Bhadrakali Navaratri, Day 8 (Durgashtami): Mahadurga Alankaram and Bhadrakali Janmotsavam

Mahashtami (Durgashtami) and Sri Bhadrakali Janmotsavam: the goddess as Sri Bhadrakali Mahadurga, with Mahagauri durgarchana. Saddula Bathukamma falls on the same day. Bhadrapeetha seva in the morning; Nishumbha vadha durgarchana and Ashwa vahana seva at 7 pm; maharatri homam and jagarana through the night. Nityahnikam at 4 am every day. Darshan 4 am to 12 noon and 1 pm to 8 pm (madhyahna puja 12 to 1). Part of the Sri Bhadrakali Devi Sharannavaratri (Dasara) Mahotsavam, 11 to 21 October 2026.

Significance: Durgashtami is the goddess's victory over evil in her full Mahadurga form. The temple also celebrates it as Sri Bhadrakali's birthday (janmotsavam). Mahagauri, the eighth Durga, is the pure, radiant form that washes away sins. Women end the nine days of Bathukamma with Saddula Bathukamma on the same day.