The Blessings of Ma Ahoi

Nature and all its beings are just many forms of Brahman (the Supreme Self). Animals and birds are revered as Vahanas of deities. For example, Ulook or owl is the vehicle of Ma Lakshmi, while the Lion is the vehicle of Ma Durga. Garuda, the eagle, serves Sri Vishnu while Nandi, the bull, serves Mahadev. Similarly, rivers, mountains, and trees are worshipped as deities. Ganga is not just a river but a mother figure, a Devi who cascaded down the tresses of Lord Shiv to help humanity. Similarly, the peepal tree, also known as Ashwath, is deeply connected with Lord Vishnu.

One of the core Vedic principles is the interconnectedness of the Universe and the importance of treating all sentient beings with dignity and care. The daily ritual of making Kolams and Rangolis with rice flour has two crucial purposes: decoration and feeding ants and other small living beings.

In this way, Hindu rituals and festivals emphasise the mutual relationship between humans and other beings.

In the Kartik month, the eighth day (Ashtami) of Krishna Paksh is celebrated as Ahoi Ashtami. Women keep a fast and pray to Goddess Ahoi Bhagwati—a form of Ma Parvati— as the protector of their offspring. There is a famous folktale behind the festival.

Long, long ago, a sahukar (money lender) and his kind wife lived in a village next to a forest. During the Kartik month, when Diwali was around the corner, the woman decided to renovate and decorate her house. She went to the forest to gather soil, wood, and hay.

While digging, her spade accidentally fell into a den and killed an infant lion cub. (Some versions of the story mention sparrow chicks or the young ones of a porcupine). The woman was overcome with guilt and sadness. Within a year of this incident, her seven sons disappeared mysteriously. The village folk thought they were dead or killed by wild animals. 

Grief-stricken, the woman regretted the moment when her spade killed the lion cub. She narrated her sad tale to a wise old woman in her village. The old lady closed her eyes and said, 'Make amends for your action, dear one. Keep a fast and seek the grace of Ma Ahoi on Ashtami. She, who guards over the young ones of all living beings, will come to your aid.' Filled with hope, the woman drew the face of the cub on the wall of her house, observed fast, and performed Ahoi Mata’s Puja. She earnestly repented for the accident. 

Pleased with the woman’s devotion, Goddess Ahoi appeared and blessed her sons with long, healthy lives. After some time, the woman’s seven sons came back home. Since that day, Goddess Ahoi Bhagwati is worshipped by mothers every year on Kartik Krishna Ashtami. Mothers seek Ma Ahoi’s protection for their children, while pregnant women and those planning a family pray for healthy progeny and fertility.