Astha SangrahASTHA SANGRAHhttps://asthasangrah.comSandhi Puja
Sandhi Puja is the worship of Maa Chamunda in the 48-minute junction formed by the last 24 minutes of Ashtami tithi and the first 24 minutes of Navami. It is considered the most powerful moment of the Durga Puja.
The junction depends on the instant the tithi changes, so it falls at about the same time across India. Some Bengali panjikas calculate it slightly differently; follow your pandal's or panjika's time. In 2027 Sandhi Puja is on 8 October, 6:03 to 6:51 AM.
Significance of Sandhi Puja
Sandhi means a joining. The two ghatis, about 48 minutes, at the join of the end of Ashtami and the start of Navami are called the Sandhi Kaal. It is believed that at this moment the Goddess Chamunda appeared and slew the demons Chanda and Munda.
The seventh chapter of the Durga Saptashati tells this story: from the Devi's anger, Kali springs from her brow and slays Chanda and Munda, and from this she is named Chamunda. That is why this chapter is especially read during the Sandhi Puja.
How to Perform Sandhi Puja
In Bengal's Durga Puja the Sandhi Puja is the greatest rite. In the pandals 108 lamps are lit, 108 lotuses are offered, and Maa Chamunda is worshipped to the beat of the dhak. The timing matters so much that the puja is completed strictly within the junction.
At home too, the Sandhi Puja is done by lighting lamps, offering red flowers and chanting the Devi's mantra or reading the seventh chapter of the Saptashati during the junction. In many regions a pumpkin, banana or cucumber is offered at this time as a symbolic bali.
The Vidhi in Brief
Bathe and prepare the puja space before the junction, setting out 108 lamps and the flowers. As the Sandhi Kaal begins, light the lamps, meditate on Maa Chamunda and offer 108 lotuses or red flowers, chant her mantra or read the seventh chapter of the Saptashati, and offer bhog and aarti before the window ends.
Sandhi Puja Muhurat 2026
Times for New Delhi. Ashtami and Navami both fall on this day, so Kanya Pujan and the havan also take place the same day.
Items for Sandhi Puja
- 108 clay lamps, ghee or oil and wicks
- 108 lotuses or red flowers
- A red chunari
- Roli, akshat, sindoor
- Dhoop and camphor
- Fruit and sweets for bhog
- A rudraksha or red sandalwood mala for japa
- The Durga Saptashati
Sandhi Puja Vidhi
Finish all preparation before the junction, so the full 48 minutes go into the worship itself.
- 1
Prepare beforehand
Bathe and purify the puja space. Fill the 108 lamps with ghee or oil and set the wicks, and count out 108 flowers onto a plate.
- 2
Sankalp and dhyana
As the Sandhi Kaal begins, take water in your hand to make the sankalp and meditate on Maa Chamunda.
- 3
Light the 108 lamps
Light the 108 lamps one by one. Family members can light them together so that all are lit in time.
- 4
Offer 108 flowers
Offer the Devi the chunari, sindoor, roli and akshat, then offer the 108 lotuses or red flowers one by one.
- 5
Japa or path
Chant the Navarna mantra "Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundayai Vichche", or read the seventh chapter of the Durga Saptashati (the slaying of Chanda and Munda).
- 6
Bhog and aarti
Before the junction ends, offer the fruit and sweets as bhog, perform aarti with camphor and offer the prayer for forgiveness.
About Sandhi Puja
Sandhi Puja is the worship of Maa Chamunda in the 48-minute junction of Ashtami and Navami, performed both in Bengal's Durga Puja and on Durga Ashtami in North India. This page gives the 2026 muhurat, its significance, the samagri and the vidhi.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Sandhi Puja in 2026?
On Monday, 19 October 2026, from 10:27 to 11:15 AM. Ashtami tithi ends at 10:51 AM, and the window runs from 24 minutes before that to 24 minutes after.
Why does Sandhi Puja last exactly 48 minutes?
The Sandhi Kaal is two ghatis: the last ghati of Ashtami and the first ghati of Navami. A ghati is about 24 minutes, so the window is about 48 minutes.
Can Sandhi Puja be done at home?
Yes. At home it is done by lighting lamps, offering red flowers and chanting Maa Chamunda's mantra or reading the seventh chapter of the Saptashati during the junction. If 108 lamps aren't possible, light as many as you can with devotion.