Budh Ashtami Vrat
Budh Ashtami is an auspicious day is observed when Ashtami tithi falls on a Wednesday or 'Budhwar'. It can occur either on Shukla paksha or Krishna paksha phase. This festival is dedicated to Lord Budh bhagwan or Planet Mercury. Budh Ashtami is popularly observed in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya pradesh.
Budh Ashtami Vrat 2023
Wed , 15th Mar 2023
Significance
Brahmanda Purana details the glories of Budh Ashtami Vrat and its benefits. It is believed that observing Budh Ashtami Vrat liberates us from all our sins. Our karmic baggage from previous births is also redeemed by worshipping Lord Budh bhagawan on this day. Budh Ashtami Vrat is also observed by people with poor placements of Budh graha- 'Budh Grah Dosham'.
Budh Bhagawan
Mercury is a benefic planet that represents communication, intellect, intelligence, and research. He is referred as messenger of God. In the physical body, Mercury rules brain, nervous system, speech, breathing, hands and hair, ears. In the yogic world, it represents energy. Domains that are governed by Mercury are writing, education, counselling, publishing, journalism, and trade and stocks. Lord Budha is a God of eloquence and a protector of merchants. He is emerald, green in complexion, four-armed holding club, shield, lotus, and books-Vedas. He is seen riding on a carpet, or a chariot drawn by lions. His overlord is Mahavishnu; by pleasing this Planet we can attain material riches and blessings of Vishnu. Inauspicious placements of Planet Mercury cause poor analytical skills, logical thinking, low intelligence and greatly affects mind-body coordination. Weak Mercury can also be associated with orthopedic problems, mental health and stagnated career growth.
Rituals
Wake up early morning preferably before sunrise, Physical purification followed by mental purification through chanting mantras. Meditate on Lord Budha during the first Budha hora of the day at Sunrise. Clean worship altar of the house for pooja and prayer rituals. Set up the idol of Lord Budha idol or his picture inscribed on gold or silver coin. 'Kalash' filled with water and silver coins is kept at center of the worship space. Perform hydration ceremony- abhishekam for the Lord Budh idol at home, perform pooja- chant Budh beej mantra and Budha gayathri. It is said that observing Budh Ashtami Vrat for 8 continuous years will bless great blessings from the Lord.
Benefits
All Budh Ashtami Vrat dates in 2023 and Ashtami Tithi Ends
DATE | Amavasya Tithi Timing |
---|---|
March 15th Wednesday | Sunrise : Mar 15, 6:39 AM |
March 29th | Sunrise : Mar 29, 6:26 AM |
September 6th | Sunrise : Sep 06, 6:14 AM |