Each day in India is important in one way or the other. The combination of Tithi, Nakshatra and days lead to some form of festival, fast etc. All of this together reflects excitement and faith with devotion and strength. One amongst these is the Budhashtami Vrat.
Budhashtami fast is observed on the day of Ashtami on Wednesday. When Budhashtami fast is observed with reverence and faith, it brings happiness in life. Apart from this, after death, it also helps in salvation. According to some beliefs, this fast is also performed for Dharmaraja. A person fasting on Budhashtami does not have to face the torture of hell after death. All sins of such a person are destroyed and his/her life is bestowed with good luck.
Budashtami festival
The festival of Budhashtami is associated with mythological and folk tales. By fasting on Budhashtami, all the sufferings of a person go away and sins are destroyed. Ashtami Tithi has been described as very important in our scriptures. The Wednesday on which the Ashtami date falls is called Budh Ashtami. On the day of Budh Ashtami, everyone duly worships Buddhadev and the Sun God. It is believed that if those who have a weak Mercury in their horoscope should observe the Budh Ashtami fast then they will benefit immensely.
Ashtami Tithi has been very important in the Hindu calendar. It comes twice in the Chandra Paksha. One at the time of Shukla Paksha and the other at the time of Krishna Paksha. The occurrence of Wednesday on both these times makes it even more auspicious. This date comes twice every month. When the Ashtami Tithi which falls in Shukla Paksh also happens to be a Wednesday then that day is considered very auspicious. Lord Shiva is the Lord of Ashtami of Shukla Paksha. In addition, this date falls in the category of Jaya dates. For this reason, it is considered very auspicious.
Budhashtami leads to victory
Budhashtami festival is very useful for those who seek victory in certain events in life. It propels success in those activities in which the person needs courage and bravery. Budhashtami fast is also instrumental in deriving power from Dharmaraja, Mother Durga and Lord Shiva. The energy that flows from this fast gives a person vitality and the ability to move ahead overcoming all odds. The Paksha in which Budhashmati falls converts into a Yoga for Siddhi.
It is considered best to conquer someone on Budh Ashtami Tithi. This day brings victory to a person. Hence when someone wants to attain success or victory in a task, he or she must undertake the task on this day for positive results. This day removes the bondage of bad deeds. Activities such as authoring a book, home related tasks, architectural projects, art and craft, anything related to weapons should be done on this day.
Budh Ashtami Poojan Method
It is advisable to carry out all the preparations in advance for Budh Ashtami Poojan. To begin with, the devotee should depict complete devotion and spiritual inclination. On the day of Budhashtami, the devotee should wake up at the time of Brahma Muhurta and take a bath. If possible one should take a bath in a holy river or lake on this day. If this is not possible then one can add a few drops of Ganga water to the bathing water, the fruits that are derived from this are equivalent to that which are achieved from taking a holy dip. The devotee should then finish all daily chores and resolve to conduct the Budh Ashtami Puja.
A Kalash filled with water should be placed in the area of worship in the house. Ganga water should be filled in Kalash water. On the day of Budhashtami, Budh Dev and planet Mercury are worshipped. It is also beneficial to recite the Budhashtami story in the Puja.
The devotee should also resolve to fast on this day. On the occasion of the fast of Budhashtami, a positive mindset, polite speech and spirituality should be followed throughout the day. Incense-lamp, flowers, odor etc. various dishes, dry fruits etc should be offered to God. Budh Dev should be worshipped by following all rituals. After that Bhog should be offered to the Lord. The Bhog should then be distributed amongst all as Prasad.
Budh Ashtami fast story and importance
Lord Shiva and Parvati are worshiped on Bush Ashtami in several places. Lord Vishnu and Lord Ganesha too are worshiped. On this day, the house should be well cleaned and worshiped to the presiding deity. According to the scriptures, worshiping God on the day of Budh Ashtami brings positivity and auspiciousness in life.
It is believed that Budashtami is also related to the story of Vaivaswat Manu. According to this, Manu had ten sons and a daughter, Ela. Ela later became a man. As per the story, Manu performed a Yajna called Mitravarun with the desire of a son, however as a result of the Yagya he was blessed with a daughter. He names the daughter Ela.
Mitrawarun gave Ela the boon of being the daughter of his clan and the son of Manu El. Once, King El while chasing a prey reaches a place which was blessed by Lord Shiva and Parvati. As per the blessing, whosoever reaches this place will turn into a beautiful woman. So as El enters the forest, he transforms into a woman Ela.
Ela’s beauty impacts Budh and he decides to marry Ela. He marries Ela. This marriage between Ela and Budh is celebrated as Budhashthami.