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Ahoi Ashtami falls on Kartik Krishna Ashtami (8th day of waning moon in Kartik month), four days before Diwali. The puja is performed in the evening during Pradosh Kaal. The fast is broken after star sighting in the evening (not moonrise).
On this sacred Kartik Krishna Ashtami, I undertake the Ahoi Ashtami vrat and worship of Ahoi Mata for the long life, health, and well-being of my children.
Wake before sunrise and take a purifying bath. The fast begins at sunrise. Resolve to observe the Ahoi Ashtami vrat for your children's welfare. Only water is permitted during the day.
Draw or paste the image of Ahoi Mata on the wall, facing north or east. The image typically shows Ahoi Mata surrounded by her seven sons and a porcupine (syahi). Apply kumkum and haldi dots around the image.
In the evening (Pradosh Kaal), take a fresh bath. Sit before the Ahoi image on the wall. Light a ghee diya and incense. Place the water pot before the image. Take the formal sankalpa for the vrat.
Offer kumkum, turmeric, akshat, and flowers to the Ahoi image. Tie the star-watching thread (taga) near the image. Offer coins and fruits. Sprinkle water from the kalash on the image.
Read or listen to the Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Katha. The story tells of a woman who accidentally killed a porcupine's baby while digging clay, after which her seven sons died. Through sincere penance and worship of Ahoi Mata, her sons were restored to life.
Chant the Ahoi Mata mantra while praying for the welfare, long life, and prosperity of your children. Offer akshat to the image with each chant.
Ahoi Mata Mantra
ॐ अहोई माता तू सबकी माता, सब सन्तान को सुखदाता। पूत-पौत्र बढ़ाय दे, मैया अहोई माता॥
After the puja, go outdoors and look at the sky. Sight the stars through the thread (taga). Once stars are visible, pour water from the kalash while looking at the stars. Break the fast by first drinking water, then eating puri-halwa prasad. Some traditions wait for moonrise instead of stars.
Ahoi Mata Mantra
ॐ अहोई माता तू सबकी माता, सब सन्तान को सुखदाता। पूत-पौत्र बढ़ाय दे, मैया अहोई माता॥
oṃ ahoi mātā tū sabakī mātā, saba santāna ko sukhadātā | pūta-pautra baḍhāya de, maiyā ahoi mātā ||
Om, Ahoi Mata, you are the mother of all, the giver of happiness to all children. Increase my sons and grandsons, O Mother Ahoi Mata.
21x Japa CountOffer puri, halwa, and seasonal fruits. Some traditions also offer kheer and chana. The prasad is consumed by the mother after breaking the fast, and shared with the children.
Ahoi Ashtami vrat ensures the long life, good health, and prosperity of one's children and grandchildren. The Bhavishya Purana states that a mother who observes this vrat with devotion will never face the grief of losing a child. Her progeny will flourish through generations.