Ashoka Astami is a grand festival of Odisha. Which is mostly celebrated in eastern Odisha, Bhubaneswar. The day of Ashoka Astami is dedicated to Lord Rama, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Parvati. Along with them, the Ashok tree is worshiped on this day as it has favor on Lord Shiva.
It is celebrated in the Chaitra month of Shukla Paksha on the 8th day. It has coincided with the festival of Chaitra Navaratri. It is also known as Ashoka Rohini or Bhabani Ashtami. It is a grand celebration in the Lingaraj Temple of Bhubaneswar. It is celebrated for seven days.
The festival is celebrated as a Car festival in various regions of Odisha. Also, another Rath Yatra and other various events and fairs are organized at this time. The Rath Yatra itself has its significance. Rath yatra is known as Rukuna Rath Yatra. Which is a Yatra from Lingaraj Temple to Rameswaram Temple. It is also celebrated for five to seven days. And again, on the 5th day, the chariot returns to Lingaraj Temple, which is called Bahuda Yatra.
History of Ashoka Astami
According to Ramayana, Lord Rama was unable to kill Ravana due to the blessing of Goddess Shakti. Then Rama took advice from Bhivisana, the younger brother of Ravana, and prayed to Goddess and Lord Shiva in the Lingaraj Temple to get their blessings. He worshipped for seven days and on the eighth day Goddess Shakti blessed him, and he killed Ravana with Brahmastra. Lord Rama took out the chariot of Lord Shiva and Goddess in a procession on the Ashtami. And from that onwards, this day is celebrated as a victory of Lord Rama over evil.
It was believed that Lord Shiva’s tears from two eyes turned into Rudraksha and Ashoka trees. When Ravana decides to sing Shiva Tandava, and Lord Shiva will perform that Tandava, other gods get scared. As it could lead to Paralay. But Lord Shiva had to perform Tandava, he was helpless and he cried. Which turned into them. So, people worship Ashoka Tree along with Lord Shiva on the day of Ashoka Astami.
Also, it was said that, when Ravana carried Sita in Lanka, she used to spend her time under the Ashoka tree the whole day. And also Hanuman sat on the tree and called her. And later she went out with him. And Ashoka tree frees her and blesses her.
It is also said that Ashokastami came from King Ashoka who ruled the Indian subcontinent once. He decided to change his great warrior life after the Kalinga War. He decided to embrace Buddhism and accept non-violence. On this day of Ashoka Astami, he finally took Buddhism.
Why Ashoka Astami is Celebrated
People organize Ashoka Astami to celebrate the victory of Lord Rama over evil power. The day is celebrated as a journey of Lord Lingaraj. People worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati to seek blessings of them.
The day is also celebrated to show gratitude towards nature. Worshipping the Ashoka tree is equivalent to worshipping a god. So people worship the Ashoka tree to get peace and happiness. And to fulfill their wishes.
Who started Ashoka Astami?
Lord Rama had started Ashoka Astami to celebrate his victory. And he took out a procession of Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti on a chariot. And Ashoka Astami is celebrated from that day.
Highlights of Ashoka Astami
- Lord Rama visited Bhubaneswar or Ekamra Ksetra in Tetrya Yug. And Lord Lingaraj told him to stay in Bhubaneswar for some time. The place where Lord Rama stayed is known as Rameswara Temple. Lord Rama’s birthday was held at that time. On the day of Ashtami Lord Lingaraj along with his family, Devi Parvati, visited Rameswara in a chariot. Which is the rath yatra of Lingaraj temple to Rameswaram, which is also called Ashokastami Yatra.
- There are four horses representing four Vedas. The horse which represents Rik Veda, moves the whole rath by the force of the wind. Sam Veda carries out the responsibilities of Lord Lingaraj. Yajur Veda gives the blessings of Bhakti, And Atharv Veda punishes the guilty.
- The whole procession of Ashoka Astami is also called “Pahandi Bije”. Before being taken into the Rath, Pratima does 3 times Parikrama of the Rath. And Nandi also carries in a rath.
- It is said that the person who will be able to see Lord Lingaraj in the chariot will not rebirth again.
- It is said that on the 2nd day of the Ashoka Astami festival or the day of Ram Navami, Pratimas are carried out to the Rameswaram temple due to Lord Rama’s birthday.
- Car festival is also held in the Ashoka Astami festival in Odisha.
Ashoka Astami 2023
In 2023 Ashoka Astami was celebrated on 29th March. Astami tithi began on 28th March, 2023 7:03 PM and ended on 29th March, 2023 9:07 PM
Ashoka Astami 2022
Ashoka Astami was celebrated on April 9, Saturday. Astami tithi began on 8th April 2022 at 11:05 PM and ended on 10th April 2022 at 1:24 AM.
Next Ashoka Astami
The next Ashoka Astami will be celebrated on Tuesday, 16th April 2024.
How to participate in Ashoka Astami
On the day of Ashoka Astami Devi Parvati is worshiped. Also, Lord Lingaraj is worshiped at the Lingaraj temple of Bhubaneswar. People offer Ashoka leaves to Lord Shiva. Also, Gangajal and raw kinds of milk are offered to the root of the Ashoka tree. And people also tie a red thread around the tree for seven times and do parikrama of the tree.
A rath yatra is also celebrated in Lingaraj Temple. On this day Chandrasekhar, representative of Lord Lingaraj, Shivalinga, and Devi Parvati are carried in a chariot in a procession to Rameswaram temple. Banajanga puja is held before the Rath Yatra. Then four horses which represent four vedas and the wheels of the chariots are worshiped in a Panchopachara viddhi. And then prayers are offered to Lord Brahma who is the Sarathi and Devi Parvati. Rath or the Chariot is represented as Prithvi or earth. So then prayers are offered to her. And then Lord Rama is worshiped. And then Rath Yatra is begun.
How to Reach Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar is the state capital of Odisha. It can be reached by bus, train and air.
How to reach Bhubaneswar by Air
Biju Patnaik International Airport is the nearest airport. From this airport national and international flights are available.
How to reach Bhubaneswar by Train
Bhubaneswar (BBS) is the nearest railway station. From which lots of daily and weekly special trains are available to various cities.
How to reach Bhubaneswar by Bus
Bhubaneswar is connected with the national highways through various cities. Buses and taxis are always available. Also, Baramunda Bus Terminal is the biggest bus terminal in Odisha, which is located in Bhubaneswar. Daily nearly 200 buses are available to various cities.
FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions
When is Ashoka Ashtami observed?
Ashoka Ashtami falls on the ‘Ashtami’ or 8th day during the Shukla Paksha in the month of ‘Chaitra’. It happens to coincide with the auspicious “Chaitra Navratri” holiday. This date corresponds to March through April according to the Gregorian calendar.
Describe Ashokashtami?
Ashok Ashtami, often called Ashokastami, is a holiday honoring Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. In Orissa and other eastern parts of the nation, the event is observed as a vehicle festival, and it is grandly observed in Bhubaneswar’s Lingaraj Temple.
How is Ashokastami celebrated?
Ashokastami, sometimes referred to as Rath jatra, is observed in April. From the main temple, Lord Lingaraj is mounted on a chariot and driven to the Rameswar temple. Numerous devotees travel to this jatra while singing and dancing. After four days, the Lord Lingaraj idol is brought back to the main temple.
What occurs during Ashtami?
Hindus in India observe a fast during this auspicious time. On this day, people also gather to dance the “garba” and wear vibrant attire. Due to the devotion to Goddess Durga’s weapons on this day, it is also known as “Astra Puja”.