- By Kashish Rai
- Sat, 05 Apr 2025 10:59 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Ashoka Ashtami 2025 Date: The Hindu festival of Ashoka Ashtami honours Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Celebrated on the 8th day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon phase) in the Chaitra month, it symbolises the victory of good over evil. In eastern India, especially Odisha, Ashoka Ashtami is observed as a grand car festival while southern states also hold it in high cultural regard. Notably, Bhubaneswar's Lingaraj Temple commemorates Lord Rama's completion of Ashoka Ashtami rituals before defeating Ravana, marking the festival over seven days with great fervour and devotion. This year, Ashoka Ashtami is being celebrated on 5th April 2025.
Check out the date, timings, shubh muhurat, puja vidhi and vrat katha of this sacred festival below:
Ashoka Ashtami 2025: Date And Time
- Ashoka Ashtami 2025 Date: 5th April 2025, Saturday
- Ashtami Tithi Begins: 08:13 PM, 4th April 2025
- Ashtami Tithi Ends: 07:26 PM, 6th April 2025
Ashoka Ashtami 2025: Shubh Muhurat
- Pratah Sandhya: 04:58 AM to 06:07 AM
- Abhijit Muhurat: 11:59 AM to 12:49 PM
Ashoka Ashtami 2025: Significance
The Hindu festival of Ashoka Ashtami is rooted in ancient glory, mentioned in several Hindu Puranas. The term 'Ashoka' means 'one without sorrow' while 'Ashtami' refers to the eighth day. This festival celebrates the day Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati ended Lord Rama's sorrows. According to legend, Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati before the epic battle against Ravana, seeking their blessings. Pleased with Lord Rama's devotion, Goddess Parvati blessed him, enabling him to defeat Ravana with the powerful Brahmastra the next day. This triumph is commemorated with great enthusiasm on Ashoka Ashtami, honouring Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The festival commemorates their divine intervention and the victory of good over evil, bringing joy and prosperity to devotees.
Devotees worship Lord Shiva, Maa Parvati and Ashoka Tree on the day of Ashoka Navami. (Image Source: Canva)
Ashoka Ashtami 2025: Puja Vidhi
On the day of Ashok Ashtami, devotees must start their day by taking a sacred bath and performing Abhishekam on the Shivlingam to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees must also make sure to offer the Ashoka tree leaves and water on the Shivlingam. Thereafter, it is highly meritorious to offer Raw milk mixed with the sacred Ganga jal in the roots of the Ashoka tree.
Devotees must also worship the sacred Ashoka tree on this day. They must wrap soot dhaga or a red thread seven times around the Ashoka tree while performing parikrama. Afterwards, the devotees must offer Kumkum and Akshat to the revered tree. Light dhoop and a Chaumuki or four-sided Ghee Deep after performing all these rituals, followed by an aarti.
It is highly auspicious to recite one Adhyay of Ramayan while sitting in front of the Ashoka Tree. In the end, the devotees must offer sweets to the tree to culminate their puja appropriately.
Ashoka Ashtami 2025: Vrat Katha
The Ashoka tree holds great significance in ancient Hindu scriptures, particularly in the Holy Ramayana. When Mata Sita was captured by Ravan, she spent her time under an Ashoka tree. Lord Hanuman found her there and sat on the tree, informing Maa Sita that Lord Rama had sent him for her and that he would soon come there to rescue the Goddess from Ravana’s captivity. The Ashoka tree is believed to have blessed Maa Sita, ultimately leading to her freedom.
Another Hindu legend enumerates the tale of the Ashoka tree's origin according to which, the tree emerged from Lord Shiva's tears, just like the Rudraksha. The story suggests that Ravana's singing of the Shiva Tandava Stotram made Lord Shiva perform the cosmic dance - Tandav. The Devas feared this would lead to destruction, so they turned to Lord Vishnu to seek protection. As Lord Shiva danced, two tears fell from his eyes that gave birth to the Ashoka tree.
This ancient story elucidates the Ashoka tree's divine connection to Lord Shiva. In Hindu culture, the tree is worshipped for its spiritual significance. The Ashoka tree's role in Ramayana and its birth from Lord Shiva's tears have engraved its importance in the Hindu culture.
(Disclaimer: This content includes advice providing generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified spiritual or astrological opinion. Always consult a specialist for more information before adopting any measures.)