Ashadha Ashtahnika 2024 Begins: Date, Rituals, Significance and History

Jain devotees celebrating the sacred Ashadha Ashtahnika festival.

Ashtahnika is celebrated twice a year, once in the bright half of the month of Ashadha and once in the bright half of the month of Kartika. In 2024, the Ashadha Ashtahnika begins on Saturday, July 13, 2024.

This Jain festival is observed for eight days, thrice a year during the months of Kartik, Falgun, and Ashadh. It commences on the eighth day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon cycle) and continues until Purnima or Guru Purnima annually.

Ashadha Ashtahnika Rituals

• Prayers and Chanting: Devotees begin their day with prayers and chanting of Jain scriptures. Special emphasis is given to reciting the Namokar Mantra and other sacred texts.
• Puja and Abhisheka: Ritualistic worship (puja) and abhisheka (anointment) of Tirthankara idols are performed with offerings such as milk, water, and flowers.
• Fasting: Many Jains observe fasting during these eight days, ranging from complete fasting (without food and water) to partial fasting (limited to one meal a day).
• Meditation and Swadhyaya: Devotees spend considerable time in meditation and swadhyaya (self-study) of religious texts.
• Charity and Almsgiving: Acts of charity, such as donating to temples, feeding monks, and providing alms to the needy, are encouraged.
• Temple Visits: Regular visits to Jain temples and participation in community prayers and discourses are common.
• Silence and Reflection: Some devotees observe silence (maun) for a part or the entirety of the festival to focus on self-reflection and spiritual growth.
• Cultural Programs: Cultural activities, including religious plays, hymns, and discourses by monks, are organized to educate and inspire the community.

The origin of Ashtahnika is traced back to the ancient Jain tradition and scriptures. It is believed to be an important practice established by the Tirthankaras, the spiritual teachers of Jainism, to help followers deepen their faith and understanding of Jain principles. Over centuries, Ashtahnika has been preserved and celebrated with great reverence, reflecting the timeless values of Jain spirituality and discipline.

Ashadha Ashtahnika Significance

Ashtahnika, meaning eight days, is a significant festival in Jainism dedicated to intensive religious activities. The term is derived from Ashta, meaning eight, and ahnika, meaning daily observances. It is a period for Jains to engage in spiritual practices, penance, and rituals, seeking to purify their souls and accumulate merit.