Navratri 2018: Maha Ashtami Puja Vidhi, Muhurat and Mantra

According to Drikpanchang.com, these are the Ashtami Puja timings of Navratri 2018: 

Ashtami Tithi Begins = 10:16 on 16/Oct/2018

Ashtami Tithi Ends = 12:49 on 17/Oct/2018

On the 8th day of Navratri, young unmarried girls are treated as the embodiment of Goddess Durga. They are worshipped as Kanya on this day. It is also called as Kumari Puja. In many regions of India, Kumari Puja is performed throughout the nine days of Durga Navratri. But particularly, it is preferred to be performed on Durga Ashtami. 

The legendary Sandhi Puja also falls on Mahashtami. Sandhi Puja is the conclusion point and the most important part of Durga Puja. 

The vidhi starts by washing the feet of Kanya/s and applying ‘tika' to their forehead. Then ‘kalawa' is tied to their hands. They are fed with the puri, halwa and chane ki sabzi which should be prepared the same day.

After the prasad distribution to the young girls, one may touch their feet to seek their blessings and either give them money or gifts as per choice. One should keep his/her home clean and mind peaceful while performing ‘Kanya pujan'.

The vidhi has a lot of importance as the ‘kanyas' who visit one's home are considered to be forms of Maa Durga only and their arrival is considered as auspicious and blissful.

Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Mahagauri Rupena Samsthita। 
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥

The following mantra is chanted for Kanya Pujan –

मंत्राक्षरमयीं लक्ष्मीं मातृणां रूपधारिणीम्।

नवदुर्गात्मिकां साक्षात् कन्यामावाहयाम्यहम्।।
जगत्पूज्ये जगद्वन्द्ये सर्वशक्तिस्वरुपिणि।
पूजां गृहाण कौमारि जगन्मातर्नमोस्तु ते।।