AGARTALA / NEW DELHI, Oct 6 (TIWN): With Astami “tithi” has been started, devotees started to gather before puja pandals from morning in Tripura. Temples, clubs, houses were busy since morning to organize puja following all rituals carefully Durga Ashtami or Maha Ashtami is one of the most auspicious days of five days long Durga Puja Festival. In India fasting is undertaken by many people on this holy occasion. This day is also known for 'Astra Puja'(Worshiping Weapons) as on this day the weapons of goddess Durga are worshiped. The day is also known as Vira Ashtami as there are seen to use arms or martial arts on this day.It is also known as Mahashtami and is one of the most auspicious day according to Hinduism. It falls on bright lunar fortnight Ashtami tithi of Aswina month according to the Hindu calendar.It is believed in some regions, the Goddess Chamunda appeared on this day from the forehead of Mother Durga and annihilated Chanda, Munda, and Rakthabija (the demons who were associates of Mahishasura).

The 64 Yoginis and Ashta Nayikas or matrikas (the eight ferocious form of Goddess Durga) are worshiped during the Durga Puja rituals on Mahashtami. 

The Ashta Nayikas, also known as Eight Shaktis, are interpreted differently in different regions of India. But ultimately, all the eight goddesses are incarnations of Shakti. They are the same powerful Divine Feminine, representing different energies.

The Ashta Nayikas worshiped during Durga Puja are Brahmani, Maheswari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Narasinghi, Indrani and Chamunda.

Ashtami Tithi Begins - 09:51 am on Oct 06, 2019
Ashtami Tithi Ends - 10:54 AM on Oct 06, 2019
Sandhi Puja Muhurat - 10:30 AM to 11:18 AM 

Maha Ashtami is the most important day of Durga Puja festival. The day begins with pushpanjali and aarti in Durga Puja pandals. In many households, Ashtami is celebrated with much fervour. There are many who do Kumari Puja. However, the day's highlight is the sandhi puja, which is done when the Ashtami tithi ends. It is believed that during this time, Devi Chamunda (an avatar of Goddess Durga) appears to slay demons -- Chanda and Munda. 

It is performed depending on the puja muhurat. It is believed that on this day Goddess opens her third eye and showers blessings on her devotees. 

One hundred and eight earthen lamps are lit during the Sandhi time; moreover, the Goddess is offered 108 lotus flowers and bilwa leaves. The puja is meant as an ode to Goddess Kali, who appeared out of Goddess Durga's third eye on her forehead when she saw Mahishasura breaching the rules of the battle.