Omkariya Ashtami is a sacred vrat (fast) tradition observed on the Ashtami (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha in Bhadrapada month, specially dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. This vrat falls exactly one day after Krishna Janmashtami and is believed to bless devotees with fulfilment of their wishes.
What is Omkariya Ashtami?
Omkariya Ashtami is an ancient Hindu vrat in which Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati receive special worship and reverence. On this day devotees observe the fast and offer water, milk, bel leaves and datura flowers to the Shivalinga. This vrat is celebrated with great devotion in many regions of North India.
According to tradition, worshipping Bholenath on this day brings happiness and prosperity to the family and removes all kinds of hardships. Devotees who keep the vrat remain on fast throughout the day and break it only after the evening puja.
Religious Significance of Omkariya Ashtami
Omkariya Ashtami holds a special place in Sanatan Dharma. The word ‘Omkara’ is connected to ‘Om’ which is considered the primordial mantra of creation. This vrat is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is the very embodiment of Omkara.
Observing this vrat gives devotees spiritual strength and brings a deep sense of peace to the mind. It is believed that devotees who perform this vrat with complete faith and proper rituals find obstacles in their life removed.
Omkariya Ashtami Puja Vidhi
Following the correct procedure is essential for the success of the vrat. Here is the general method of worship:
Morning Preparation: Wake up early in the morning, bathe and wear clean clothes. Clean the puja space and install the Shivalinga or an image of Lord Shiva.
Puja Materials: Arrange bel leaves, datura, aak flowers, milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar (for panchamrit), Gangajal, akshat (unbroken rice), fruits, dhoop-deep (incense and lamp) and naivedya (offering).
Puja Process: First worship Lord Ganesha. Then bathe the Shivalinga with water and milk. Perform abhishek with panchamrit and offer bel leaves while chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ mantra.
Vrat Sankalp: During the puja take a mental resolve that you are performing this vrat with full devotion and pray to Lord Shiva for the wellbeing of your family.
Special Rules for Omkariya Ashtami
Certain special rules should be followed during this vrat. The devotee should remain without food throughout the day and consume only water. Some devotees also take phalahar (fruit-based meals).
On the day of the vrat keep sattvic thoughts and do not speak harsh words to anyone. Stay away from anger, greed and attachment. Engage your mind in Shiva bhakti and recite Rudrashtakam or Shiva Chalisa.
Break the fast only after the evening puja. Take sattvic food items in your meal and completely avoid tamasic food.
Benefits of Omkariya Ashtami
According to tradition, observing the Omkariya Ashtami vrat brings many benefits. This vrat purifies the mind and brings inner peace.
Devotees who regularly observe this vrat experience stability in their lives. Happiness and prosperity remain in the family and protection from negative energies is granted.
Especially devotees who wish for the joy of children or desire fulfilment of a particular wish should certainly observe this vrat. Bholenath, seeing the true devotion of his devotees, grants the desired results.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Omkariya Ashtami fall?
Omkariya Ashtami is observed on the Ashtami tithi of Krishna Paksha in Bhadrapada month. It falls the day after Krishna Janmashtami and its date changes every year according to the Hindu panchang (calendar).
What should one eat during this vrat?
Remaining without food throughout the day is ideal, but if necessary one may take phalahar. You can have sattvic items like fruits, milk, curd and sabudana. After the evening puja take regular sattvic meals.
Which mantras should be chanted during Omkariya Ashtami puja?
The ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ mantra is considered most auspicious for this vrat. Additionally you can recite Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, Rudrashtakam and Shiva Chalisa. Devotees who do not know these mantras can simply chant ‘Har Har Mahadev’ with a pure heart.
Can women also observe this vrat?
Yes, both men and women can observe the Omkariya Ashtami vrat. Especially married women observe this vrat for the happiness and prosperity of their families. There is no restriction in this vrat and all devotees can perform it.
What is the difference between Omkariya Ashtami and Krishna Janmashtami?
Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Shri Krishna while Omkariya Ashtami is a vrat dedicated to Lord Shiva. Both have different puja methods and significance, but both are festivals connected to devotion and spirituality.
Experience Divine Darshan with Durlabh Darshan
If for any reason you are unable to visit Shiva temples for darshan (sacred viewing), you can experience divine darshan from your home through the Durlabh Darshan app. This app uses AR/VR technology to bring darshan of famous Jyotirlingas and Shiva temples across the country. On sacred days like Omkariya Ashtami when you are observing the vrat, this app can support your spiritual journey and give you the experience of being close to Bholenath.
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