Google trend - Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Katha

Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Katha is a significant Hindu fasting ritual that is observed by mothers for the well-being and long life of their children. It is typically celebrated on the eighth day of the Hindu month of Kartik, which falls in either October or November according to the Gregorian calendar.

The word "Ahoi" is derived from the Sanskrit words "Aho" meaning day and "Ashtami" meaning the eighth day. This vrat (fasting) is observed by married women who have children and is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune to the family.

According to the legend associated with Ahoi Ashtami, there was a woman who lived in a village with her seven sons. One day, she went to the forest to collect soil for a ritual and accidentally killed a lion cub. This incident angered the lioness who sought revenge on the woman. The lioness cursed the woman and her sons, causing them to suffer from various ailments.

Realizing her mistake, the woman sought the help of a wise old sage who advised her to observe a fast on the eighth day of Kartik month to appease the lioness. The sage told her that by observing the Ahoi Ashtami Vrat, she would be able to reverse the curse and bring prosperity to her family.

The woman followed the sage's advice and observed the fast with utmost devotion. She refrained from eating or drinking anything throughout the day. She spent the entire day praying to the goddess Ahoi Mata, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva.

As the woman completed her fast, she heard a voice in her dream. The voice told her that her dedication and devotion had pleased Ahoi Mata, and her curse would be lifted. The voice further instructed her to draw the image of a lioness on the wall of her house using red pigment.

The woman woke up and immediately drew the image of a lioness on the wall as per the instructions given in her dream. To her surprise, she found that her sons were cured of their ailments, and their lives were filled with happiness and prosperity.

News of the miraculous recovery spread throughout the village, and other women started observing the Ahoi Ashtami Vrat to seek the blessings of Ahoi Mata for the well-being of their children.

Since then, Ahoi Ashtami Vrat has become a popular tradition among Hindu mothers. On this day, women wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and wear clean clothes. They draw the image of a lioness on the wall or use a printed picture of Ahoi Mata. They then offer prayers and perform aarti (ritual of waving a lamp) in front of the image.

The fast is broken in the evening after sighting the stars. The women first offer water to the stars and then break their fast by eating a special meal prepared for the occasion. The meal usually consists of sweets, fruits, and other vegetarian dishes.

Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Katha is a reminder of the importance of motherhood and the unconditional love and sacrifices made by mothers for the well-being of their children. It is a celebration of the divine feminine energy and a way to seek blessings for the health, happiness, and long life of one's offspring.