Ahoi Ashtmi is the sacred festival celebrated across India by mothers for their offspring's well-being, safety, and long life. It falls on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (waning moon) in Kartika. It’s a deeply cherished occasion, particularly for mothers who keep Ahoi Mata vrat the whole day and complete it after sighting the moon. Some also break the fast once they see the stars in the sky.
Let’s dwell into what’s the story behind this amazing fast, the essential puja rituals mothers must follow, and typical Vrat Smagri too without which the tradition would be considered incomplete.
What’s The Story Behind Ahoi Ashtami Vrat?
It’s about a woman who has seven sons and is concerned about the safety and well-being of her children. One day she was working in the fields and her children were playing alongside her. A cow, who also belonged to the family, grazed the crop of a farmer. In anger, the farmer scolded the cow and also the woman’s children.
The woman also became angered and cursed her children and wished that they suffered the same as fate the cow. After this incident, her sons started getting ill one by one. Getting worried about it, she prayed to Goddess Ahoi Mata, for the recovery and well-being of her children. In prayers, she also vowed to observe the Ahoi Ashtami Vrat which typically falls on the 8th day after the full moon in the month of Ashwin (which usually comes in October).
The divine was moved by her devotion and blessed woman with her children recovering from the illness. It was after this event that mothers started observing Ahoi Mata fast for the wellness and safety of their children.
Observing Ahoi Ashtami Fast: Essential Puja Rituals
Shubh Muhurat Suggestion for Ahoi Ashtami Vrat
The Ahoi Ashtami fast is kept on the 8th day (Ashtami) after the full moon (Purnima) during the Ashwin month of the Hindu lunar calendar. How women observe this fast, let’s know the key rituals performed on this day:
- The devotees start the vrat by bathing early with clean or holy water in the morning, purifying body and mind.
- The place where Ahoi Ashtami puja will be performed must be kept clean to create a divine and sacred environment.
- Mothers refrain from eating or drinking the whole day till the stars appear in the sky. While some women only break the fast watching moon. A clean cloth is spread on the floor, puja thali is kept, and then keeping the picture of Ahoi Mata or the idol, the prayers are resumed.
- A diya is lighted then in front of the image of Ahoi Mata. Along with that, some incense sticks and offers are made for purification and respect to invite the Goddess into the home.
- Prayers and mantras are recited such as Ahoi Mata Stotra and Ahoi Mata Vrat Katha. While some devotees also recite general prayers for the protection of their children.
- Chana (roasted gram) is offered to the deity for abundance and nourishment. Also, a bowl of water is placed near the deity in a copper or brass vessel. This water is consumed later on as a bliss drink to attain Ahoi Mata’s divine blessings.
- Once the moon is sighted in the evening, the fast is broken. Prashad is prepared which is shared with the family members.
- Some women as a part of their vrat also give a portion of their food to the poor in the form of दक्षिणा (act of charity).
- Some women also draw the footprints of the Ahoi Mata on the ground on the wall, as a part of the Ahoi Ashtami Puja tradition, believing that it will help invite the Goddess into the home and attain her blessings.
- Ahoi Mata की तस्वीर या प्रतिमा
- Clean or Holy Water
- Diya
- Incense sticks (अगरबत्ती)
- Raw Gram (कच्चा चना)
- Fruits, Sweets, Prasad
- Copper or Brass Vessel
- Rice grains (to be used in the puja for Tilak)
- Sacred Thread (मौली)
- Sandalwood Paste (चंदन)
- Cloth (पुजा वस्त्र)
- A Small Basket for Dakshina
In Conclusion
In essence, we can say that Ahoi Mata Vrat is for protecting maternal love and also to attain spiritual devotion. It’s a way to nurture the bond between mother and child and to connect deeply with the divine energy.
For childless couples to get blessed with progeny and also to ensure the safety and health of children, observe Ahoi Mata’s Vrat including Shri Santan Gopal Yantra buying from pandit.com. It helps prevent miscarriages and protects the fetus. In addition, it also ensures the safety, health & proper growth of children.
