Durga Ashtami, also called Maha Ashtami, is one of the most powerful and spiritually charged days of Navratri. It falls on the eighth day of the Shardiya or Chaitra Navratri, when devotees worship Maa Mahagauri or Maa Durga in her fierce form. Fasting on this day is not just a religious practice but also carries astrological significance, helping individuals balance planetary energies and remove life obstacles.

In 2025, Durga Ashtami will be observed on Tuesday, 30 September 2025 (IST).

  • Begins – 04:31 PM, Sep 29
  • Ends – 06:06 PM, Sep 30

Why Fasting on Durga Ashtami is Important

Fasting is considered a form of tapasya (austerity), cleansing the body and mind while invoking divine blessings. According to Hindu scriptures:

“अलभ्यम् तु महादेव्याः प्रसादं लभते नरः।
 उपवासाद्दिनं तस्याः पूजने च विशेषतः॥”
 (One who fasts and worships the Goddess sincerely receives her blessings that are otherwise rare to obtain.)

The day holds a unique energy where cosmic vibrations align with spiritual practices, amplifying the benefits of fasting, mantra chanting, and puja.

🌸 Spiritual Benefits of Durga Ashtami Fasting

  1. Purification of Mind & Body – Fasting detoxifies the body and helps control desires. 
  2. Blessings of Maa Durga – Devotees receive strength, protection, and prosperity. 
  3. Fulfillment of Wishes – It is believed that sincere fasting on Ashtami grants wishes, especially related to marriage, children, and career growth. 
  4. Removal of Negativity – Ashtami is a powerful day to clear karmic blocks and invite positivity. 
  5. Balance of Inner Energy – Meditation and mantra chanting on this day awaken spiritual power (Shakti) within. 

🔯 Astrological Significance of Durga Ashtami

According to Vedic astrology, Ashtami tithi is ruled by Rahu, while Navratri is dedicated to Devi Shakti. Fasting and worship on this day balance the malefic effects of Rahu and Ketu.

  • For Marriage Delays – Worship of Maa Mahagauri on Ashtami reduces obstacles in marriage caused by Manglik dosha or Venus afflictions. 
  • For Career Growth – Devotees facing Saturn or Rahu-related hurdles benefit from fasting and chanting Durga mantras. 
  • For Childbirth Issues – Couples struggling due to fifth house afflictions in their chart are advised to perform Kumari Puja (Kanya Pujan) on Ashtami. 
  • For Health Problems – Offering red flowers and sindoor to Maa Durga helps counter Mars-related health issues. 

🙏 Rituals of Durga Ashtami

  1. Kalash Sthapana & Puja – Start the day with Kalash puja and Durga aarti. 
  2. Ashtami Fasting – Devotees observe nirjala fast (without food or water) or a simple fruit diet. 
  3. Kumari Puja – Worshipping 9 little girls (symbolic of the Navadurga) is considered highly auspicious. Offer them food, gifts, and seek blessings. 
  4. Mantra Chanting – Chant the mantra:


     ॐ दुं दुर्गायै नमः। (108 times)
     
  5. Sandhi Puja – The transition of Ashtami and Navami is considered the most powerful time. Lighting lamps and offering 108 lotus flowers is believed to destroy negativity. 

🪔 Practical Remedies on Durga Ashtami

  • Light a ghee lamp in front of Maa Durga to remove Rahu-Ketu dosha. 
  • Donate red clothes, sindoor, or fruits to little girls for reducing Shukra dosha (Venus afflictions). 
  • Recite Durga Saptashati Path for protection from enemies and evil eye. 
  • Offer jaggery (gud) to Maa Durga to strengthen Mars and overcome anger or blood-related health issues. 
  • Married women can observe this fast for long life and prosperity of their husbands, similar to Karva Chauth. 


🌺 Conclusion

Fasting on Durga Ashtami is not just a religious ritual but a way to align yourself with cosmic energies and remove planetary hurdles. Spiritually, it brings peace, prosperity, and inner strength. Astrologically, it helps reduce doshas caused by Rahu, Ketu, and Saturn while blessing the devotee with success, health, and happiness.

So, if you are struggling with obstacles in life, observing a Durga Ashtami fast with full devotion and correct rituals can truly transform your destiny.

 

Q: I am facing career delays and constant obstacles. Can fasting on Durga Ashtami help me astrologically?

A: Yes, fasting on Durga Ashtami is considered highly beneficial for removing Rahu, Ketu, and Saturn-related obstacles. If your career is stuck due to such planetary influences, you should:

  • Observe a simple or nirjala fast on Durga Ashtami. 
  • Chant “ॐ दुं दुर्गायै नमः” 108 times in the morning. 
  • Perform Kumari Puja and offer red flowers to Maa Durga. 
  • Donate food or clothes to little girls (Kanyas) for blessings. 

These remedies help reduce negativity in your chart and open new doors for career progress.