Ashoka Ashtami Vrat 2026

According to the Hindu Panchang, Ashoka Ashtami Vrat is observed on the Ashtami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra. References to this sacred observance are found in ancient scriptures such as the Kurma Purana and Krityaratnavali. This vrat is considered highly auspicious for the removal of sorrow, mental distress, and physical ailments.

Mythological Significance

According to Puranic tradition, it was on this very day that Lord Hanuman, during his search for Mata Sita, discovered her in the Ashoka Vatika. Mata Sita was seated beneath the sacred Ashoka tree when Hanuman presented her with Lord Rama’s ring and conveyed His reassuring message.
Because of this divine event, Ashoka Ashtami symbolizes the end of grief and the beginning of hope.

Ashoka Ashtami Vrat Parichaya

(Ashoka Kalika Prashana Vrat)

In the Vrat Parichaya texts, this observance is also known as the Ashoka Kalika Prashana Vrat. On this day, devotees ritually consume the tender buds or leaves of the Ashoka tree.

According to another belief, drinking the extract of Ashoka buds on Ashoka Ashtami helps eliminate physical diseases, promotes good health, and bestows longevity. For this reason, Ashoka Ashtami Vrat is regarded as extremely beneficial for both physical well-being and mental peace.

Ashoka Ashtami Vrat Vidhi

(Ritual Procedure)

1. The devotee should wake up early in the morning and complete daily ablutions.
2. After bathing, worship the Ashoka tree (Ashoka Vriksha or Ashapala) with devotion.
3. Offer water and prayers to the tree.
4. Collect eight tender buds or leaves from the Ashoka tree.
5. Use these eight buds to worship Lord Shiva with reverence.
6. Thereafter, consume the buds with faith and devotion.

Ashoka Ashtami Vrat Mantra

While consuming the Ashoka buds, the following mantra should be recited:

Sanskrit Mantra:

Tvamashoka Namamyena Madhumasasamudbhavam।
Shokartah Kalikam Prashya Mamashokam Sada Kuru॥

Meaning:

“O Ashoka tree, born in the spring season, I bow to you.
Afflicted by sorrow, I consume your sacred buds.
Bless me to remain forever free from grief.”

Benefits of Ashoka Ashtami Vrat

According to the scriptures, observing Ashoka Ashtami Vrat with proper rituals:

• Removes sorrow, anxiety, and mental suffering
• Helps cure physical ailments
• Brings peace, balance, and emotional stability
• Promotes good health and long life

If Ashoka Ashtami falls on a Wednesday, or coincides with the Punarvasu Nakshatra, or both, the devotee is believed to remain free from sorrow throughout life.

Conclusion

Ashoka Ashtami Vrat is not merely a ritual but a spiritual path from sorrow to hope. As described in the Vrat Parichaya, observing this vrat brings complete peace, happiness, and relief from all forms of grief. Those seeking freedom from mental distress, illness, or sorrow are advised to observe Ashoka Ashtami Vrat with devotion and faith, as it is considered highly auspicious and beneficial.