Date & Timing
- Observed on the Ashtami (8th day)
of Shukla Paksha in Chaitra month (March–April).
- In 2026, Ashoka Ashtami falls on Thursday,
March 26.
- Coincides with Chaitra Navratri,
enhancing its auspiciousness.
Deities & Worship
- Main deity:
Goddess Shakti (worshipped for prosperity and relief from sorrow).
- Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati
are also central to the rituals.
- In Odisha, the festival is dedicated
to Lord Lingaraj of Bhubaneswar.
Legends
- The word Ashoka means “without
sorrow.”
- According to legend, Lord Rama
performed Ashoka Ashtami rituals before his final battle with Ravana.
- Pleased with his devotion, Shiva
and Shakti blessed him, enabling victory with the Brahmastra.
- Hence, the festival symbolizes the triumph
of good over evil.
Rituals
- Shakti Pooja:
Devotees worship Goddess Shakti for blessings.
- Car Festival (Ratha Yatra):
In Bhubaneswar, Lord Lingaraj’s representative deity Sri Chandrasekhara
is taken in procession to Rameswara Temple.
- Ashoka Ashtami Fair:
Held at Unakoti Tirtha, Tripura, featuring pujas to rock-carved
deities.
- Community Worship:
Religious fairs, special pujas, and devotional gatherings across Odisha
and eastern India.
Festival Significance
- Celebrated grandly at Lingaraj
Temple, Bhubaneswar, with seven days of festivities.
- Marks victory of dharma over
adharma, echoing Rama’s triumph over Ravana.
- Considered a day when sorrows are
relieved through divine blessings.
- Holds importance in Odisha, Tripura, and some southern states.
Comments
Post a Comment