Ashtami July 2024 Date And Time for Shukla & Krishna Paksha!

Ashtami July 2024 Date And Time: In July 2024, the Ashtami dates and times are as follows:

• Shukla Paksha Ashtami: July 13, 2024, at 3:06 PM to July 14, 2024, at 5:26 PM
• Krishna Paksha Ashtami: July 27, 2024, at 9:20 PM to July 28, 2024, at 7:28 PM

Ashtami July 2024 Date and Time

In Hinduism, Ashtami is a significant day. On Ashtami, people worship and fast in honor of Goddess Durga. Every Hindu month, on the Ashtami date of Shukla Paksha, the Durgashtami fast is observed.

This fast is also known as Goddess Durga’s monthly fast. In the Hindu calendar, Ashtami occurs twice: once during Krishna Paksha and once during Shukla Paksha. Goddess Durga observes a fast on Shukla Paksha’s Ashtami.

In 2024, there will be two Ashtamis in July. The Shukla Paksha Ashtami will start on July 13 at 3:06 PM and end on July 14 at 5:26 PM. The Krishna Paksha Ashtami will begin on July 27 at 9:20 PM and end on July 28 at 7:28 PM.

History and Significance of Shukla Ashtami

Goddess Durga is the fierce warrior goddess associated with strength, protection, and the removal of negativity. Shukla Ashtami is devoted to her. Those who observe this day with devotion believe it brings blessings for success in life and overcoming challenges.

Shukla Paksha Ashtami, the eighth day of the waxing phase of the Moon, is considered a fortunate day to channel the energies of goddesses such as Durga, Pratyangira, and Varahi.

It is believed that performing Pooja, prayers, and mantra chanting on this day will protect you from evil forces. The powerful energy of these goddesses can also act as a defense against the negative effects of heavenly bodies.

Significance of Krishna Paksha Ashtami

Krishna Paksha Ashtami, also called Kala Ashtami, is the 23rd Tithi (lunar day). This day is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his fierce form, Kala Bhairava. Known as Bhairava or Vairavar in Tamil, he embodies Shiva\’s wrath.

On Ashtami Tithi, during the waning moon, worshipping Bhairava can help eliminate bad vibrations, bad karma, and negative energies. Pleasing the divine will also bring self-confidence and determination.

Generally, this day is not considered good for starting new ventures, getting married, studying, building a house, or traveling.

On this day, feeding stray dogs and worshiping Lord Kala Bhairava is considered ideal. Krishna Paksha Ashtami, also known as Kala Bhairava Jayanthi, falls in the month of Margashirsha (November – December) and is seen as very auspicious.

What Are the Rituals of Ashtami?

The rituals of Ashtami are detailed below:

1. Wake up early and take a bath: Worshippers take a holy bath immediately upon waking.
2. Setting up the idol: Devotees place an idol of Lord Shiva or Lord Kaal Bhairav on a wooden plank.
3. Fasting (Vrat): Many devotees fast from sunrise to sunset. Some may eat fruits and drink milk, while others observe a complete fast.
4. Puja and Aarti: Special prayers and aarti are conducted at temples and homes. Devotees offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to the deity.
5. Chanting and Meditation: Reciting mantras and meditating on the goddess’s form are common practices to seek her blessings.
6. Kanya Puja: On some Ashtamis, especially during Navratri, young girls (symbolizing the goddess) are worshipped and given food and gifts.
7. Charitable Deeds: Shukla Ashtami is based on compassion and charity. Devotees help the less fortunate by providing food, giving to the poor, and spreading goodwill.
8. Temple Visits: Many devotees visit revered temples to receive the divine grace and blessings of Lord Krishna, Durga, or other deities on Shukla Ashtami.

Difference Between Shukla & Krishna Paksha Ashtami:

Shukla Paksha Ashtami and Krishna Paksha Ashtami are important days in the Hindu lunar calendar, each occurring during different moon phases. Understanding their differences reveals their unique spiritual and cultural significance.

• Shukla Paksha Ashtami happens during the waxing phase of the moon, from the New Moon (Amavasya) to the Full Moon (Purnima). The energy during this time is considered auspicious for starting new ventures, making important decisions, and engaging in activities that require positive and forward-moving energy.
• In contrast, Krishna Paksha Ashtami occurs during the waning phase of the moon, from the Full Moon (Purnima) to the New Moon (Amavasya). The main difference between these two Ashtamis lies in their energies and the activities they support.
• Shukla Paksha Ashtami is a time for outward growth and new beginnings, while Krishna Paksha Ashtami is a period for inward reflection and spiritual cleansing.