When ashtami tithi, the eighth day during a lunar fortnight, falls on Monday, it is known as Som Durga Ashtami. Somwar, or Monday, in Hinduism is dedicated Lord Shiva. The importance of Durga Ashtami was narrated by Lord Krishna to Yudhishtira, the eldest of the Pandavas. It is found in the Bhavishya Purana.
As per this narration, Ma Durga appeared to annihilate demon Durgam. He had unleashed a rule of terror in the three worlds. Goddess Shakti annihilated the demon and restored Dharma. As this manifestation defeated demon Durgam, she came to known as Goddess Durga. This is believed to have happened on a Shukla Paksha Ashtami Tithi - during the light phase or waxing phase of the moon.
The eighth day during the waxing phase of moon in a Hindu lunar calendar is observed as Durga Ashtami. Depending on the day of the week, Mother Goddess is worshipped as Durga, Kali, Bhavani, Jagadamba, Mahadevi, Gouri and Parvati.
When Durga Ashtami falls on Monday, Ma Durga is worshipped in the form of Goddess Parvati.
It is believed that those who offer prayers and perform Vrat (fasting) on the day will be blessed with property, peace and prosperity.
How to Observed Som Durga Ashtami?
- It is observed when Ashtami tithi falls during the waxing phase of moon or after Amavasya.
- After taking bath in the early morning, Ganesha should be offered prayers. Then prayers should be offered to Goddess Parvati.
- Fasting is from sunrise to sighting of moon. Fruits, milk and other vrat foods are consumed on the day.
- Diya on the day should be lit using cow ghee.
- The number of wicks in the lamp should be one.
- Dhoop should be done on the day using Chandan.
- White color flowers should be offered to the Goddess.
- Akshat and sugar should be offered to Goddess.
- White color kheer should be prepared and offered as bhog or Prasad.
- The white color kheer should be distributed as Prasad to children and women.
- Use a mala made of chandan and chant the following mantra 108 times - ॐ शाम्भव्यै नमः॥
- For gains in property deals and for solving property related problems, donate milk to poor children. Plant trees and water it daily.
- Those who wish to own luxury items should offer scent or ithar of ratrani flower to Goddess Parvati.
- For fame and increasing stature in society, offer sweets containing silver to Goddess Parvati. This should then be distributed to poor children.