Ashoka Shashthi Vrat: A Sacred Ritual in Bengal

Ashoka Shashthi Vrat is a significant religious observance followed by married women in rural Bengal, primarily for the welfare of their children and families. This ritual is part of the feminine and non-scriptural Vrats in Hindu tradition. Women, particularly those who are mothers, observe this Vrat on the Shukla Shashti Tithi (the sixth day of the waxing moon) during the month of Chaitra. The main deity worshiped on this day is Goddess Shashti, who is considered the protector of children and maternal health.

The Purpose of Ashoka Shashthi Vrat

The central belief behind the observance of Ashoka Shashthi Vrat is to ensure the health, strength, and well-being of children. In rural Bengal, it is considered essential for safeguarding the health of newborns and young children. This ritual is also associated with protection from diseases, ensuring that children grow up to be strong and free from illness.

In northern India, a similar practice is followed where women drink water from six Ashoka flower buds on Ashoka Shashthi. This act is believed to promote the well-being of their children and safeguard their family.

The Legend Behind Ashoka Shashthi Vrat

One of the most popular legends associated with Ashoka Shashthi Vrat is about the daughter of a sage, named Ashoka, who lived in an Ashoka forest. The story goes as follows:

The Birth of Ashoka

The sage discovered his daughter lying under an Ashoka tree in the forest, hence naming her Ashoka. As Ashoka grew up, she was married to a prince. Upon her marriage, the sage sent her off to her husband’s house with a blessing, as well as a bundle containing Ashoka flowers and seeds from the tree.

The Sage’s Instructions

Before Ashoka left for her in-laws, the sage instructed her to follow a strict ritual on the Shukla Shashti of Chaitra month. He told her to consume the dried Ashoka flowers with water on this particular day and to avoid eating any regular food. Ashoka adhered to her father’s instructions, and as the years passed, she had seven sons and one daughter, all of whom grew up and married.

The Tragic Mistake

One day, on the Shukla Shashti of Chaitra, Ashoka’s daughters-in-law were preparing food for her. However, by mistake, they mixed rice into the green grams they were cooking, which was against the sage’s instruction. Ashoka, unknowingly, ate the food that contained rice. Soon after, a calamity struck—many family members, including her children and husband, died.

The Sage’s Solution

Ashoka was devastated and rushed back to her father. Upon hearing what had happened, the sage explained that the inclusion of rice in the food had led to this tragedy. To remedy the situation, the sage gave Ashoka special mantra-infused water from a sacred water source. He instructed her to sprinkle this water on the bodies of the deceased. Miraculously, everyone came back to life.

The Ritual of Ashoka Shashthi Vrat

Grateful for the sage’s intervention, Ashoka continued the tradition of the Ashoka Shashthi Vrat. From then on, she followed the sage’s advice to worship Goddess Shashti, consume green grams, and Ashoka flowers with yogurt after the Shashti Puja. This ritual became known as Ashoka Shashthi Vrat and is observed by women in Bengal even today.

Rituals for Observing Ashoka Shashthi Vrat

1. Preparation Stage

To begin the Vrat, the necessary ingredients are collected, which include:

✪ Six Ashoka flower buds

✪ Green grams (moong dal)

✪ Curd or a ripe banana

These ingredients are considered essential for the Vrat, with the Ashoka flowers being the most crucial element.

2. The Shashti Puja

The Vrat starts with the Shashti Puja, where the Goddess Shashti is worshiped. This involves prayers and offerings to seek her blessings for the well-being of children and the family.

3. Consuming Ashoka Flowers and Curd

After the Puja, the six Ashoka flower buds are placed in curd or banana (sometimes banana is used). These buds should be swallowed without chewing them, following the traditional practice passed down through generations.

4. Breaking the Fast

The fast is broken at the end of the day by eating green grams, which are considered auspicious. This is the final step in the ritual, symbolizing the completion of the Vrat and the hope for the prosperity and health of the family.