Ahoi Ashtami is an important Hindu festival celebrated by mothers for the well-being and longevity of their children. This festival is observed on the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha of the Hindu month of Kartik.
In this blog post, we will look into the significance of Ahoi Ashtami, its date, and the associated rituals and traditions. We will also explore the fascinating Vrat Katha associated with this auspicious occasion. So, let’s dive in and discover the beauty of Ahoi Ashtami!
The Ahoi Ashtami is celebrated eight days before Diwali. In 2024, the festival falls on 24th October. The day is dedicated to Ahoi Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi.
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Ahoi Ashtami Vrata Katha
Once upon a time, there lived a couple in a small village. One day, the wife went to the forest to bring soil and renovate her home before Diwali (reconstructing and decorating your homes before Diwali brings prosperity).
While the wife was digging axe fell accidentally and hit a calf. And the calf died immediately. The mother cow cursed the wife for her actions, and all her seven sons died due to the cure.
After some days, a few old ladies came to her home and asked why her sorrow was. When she told them about her sons, the ladies suggested she perform Ahoi Ashtami Mata pooja. They also advised her to worship the cow and the calf during the pooja.
She did the pooja with utmost dedication and faith. The mother cow was pleased with her devotion and asked about her wish. She requested the cow to give her seven sons back. The cow fulfilled her wish.
There is another epic story. Once upon a time, there lived a king named Chandrabhan. He had several children. Sadly, they all died at an early age. The king wanted to save them. He and his wife gave up everything and pursued an ascetic life.
They lived near a pond. A saint passing by stopped and told them they were suffering because of the sins they committed in their previous lives. He suggested they observe Ahoi Mata fasting. So they did, and Devi brought back their dead sons alive.
What are the benefits of Ahoi Ashtami fast?
Childless couples who worship Ahoi Mata on this day will be blessed with children soon. Women suffering from miscarriages will conceive soon with healthy babies. Mothers can observe the fast for the wellness of their kids.
Can Men Observe Ahoi Ashtami Fast?
Yes. However, the benefits of fasting are higher when the mother observes the fast. This is because mothers can please Ahoi Mata so easily. However, this doesn’t mean Devi doesn’t answer to the fathers. Fathers can also keep Ahoi Ashtami fast.
How to do Ahoi Ashtami pooja?
Clean the pooja room a day before. Place a poster of Ahoi mata. You can download her image on your smartphone if you cannot buy her picture. The intention is to engross her energy into your mind and soul. Feel Devi’s presence. A picture of the goddess will make this easy.
On the next day, rise early in the morning. Place a pot filled with water in front of the Devi. Close it with a lid and put some wheat seeds over it. Do not disturb the Kalash till the thithi ends. After placing the pot, light a ghee lamp.
Take a Sankalp of the well-being of your children. Newlyweds and Childless couples can also take the Sankalp. Prepare Sattvic food like Halwa, roti, puri, jaggery water, etc. Offer turmeric, kumkum, and Akshata. How to prepare Akshata? Mix rice and turmeric. You can add one or two drops of water while mixing them.
Ahoi Ashtami Date 2024
The pooja for Ahoi Mata is performed during Ashtami Tithi.
Ahoi Ashtami falls on 24th October 2024, Thursday
Puja Muhurat: 05:42 PM to 06:59 PM
Time for sighting Stars: 06:06 PM
Moonrise on Ahoi Ashtami: 11:55 PM
Ahoi Ashtami Fast
The fasting of Ahoi Ashtami is very much similar to Karwa Chauth. You can keep fast even without consuming water. But do not spoil your health. If you are a hardworking mom, you can have fruits or fast only by eating sweets (and avoiding salt).
You can even fast by having Satvik food alone. The motive is to engulf your thoughts in Ahoi mata. Keep chanting her name or Gayatri Mantra even while working.
The traditional way to keep Ahoi Ashtami fast is to abstain from food and water. Break the fast after worshipping the stars in the night. You can also offer Arghya to the sun and moon on Ahoi Ashtami.
How to do Arghya? Take a brass or copper pot. Fill it with water and add turmeric, sandal powder, kumkum, and some flowers to it. Now offer water and look at the heavenly bodies through the falling water. Do not step on the water after Arghya.
Is Ahoi Ashtami and Krishnashtami the same?
Yes. However, it is not Krishna Janmashtami. Meaning Lord Krishna’s birthday (Krishna-Jayanti) does not fall on this day.
Why is Ahoi Ashtami called Krishna Ashtami? Krishna with Radha is the joyful form of the lord. When worshipped with Radha, the lord is pleased to the highest level and fulfills all the wishes. Bhagwan Krishna was born during the waning phase of the moon and on Ashtami Thithi. For these reasons, Lord Krishna is worshipped on this day.
On Ahoi Ashtami, women wishing to have children bathe in Radha Kund early in the morning. The kund is sacred and removes all the sins the person committed during his previous birth.
Several ancient stories convey the message that childlessness or delayed childbirth after marriage is due to the sins committed by the couple in their previous birth. So, such couples must visit these holy places to dissolve their Karmas and earn the blessings of the lord. Radha Kund is in the Madhura district of Uttar Pradesh.
Rules and Precautions
Do not wear black or dark-colored clothes. Wear something green, red, or yellow. Do not hurt animals or scold children on Ahoi Ashtami day. Listen or read the stories of Ahoi Mata. We have given two of them for your reference. There are lots more.
Hope our small effort to bring happiness and bliss to your family was fruitful. Ahoi Ashtami pooja is one of the powerful ways to keep your kids safe. Mata is karuna devi and answers your prayers immediately. May her blessing enrich your lives and protect your kids forever!
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