Ahoi Ashtami, one of the most significant fasting days observed by Hindu mothers, is a festival of devotion, maternal love, and faith. Celebrated eight days before Diwali and four days after Karwa Chauth, this sacred vrat (fast) is dedicated to Goddess Ahoi, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. On this day, mothers observe a strict fast and offer prayers for the long life, prosperity, and happiness of their children. Deeply rooted in traditional values and emotions, Ahoi Ashtami symbolizes the strength of a mother’s love and her unshakeable devotion to her family’s well-being.
The Mythological Origin of Ahoi Ashtami
According to popular legend, there once lived a mother of seven sons. As Diwali approached, she went into the forest to bring soil to renovate her house. While digging, her spade accidentally killed a small cub of a lioness (or a hedgehog, as some versions say). The mother was heartbroken, but soon after, all her sons died mysteriously, one after another. Overwhelmed with grief, she sought forgiveness from the divine. Pleased with her sincere repentance, Goddess Parvati appeared before her and blessed her, reviving her sons and releasing the family from misfortune.
Since that day, women began observing Ahoi Ashtami Vrat to seek the blessings of Goddess Ahoi Mata and protect their children from harm and untimely death. The word Ahoi itself means “to spare” or “to forgive,” and this fast embodies a mother’s heartfelt plea for divine protection and forgiveness.
When is Ahoi Ashtami Observed?
Ahoi Ashtami is observed on the Ashtami Tithi (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik (October-November) as per the Hindu lunar calendar. The festival occurs just before Diwali, often coinciding with the Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat observed by devotees of Lord Ganesha.
Women observe the fast from sunrise to the appearance of stars in the evening. In some regions, the fast is broken after sighting the stars, while others wait for the moonrise to perform the concluding rituals.
Rituals and Observances of Ahoi Ashtami
The day of Ahoi Ashtami begins early, as mothers wake up before sunrise, take a holy bath, and vow to observe the fast for their children’s health and happiness. Traditionally, the fast is nirjala (without water), reflecting the depth of a mother’s sacrifice and devotion.
During the day, women refrain from eating or drinking. They spend their time in prayer, decorating the Ahoi Mata’s image on a wall or on paper using geru (red ochre) and kajal. The image usually depicts Goddess Ahoi, along with seven sons or seven small dots, representing her divine blessing upon children. Sometimes, the picture also includes animals like lioness and cubs, symbolizing fertility and protection.
In the evening, during puja muhurat, women place a kalash (holy pot) filled with water in front of the Ahoi Mata image. A silver pendant called Ahoi or Syau, often shaped like a porcupine or animal, is also placed near the idol and worshipped. Offerings of roli, rice, milk, sweets, and jaggery are made.
A thread with seven knots is tied around the kalash, and women listen to the Ahoi Mata Vrat Katha (story), which recounts the legend of the mother and her sons. After the puja, they look at the stars or the reflection of the moon in water, offer arghya (water offering), and then break their fast.
In many households, the eldest woman of the family blesses the younger mothers, and offerings are shared with other married women and children.
Ahoi Ashtami Puja Vidhi
– Purification: Take a morning bath and clean the puja area.
– Sankalp (Vow): Make a vow before the goddess to fast sincerely for the well-being of your children.
– Ahoi Mata Drawing: Draw or install an image of Ahoi Mata on the wall facing east or west. Depict stars, animals, and seven small dots or sons.
– Kalash Sthapana: Place a water-filled kalash near the image with a thread tied around it.
– Lighting the Diya: Light a diya of ghee or mustard oil throughout the puja.
– Offerings: Present milk, rice, roli, and sweets as offerings.
– Story Reading: Recite or listen to the Ahoi Mata Vrat Katha with devotion.
– Star/Moon Sight: Once the stars (or moon) are visible, offer arghya and food to the goddess.
– Breaking the Fast: After offering prayers, eat prasad and break the fast.
Regional Variations and Traditions
In North India, particularly in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab, Ahoi Ashtami is observed with great enthusiasm. Mothers often visit temples dedicated to Goddess Parvati or Ahoi Mata and light diyas near Ahoi Kunds (sacred ponds). In Maharashtra and Gujarat, the festival coincides with Ahoi Aatham and is observed in similar reverence.
Some women observe the fast for sons only, while others do it for both sons and daughters. The essence, however, remains the same – the mother’s heartfelt prayer for her children’s long life and happiness.
Spiritual Significance
Ahoi Ashtami is not merely a ritualistic fast; it’s a celebration of motherhood and divine protection. It signifies a mother’s selflessness and her deep emotional and spiritual bond with her children. The festival also teaches the importance of repentance and forgiveness – as the legend shows, sincere remorse and devotion can wash away past sins.
Fasting is considered a way to cleanse the body and mind, allowing one to focus entirely on prayer and gratitude. The sighting of stars at the end of the fast represents hope and renewal – a mother’s faith shining bright amidst the challenges of life.
Ahoi Mata: The Divine Protector
Goddess Ahoi, believed to be an aspect of Goddess Parvati, is revered as the divine protector of children. Her blessings are invoked to guard families from misfortune, illness, and premature death. Women worship her not only for their children’s health but also for peace and harmony in the household.
Many devotees keep a silver Ahoi pendant at home and use it annually during the puja. It is considered auspicious and believed to bring prosperity and fertility.
Modern Relevance
Even in today’s modern age, where life is fast-paced and technology-driven, Ahoi Ashtami continues to hold emotional significance. For many women, the day offers a moment of spiritual pause – a time to connect with tradition, express gratitude for their children, and strengthen family bonds. The ritual also serves as a reminder of the timeless truth that a mother’s love and faith can move mountains.
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