalita Devi is a form of Goddess Shakti incarnated to demolish the demon – Bhandasura. Bhandasura was a demon created from the ashes of Kama or Manmatha (Manmadha).

Importance and rituals of Lalita Panchami:

Lalita Panchami is the birthday or Jayanti of Goddess Lalitha. Lalita Panchami is observed on Ashwin Shukla Panchami, the fifth day during bright fortnight in Ashwayuja masam.

On Lalita Panchami, Goddess Upang Lalita is worshipped in some places of India. In South Indian states, Goddess Lalitha Tripura Sundari devi is worshipped on Lalitha Panchami. In some other places, Chinnamasta devi is worshipped on the fifth day during Durga Pooja.

Durgashtami – Durga Ashtami Puja

Durgashtami Puja or Durga Ashtami pooja is observed on the eighth day during Durga Navratri Puja. Durgashtami, also known as Maha Ashtami and Veerashtami, is celebrated on eighth day during Ashwin month (Ashwayuja Shukla Ashtami). Durgashtami is also known as Veerashtami because on this day Arjuna has taken out his Ayudha (weapons) from Shami tree. Ayudha Puja or Astra Puja is the main ritual on Durgashtami or Mahashtami day.

Important Puja rituals to perform on Durgashtami:

On Durgashtami day, Saptamatrikas, Ashtamatrikas and 64 Yoginis are worshipped. Ashtamatrika Pooja during Durga Navratri is most fruitful observance as per Yogis and Sadhaks. Mahagauri is the Navadurga Goddess to worship on Durgashtami day. Maha Gauri Puja is also one of the main pujas to perform on Durgashtami. In some places, Goddess Bagala or Goddess Narayani is worshipped on Durgashtami.

In Andhra Pradesh, a special regional festival called Bathukamma Panduga (Bathukamma Festival) is observed. Bathukamma Visarjanam (nimajjanam) is performed on Durgashtami.

On Mahashtami day, in some rural areas in India, Janthu Bali (animal sacrifices) are performed. It is to be noted that Hindu culture and Hindu scriptures do not encourage this type of rude devotions and ridiculous traditions.

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