Ashtami Shradh
6 October 2023 Ashtami Shradh-
Ashtami Tithi will begin on October 6, 2023 at 6:34 am and will last till 8:08 am on the next day, October 7, 2023.
Pitru Paksha starts every year from the full moon of Bhadrapada and continues till the new moon of Ashwin month. This is a special time for the worship of ancestors. Actually, doing any auspicious work during Pitru Paksha is prohibited. But according to the scriptures, there is also a day during Shradh Paksha which is considered auspicious for fasting and worship of Goddess Lakshmi. It is also known as Gajalakshmi Vrat or Mahalakshmi Vrat. On this day, that form of Gajalakshmi is worshiped, in which Goddess Lakshmi is riding an elephant. It is said that worshiping Goddess Lakshmi on the Ashtami date of Shradh Paksha brings blessings in the house and the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi remain on you.
Why do we worship Mahalakshmi during Shradh Paksha?
According to the scriptures, Mahalakshmi Puja on the Ashtami of Shradh Paksha has a very special significance. It is believed that the form of Lakshmi in Adishakti completes its journey on earth on this day. After this, he starts his journey again on the first day of Navratri. It is believed that Lord Krishna advised Yudhishthira to observe this fast after the Pandavas lost everything in gambling. To regain the lost kingdom and wealth. Fasting and worshipping Gaj Lakshmi does not bring poverty in the house. It is a matter of happiness to have a child. Mother Lakshmi also fulfills all the wishes of her devotees .
How to worship Mahalakshmi?
To worship Mahalaxmi, take a bath during Pradosh period and spread a red cloth and place a stool in the western direction of the house. Make an ashtadal (8 petals) on it with saffron and sandalwood, place rice on it and place a pot filled with water on it. Place the idol of Goddess Lakshmi near the pot . Place a clay elephant near the idol. Do not forget to worship Shriyantra in front of the idol of Goddess Lakshmi.
Also keep gold and silver coins in your place of worship. Use lotus flowers to worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. After this, worship Goddess Lakshmi with kumkum, rice and flowers.
Shraddha Karma:
- Shraddha rituals should be performed only by qualified and learned Brahmins.
- In Shraddha Karma, donations are given to Brahmins and if they can help the poor and needy then they get many virtues.
- Apart from this, some food should also be given to animals and birds like cow, dog and crow. If possible, Shraddha should be performed on the banks of Ganga. If this is not possible then you can also do it at home.
- On the day of Shraddha, celebrations should be organized for Brahmins. After the meal, satisfy them by giving donations or Dakshina. Shraddha Puja is about to start in the afternoon. Mantras are chanted with the help of qualified Brahmins and after the puja, a vessel full of water is offered.
- After this, the parts of cow, dog, crow etc. should be separated from the food offered. While offering food, they should remember their ancestors. You should ask them to perform Shraddha in their hearts.
What to do :
- Pitru Tarpan: Worship and pray to ancestors on the day of Ashtami Shraddha. This includes chanting ancestral mantras and mentioning the names of ancestors.
- Charity : Donating food and money to the poor and brahmins has traditionally been the norm.
- Fasting: Try to fast on the day of Ashtami Shraddha. Chant other prayers like Aditya Stotra etc.
- Donation of teeth: Donation of teeth on the day of Shraddha is also considered auspicious.
- Good Deeds: Promote good deeds on this day and maintain compassion and kindness towards your enemies.
what can not you do:
- Toxic substances: Do not consume alcohol or tobacco.
- Impure acts: Avoid impure acts like going to the toilet on the day of Shraddha.
- Cruel actions: One should not behave cruelly towards anyone nor harm anyone on the day of Ashtami Shraddha.
- Unpleasant objects: Do not carry unpleasant objects like sharp knives on the day of Shraddha.