Maha Astami

MahaAsthami
Nine Debis of Nabaratri

Today, on Maha-Ashtami, the eighth day of Navratri, the nine forms of Goddess Durga - Shailaputri, Bramhacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri - are worshiped.

Today, the eighth form of Durga is worshiped according to the rules and regulations of Mahagauri. Nine small stones are worshiped next to the urn established as Ganesha by offering offerings, fruits, etc. to the installed idols of the goddess.

What is done is Mahasthami?
The urns and Jamara established according to the Vedic tradition on Ghatsthapana is worship today. Today, at midnight, at the beginning of Navami, a special worship of the goddess is performed. The worship of weapons and equipment of the Nepal Army and Police is also done according to the rules and regulations and traditions. Today, special worship of Bhadrakali is also performed. Sati Devi burns herself in the fire pit as she cannot hear the condemnation of her husband Mahadev from the mouth of her father Daksha Prajapati. At the same time, knowing this, Bhadrakali appeared as Mahakali on the same day.
After performing the rituals of Mahagauri and Bhadrakali in the form of Shakti, it is customary to offer goats, chickens, ducks, etc. as an offering.

Debate of Bali Pratha (Animal Sacrifice)
There has been widespread protest against the practice, with animal rights groups and the international civil society condemning the practice. Non-violence is certainly a good thing, but along with civilization, people have defined the practice and logic of eating meat in their way.

Whether it's the Hindus' Dashain, or the Christians' Christmas and Thanksgiving turkey birds, or the Muslims' Eid-ul-Fitr goats, we've come to see that human civilization has brought carnivorous customs along with some religions and cultures. It has been found that there has been a decrease in the number of offerings. Especially in Dashain, the custom of cutting the goat and feeding meat to the guests was seen as respect and prestige.

In Sanskrit, Vali means to give up anything. Today, we too can make a vow to become a good human being by sacrificing our anger, passion, jealousy, and pride. Happy Maha Ashtami to all.

-Suyog Dhakal