Ashtami
அஷ்டமி
Ashtami is the eighth lunar day, deeply significant for the worship of fierce deities like Lord Kala Bhairava and Goddess Durga. Devotees believe that sincere prayers offered on this auspicious day help remove obstacles, ward off negative energies, and bring profound peace and success into one's life.
Observance Dates & Timeline
2023 Occurrences
Times and tithi lines follow the site Panchangam engine for that civil day when data exists.
Spiritual Festival Sequence
Tamil Nadu Spiritual Experience
What is Ashtami?
Ashtami refers to the eighth day (tithi) of the lunar fortnight. It occurs twice a month: once during the waxing phase (Shukla Paksha) and once during the waning phase (Krishna Paksha).
While conventionally considered inauspicious for starting new material ventures, Ashtami is highly revered for spiritual practices, especially for invoking the protective energies of fierce deities.
Significance of Kala Bhairava
The Krishna Paksha Ashtami (Theipirai Ashtami) is intimately associated with Lord Kala Bhairava, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Bhairava incarnated on this day.
Devotees throng Shiva temples on this day to seek Bhairava's protection against enemies, negative energies, and the ill effects of time and karma.
Rituals and Worship
A common and powerful ritual on Ashtami is lighting a lamp using black pepper tied in a small cloth bundle (Milagu Deepam) or sesame oil lamps at the Bhairava shrine.
For Goddess Durga, lighting lemon lamps during Rahu Kalam on Ashtami is considered highly auspicious for removing obstacles and bringing peace to the household.
Benefits of Ashtami Worship
Worshipping Lord Kala Bhairava on Theipirai Ashtami by lighting pepper lamps and offering red oleander garlands is believed to cure prolonged illnesses and eliminate enemies' evil eyes. Furthermore, this powerful worship is highly recommended for resolving deep-rooted financial debts and achieving steady progress in business and career.
Similarly, observing fasts and lighting lemon lamps for Goddess Durga on Shukla Ashtami (especially Durgashtami) protects the household from negative vibrations, blesses the family with longevity, and brings overall prosperity and auspiciousness.