Banada Ashtami- A day dedicated to the supreme divinity Shakambhari
Banada Ekadashi is one of the most glorious events as it commemorates the Shakambhari avatar of great divinity Durga. Goddess Shakambhari is the mighty goddess of nourishment and well-being. She adores her devotee’s life with good nutrition and abundance.
Significance of Banada Ashtami
Banada Ashtami is one of the majestic festivities celebrated in the Pausha month of the Hindu lunar calendar. Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh are the critical regions where Banada Ashtami is celebrated. This festival is also cherished as Paush Gupt Navratri. It begins on Paush Shukla Ashtami and ultimately ends on Paush Purnima day. Once there was a brutal famine and drought on earth, which led to endless miseries for the human race and other living beings. People started dying and had a very rough phase. Goddess Durga couldn't see the light of suffering beings. She incarnated on earth as Shakambhari and resolved all the problems. In this manifestation, she provided everyone with good food, water and other luxuries.
How to celebrate Banada Ashtami?
Banada Ekadashi is celebrated by keeping a fast devoted to the goddess Shakambhari. Devotees organise a special puja for Goddess Durga. They clean the worship place with gangajal and execute other religious processions. They devote special sweets, fruits, flowers and holy offerings to the goddess. Reciting Durga the mantra 108 times is an important ritual linked with Banada Ashtami celebrations. Reciting the crucial verses of Durga Stotram is also a significant part of Banada Ashtami.
Boons of celebrating Banada Ashtami
Here are a few prominent benefits of celebrating Banada Ekadashi-
- ● Banada Ekadashi helps attain the windfalls of goddess Durga in her Bhagwati or Shakambhari incarnation.
- ● Goddess Shakambhari removes all the longings and problems from devotees' life.
- ● It gives rise to the boons of good food, healthy sustenance and active life.
- ● It brings immense joy and endless glories in life.
● The festival attracts a happy and harmonious aura to devotees.
Seek all the above benefits by observing Banada Ekadashi with great joy and celebrations. We will assist you in this festival's grand celebration by guiding you on the right tithis, rituals and significance of this festivity.
