Ashoka Ashtami
Ashoka Ashtami is an auspicious Hindu festival
celebrated with great fervour in India. This festival is devoted to Lord Shiva
and Goddess Parvati. According to the Hindu calendar, Ashoka Ashtami is
observed on the ‘Ashtami’ (8th day) during the Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase
of moon) in the month of ‘Chaitra’. It falls during the propitious ‘Chaitra
Navratri’ festival.
In the Gregorian calendar this date corresponds to the
months of March to April. Ashoka Ashtami is observed as a car festival in
Orissa and other eastern regions of India. It is held that Lord Rama completed
the Ashoka Ashtami rituals before starting the final attack on Ravana. It is
celebrated in a grand manner in the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar and the
festivities last for a period of seven days. This day also holds great
significance in some of the southern states of India. Ashoka Ashtami is a
festival that marks the triumph of good over evil.
Significance
of Ashoka Ashtami:
The importance of Ashoka Ashtami is
mentioned in several Hindu Puranas. The word ‘Ashoka’ implies ‘one without
sorrow’ while ‘ashtami’ signifies ‘eight day’. Hence Ashoka Ashtami is
celebrated as the day when the sorrows of Lord Rama were relieved by Lord Shiva
and Goddess Shakti. According to the legends, when Lord Rama was unable to
defeat Ravana in the great battle, He worshipped Shiva and Goddess Shakti to
seek their blessings. Pleased with Lord Rama’s dedication, Goddess Parvati
blessed Him and the following day, Lord Ram killed the demon king Ravana with
the ‘Brahmastra’. From then onwards this victory is celebrated with immense
zeal and enthusiasm by taking out a procession on the ‘Ashtami’ day of Lord
Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Rituals during Ashoka Ashtami:
- The main deity of worship on Ashoka
Ashtami is Goddess Shakti. On this day, Hindu devotees worship Goddess
Shakti to seek Her divine blessings for a happy and prosperous life.
- Ashoka Ashtami is a festival dedicated to
Lord Lingaraj. On this auspicious day Sri Chandrasekhara, the
representative deity of Lord Lingaraj is taken out on a car. This chariot
is then taken to the temple of Rameswara and the event is witnessed by
thousands of devotees from all corners of the country. This ratha yatra or
the car festival is a popular event of the state of Orissa.
- On this day, religious fairs are
organized. The Ashoka Ashtami Fair is held at Unakoti Tirtha of
Kailashahar Sub-Division of Tripura. As a part of celebrations, special
pujas are offered to the images of Gods and Goddesses engraved on the
hilly rocks. Pilgrims in large numbers from Orissa and neighbouring states
attend the Ashoka Ashtami Fair.
2017 Date : 4th April.
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