Durva Ashtami

 

Durva Ashtami is a unique and spiritually significant Hindu observance dedicated to the worship of Durva grass, which holds deep symbolic and ritual importance in Sanatana Dharma.

Durva Ashtami 2025 Date

• Sunday, August 31, 2025

Spiritual Significance

• Durva grass is believed to have emerged from Lord Vishnu’s hair during the Samudra Manthan, and was later sanctified by drops of Amrit, making it immortal and auspicious
• It symbolizes prosperity, purity, and divine connection, especially with Lord Ganesha, Shiva, and Shakti

Rituals & Observances

• Primarily observed by women, who wake before sunrise, bathe, wear new clothes, and perform puja to Durva grass using:
• Flowers, fruits, rice, curd, incense sticks
• Fasting (Vrat) is common, often with raw food only
• Offerings are made to Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva using Durva grass
• Devotees also donate food and clothes to Brahmins for blessings

Legend of Analasura

• A demon named Analasura terrorized the heavens with fire from his eyes
• Lord Ganesha swallowed him, causing intense internal heat
• Remedies failed until sages placed 21 blades of Durva grass on Ganesha’s head, instantly cooling him
• Ganesha then declared Durva grass sacred and essential in his worship