Ashtami

Ashtami

Ashtami is the eighth day of the lunar fortnight in the Hindu calendar. It is considered a very auspicious day for worshipping various forms of Goddess Durga and Lord Shiva. Many legends, festivals, benefits, and astrological significance are associated with Ashtami. In this article, we will explore some of them and tell you how to contact Sulekha for more information and guidance.

Significance of Ashtami

Ashtami is derived from the Sanskrit word "Ashta," which means eight. It symbolizes the balance and harmony of the eight directions, elements, powers, and qualities of the Supreme Being. Ashtami is also when Goddess Durga manifested on earth to destroy the evil demon Mahishasura. Therefore, Ashtami is a celebration of the victory of good over evil and the power of the divine feminine.

Legends of Ashtami

There are many legends related to Ashtami in Hindu mythology. One of them is the story of Krishna Janmashtami, which marks the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. According to the legend, Krishna was born on Ashtami in the dark fortnight of Bhadrapada month, when the Rohini nakshatra was ascendant. He was born to Devaki and Vasudeva in a prison cell, where they were imprisoned by Devaki's brother Kansa, who wanted to kill Krishna as he was prophesied to be his slayer. Krishna was miraculously saved by his father, who carried him across the river Yamuna to Gokul, where he was raised by Yashoda and Nanda. Krishna grew up to be a mischievous and charming boy who performed many miracles and killed many demons. He also played a pivotal role in the Kurukshetra war, guiding Arjuna as his charioteer and revealing his universal form as Bhagavan.

Another legend is the story of Radhashtami, which celebrates the appearance day of Goddess Radha, the consort of Lord Krishna. Radha is considered an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, who descended on earth to enjoy divine love with Krishna. Radha was born on Ashtami in the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada month when the Uttara Phalguni nakshatra was ascendant. She was born to Vrishabhanu and Kirti in Barsana, a village near Mathura. Radha was very beautiful and devoted to Krishna since her childhood. She shared a unique bond with him, which transcended all worldly limitations. She was also the leader of the gopis, who were enchanted by Krishna's flute music and danced with him in the rasa lila.

A third legend is the story of Kalabhairava Ashtami, which commemorates the day when Lord Shiva assumed the form of Kalabhairava, a fierce manifestation of his wrath. According to the legend, Brahma became arrogant and claimed he was superior to Shiva and Vishnu. He also created a fifth head from his navel, which started speaking ill of Shiva. This enraged Shiva, who plucked out one of his dreadlocks and threw it on the ground. From it emerged Kalabhairava, who chopped off Brahma's fifth head with his sword. Kalabhairava then roamed around with Brahma's head as a trophy, but he was cursed by Brahma's wife Saraswati to suffer from Brahmahatya dosha (the sin of killing a Brahmin). Kalabhairava had to beg for alms with Brahma's skull as his bowl to get rid of this curse. He finally reached Varanasi, where he was absolved of his sin by Lord Vishnu.

Important festivals associated with Ashtami

Many festivals are celebrated on Ashtami throughout the year. Some of them are:

• Durga Ashtami: This is one of the most important days of Navratri or Durga Puja, celebrated in honor of Goddess Durga and her nine forms. It falls on Ashtami in the bright fortnight of Ashwin month (September-October). On this day, devotees worship Maa Mahagauri, representing purity and prosperity. They also perform Sandhi Puja, which is done at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami tithis. This puja involves lighting 108 lamps and offering animal sacrifice or its substitute to appease Maa Durga. They also perform Kanya Puja or Kanjak Puja, which involves worshipping young girls as embodiments of Maa Durga.
• Ahoi Ashtami: This is a festival observed by mothers for the well-being of their children. It falls on Ashtami in the dark fortnight of Kartik month (October-November). On this day, mothers fast and worship Ahoi Mata, a form of Goddess Parvati. They also narrate the story of a woman who accidentally killed a lion cub while digging a well and was cursed by its mother to lose her seven sons. She then prayed to Ahoi Mata, who restored her sons and blessed her with prosperity.
• Sheetala Ashtami: This festival is dedicated to Goddess Sheetala, the goddess of smallpox and other diseases. It falls on Ashtami in the dark fortnight of Chaitra month (March-April). On this day, devotees worship Sheetala Mata and offer her cold food items like curd, rice, and sweets. They also avoid cooking or heating anything on this day. They believe that they can prevent or cure diseases and infections by doing so.

Benefits of observing Ashtami

Observing Ashtami has many benefits for the devotees. Some of them are:

• Helps in attaining victory over enemies and obstacles.
• Bestows courage, strength, and bravery to face challenges in life.
• Grants wealth, happiness, and prosperity to the devotees.
• Removes sins and bad karma from past lives.
• Protects from diseases, accidents, and evil influences.
• Enhances devotion, wisdom, and spiritual growth.

Astrological significance of Ashtami

Ashtami has a lot of astrological significance as well. Some of the aspects are:

• Ashtami is ruled by Lord Shiva, the lord of destruction and transformation. He can help in overcoming difficulties and bringing positive changes in life.
• Ashtami is also associated with Rahu, Ketu, and Shani, the malefic planets in astrology. They can cause delays, obstacles, hardships, and losses in life. However, by worshipping Shiva or Durga on Ashtami, one can reduce the adverse effects of these planets and gain their blessings.
• Ashtami is also suitable for performing rituals like homa, yajna, puja, mantra chanting, etc. These rituals can help in appeasing the deities and fulfilling one's desires.
• Ashtami is also a favorable day for starting new ventures, projects, journeys, etc. It can ensure success and prosperity in one's endeavors.

Contact Sulekha

If you want to know more about Ashtami or any other Hindu sacred observance, you can contact Sulekha for expert guidance and advice. Sulekha is a leading online platform that connects you with verified and trusted astrologers, numerologists, Vastu consultants, tarot readers, and other service providers. You can browse their profiles, ratings, reviews, and fees and choose the best one for your needs. You can also book online appointments and get personalized solutions for your queries.

Whether you want to know your horoscope, match your kundali, get remedies for your problems, or learn more about Hindu festivals and rituals, Sulekha can help you with all your astrological needs. So what are you waiting for? Contact Sulekha today and get the best astrological services at your fingertips.