📅 Observance Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival | Durva Ashtami |
| Deity | Lord Ganesha |
| Date | 19 September |
| Hindu Month | Bhadrapada |
| Paksha | Shukla Paksha |
| Tithi | Ashtami |
| Nature | Devotional Observance |
| Associated Festival | Ganesh Chaturthi |
📖 What is Durva Ashtami?
Durva Ashtami is a sacred day dedicated to Lord Ganesha, when devotees offer Durva grass (Doob grass) to the deity with special reverence. This observance falls during the Ganesh Utsav period and is considered highly auspicious for removing obstacles and seeking divine blessings.
🌱 Importance of Durva Grass in Ganesh Worship
Durva grass holds a special place in Hindu rituals, especially for Lord Ganesha.
Why Durva is Sacred:
- Symbol of longevity and regeneration
- Represents cooling energy and calmness
- Grows easily, symbolizing humility and resilience
According to scriptures, Ganesha is most pleased with offerings of Durva.
🛕 Religious & Spiritual Significance
Observing Durva Ashtami is believed to:
- Remove obstacles (Vighna Nashana)
- Bring mental peace and stability
- Improve health and longevity
- Strengthen devotion towards Lord Ganesha
The Ashtami Tithi is linked with divine manifestations and protection.
🔔 Durva Ashtami Puja Vidhi
🌼 Preparation
- Early morning bath
- Clean the puja area
- Collect fresh, unbroken Durva grass (preferably 21 blades)
🪔 Puja Steps
- Sankalp (vow)
- Abhishekam of Ganesha idol
- Offering of Durva grass
- Chanting Ganapati mantras
- Naivedya offering
- Aarti
📿 Mantra
ॐ गणपतये नमः
🍽️ Naivedya (Offerings)
| Offering | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Modak | Auspiciousness |
| Laddoo | Prosperity |
| Fruits | Abundance |
| Coconut | Completeness |
| Durva | Divine favor |
🌿 Why 21 Durva Blades are Offered?
The number 21 signifies:
- Control over 5 senses
- Balance of mind and body
- Removal of negative influences
Offering 21 Durva blades is considered most auspicious.
🔗 Connection with Ganesh Chaturthi
- Durva Ashtami falls within Ganesh Utsav
- Enhances the spiritual merit of Ganesh worship
- Complements Modak and flower offerings
🌼 Spiritual Benefits of Observing Durva Ashtami
- Success in endeavors
- Relief from stress
- Harmonious family life
- Blessings of wisdom and prosperity
📅 Calendar-Style Table Entry
| Observance | Lunar Date | Deity |
|---|---|---|
| Durva Ashtami | Bhadrapada Shukla Ashtami | Lord Ganesha |
❓ Short FAQ – Durva Ashtami
Q1. What is Durva Ashtami?
It is a sacred day for offering Durva grass to Lord Ganesha.
Q2. Why is Durva important in Ganesh worship?
Durva symbolizes longevity, calmness, and devotion.
Q3. How many Durva blades should be offered?
Traditionally 21 blades.
Q4. Can this be observed at home?
Yes, with simple devotion.
Q5. Is fasting required on Durva Ashtami?
Fasting is optional.
Panchang Official