Ahoi Ashtami Katha 2023 | अहोई अष्टमी की पूजा 2023

Ahoi Ashtami is a Hindu festival that is celebrated on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Kartika (October-November). It is a day dedicated to the worship of Ahoi Mata, who is believed to be the protector of children. Ahoi Ashtami is particularly observed by women who are seeking the blessings of Ahoi Mata for the long life and well-being of their sons.

Ahoi Ashtami Katha

The following is a popular Ahoi Ashtami Katha:

Once upon a time, there was a woman who had seven sons. She loved her sons very much and took great care of them. One day, the woman went to the forest to collect firewood. While she was collecting firewood, she accidentally stepped on a snake's nest. The snake was furious and attacked the woman, biting her on the leg.

The woman was in great pain and cried out for help. Her seven sons heard her cries and came running to her. They saw the snake attacking their mother and bravely fought it off. The snake was defeated and fled.

The woman was very grateful to her sons for saving her life. She blessed them and said, "May you all live long and healthy lives."

However, the snake's bite was poisonous and the woman's sons fell ill. They became weaker and weaker each day, and eventually, they all died.

The woman was devastated. She mourned the loss of her sons and blamed herself for their deaths. She cried and cried until her tears dried up and her heart turned to stone.

One day, a wise old woman came to the village. She saw the woman mourning the loss of her sons and asked her what was wrong. The woman told the old woman about the snake's bite and how her sons had died.

The old woman listened to the woman's story and said, "Your sons are not dead. They are alive and well, but they have been taken away by Ahoi Mata."

The old woman explained that Ahoi Mata is a powerful goddess who protects children. She said that Ahoi Mata had taken the woman's sons because she was angry with the woman for accidentally stepping on the snake's nest.

The old woman told the woman that she could get her sons back if she worshipped Ahoi Mata on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Kartika. She said that the woman should fast on that day and pray to Ahoi Mata for the return of her sons.

The woman followed the old woman's advice and worshipped Ahoi Mata on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Kartika. She fasted all day and prayed to Ahoi Mata with all her heart.

At the end of the day, the woman's seven sons appeared before her. They were all alive and well. The woman was overjoyed to see her sons again. She thanked Ahoi Mata for her blessing.

Understanding Ahoi Ashtami

The Origin of Ahoi Ashtami

The Ahoi Ashtami Katha delves into the mythological origins of this festival. The story goes that a kind and devoted mother unknowingly killed a young cub, which led to a curse causing all her children to perish. Overcome with grief and guilt, she sought the guidance of a sage who advised her to observe the Ahoi Ashtami fast to atone for her actions. Her devotion and penance eventually led to the revival of her children, thus establishing the significance of this vrat.

Significance of Ahoi Ashtami Katha

The Ahoi Ashtami Katha is a reminder of the importance of Ahoi Mata in protecting children. It is also a reminder of the power of faith and devotion. The woman in the Katha was able to get her sons back because she worshipped Ahoi Mata with all her heart.

Preparations for Ahoi Ashtami

Ahoi Ashtami Rituals

The day of Ahoi Ashtami involves various rituals, including waking up before sunrise, bathing, and wearing clean clothes. The fast is observed without water until the evening puja, when prayers and offerings are made to Ahoi Mata. After the evening puja, the fast is broken with the family partaking in a meal together.

Ahoi Ashtami Vrat

Many women observe the Ahoi Ashtami Vrat on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Kartika. This Vrat is observed for the long life and well-being of sons.

Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Vidhi

The following is a simple Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Vidhi:

1. Wake up early in the morning and take a bath.
2. Wear clean clothes.
3. Prepare a puja thali with the following items:
   • Ahoi Mata's picture
   • Diya
   • Incense sticks
   • Akshat
   • Flowers
   • Fruits
   • Sweets
4. Place the puja thali in a clean place in your house.
5. Light the diya and incense sticks.
6. Offer akshat, flowers, fruits, and sweets to Ahoi Mata.
7. Pray to Ahoi Mata for the long life and well-being of your sons.
8. Fast for the entire day.
9. In the evening, break your fast after offering food to Ahoi Mata.

Ahoi Ashtami Mantras

The following are some Ahoi Ashtami Mantras that you can chant during the puja:

• Om Ahoi Mata Namah
• Ahoi Mataye Namah, Ashta