Sri Durga Mahashtami was celebrated with due solemnity in the Temple of the Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi, on Sunday, the 6th of October, 2019.
Mangalarati began at 5.00 a.m. on the Mahashtami day in the Temple. Chanting of Durga Saptasati was done in the Temple on Saptami, Ashtami and Navami days by all devotees present there led by Revered Secretary Maharaj.
The Puja on Ashtami day was performed by Swami Amritamayanandaji under the guidance of Swami Kapilanandaji. Havan was also performed by Swami Amritamayanandaji guided by Revered Swami Shantatmanandaji Maharaj as Tantradharak.
During the Puja, Swami Dhruvarupanandaji rendered devotional songs accompanied by Shri Siddharta Bhattacharya on tabla, and also Devi Stotram which was followed by all. Shri Avik Chatterjee also rendered a few devotional songs. After Homa, Pushpanjali for all devotees was administered by Revered Secretary Maharaj. The sanctum sanctorum of the Temple was closed for devotees when bhoga was started.
This year Sandhi Puja was between 10:31 a.m. and 11:19 a.m. During this time, all devotees inside the temple and even those who could not get space inside but waited outside on the lawns, did japa and meditation in total silence. Thereafter, all the devotees offered pranams to Sri Sri Thakur, Ma and Swamiji and also Mother Durga after which they proceeded to partake prasad.
Glimpses of the Puja:
Ayi Giri Nandini || Swami Dhruvarupananda || Mahashtami Puja || 2019
A few photos from this Occasion:
