Ahoi Ashtami Vrat is a significant festival observed by mothers for the well-being, prosperity, and long life of their children. The fast, typically observed in North India. On this day, mothers fast from dawn till dusk and offer special prayers to Ahoi Mata. The following are the two well-known legends associated with this auspicious day, followed by the importance and pooja rituals of Ahoi Ashtami.
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The First Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Katha
According to one legend, there was a woman who accidentally killed a baby porcupine while digging soil to make clay toys for Diwali. The mother porcupine cursed her, saying that she would lose all her sons. Soon, the woman’s sons started to die one by one. Desperate and sorrowful, the woman sought the advice of a wise elder, who suggested observing the Ahoi Ashtami Vrat (fast) and offering prayers to Ahoi Mata. The woman followed this advice, and her devotion pleased Ahoi Mata, who blessed her with the return of her sons. Since then, mothers have been observing this fast for their children’s health and longevity.
The Second Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Katha
In ancient times, there was a wealthy merchant who had seven sons and seven daughters-in-law. He also had a daughter who visited her parental home during Diwali. One day, the merchant’s seven daughters-in-law and his daughter went to the forest to gather soil. While digging, the merchant’s daughter unknowingly killed one of the seven baby porcupines (syahus) living there with their mother. The mother porcupine became angry and cursed her, saying, “I will curse your womb.”
The merchant’s daughter, distressed by this curse, pleaded with her sisters-in-law to take the curse on her behalf. One by one, they refused, until the youngest daughter-in-law agreed to take the curse upon herself. After this, all her children began to die, each passing away on the seventh day of birth. Devastated, the youngest daughter-in-law sought the help of a priest, who advised her to serve a cow named Surahi.
Pleased with her service, the cow took her to the porcupine to resolve the curse. On their way, they stopped to rest, and the youngest daughter-in-law saw a snake about to bite a baby eagle. She killed the snake, saving the baby eagle. Just then, the mother eagle arrived and, thinking her baby had been killed, attacked the young woman. The woman explained that she had, in fact, saved the eagle’s life. Grateful, the eagle flew them to the porcupine’s home.
The porcupine, moved by the youngest daughter-in-law’s sincerity and service, lifted the curse and blessed her with seven sons and seven daughters-in-law. As a result of this blessing, her home was once again filled with happiness and prosperity.
This story, like the first, emphasizes the theme of “turning the impossible into possible,” which is one of the key messages behind Ahoi Ashtami.
This year this festival will fall on 24th October which is four days after the celebration of Karwa Chauth.
The Importance of Ahoi Ashtami Fast
- For Children’s Long Life and Prosperity: Ahoi Ashtami is primarily observed to pray for the long life and prosperity of one’s children. Mothers fast all day and pray to Ahoi Mata for their children’s well-being.
- Symbol of Motherhood: The fast exemplifies the love, devotion, and sacrifice mothers make for their children. It reflects the strength of motherhood and the protective nature of a mother’s prayers.
- Religious Significance: Observing this fast is considered a highly religious and spiritual act. By praying to Ahoi Mata, mothers fulfill their duties and seek divine blessings for their families.
- Fasting Ritual: The fast is observed without food and water throughout the day, and the rituals are completed after offering prayers to the stars at night.
Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Pooja Vidhi
- Ahoi Mata’s Picture: The pooja starts by placing an image of Ahoi Mata on a wall. A water-filled pitcher (kalash) is placed below the image.
- Ahoi Mata Mala: A crucial part of the pooja is the Ahoi Mata Mala, often made of silver or gold, featuring seven beads representing the seven sons and an image of Ahoi Mata. This mala is either worn or placed near the Ahoi Mata picture during the pooja.
- Pooja Materials: Worship involves lighting lamps, offering rice, roli, flowers, sweets, and water from the kalash. Grains like wheat or rice are also offered to Ahoi Mata.
- Listening to Ahoi Mata Katha: During the pooja, the stories (kathas) of Ahoi Ashtami are recited. These stories, such as the ones mentioned above, reflect the significance of devotion and the blessings that come from observing this fast.
- Offering Arghya to Stars: After the stars are visible, mothers offer water (Arghya) to them as part of the ritual, praying for their children’s long life and prosperity.
- Breaking the Fast: The fast is broken after offering prayers to the stars. In some regions, prayers are offered to the moon, but most mothers break the fast after seeing the stars.
Ahoi Ashtami is a revered tradition that demonstrates a mother’s deep devotion and love for her children. The stories behind the fast highlight the themes of faith, perseverance, and turning misfortune into blessing. Through the rituals of Ahoi Ashtami, mothers seek the divine blessings of Ahoi Mata for the health, happiness, and prosperity of their children, making this an integral part of Indian cultural and spiritual life
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