Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Katha
A merchant had seven sons, seven daughters-in-law and a daughter. His daughter came home for Diwali. When her sisters-in-law went to gather earth for plastering the house, she accompanied them. While digging, her tool accidentally killed one of Syahu’s young. The grieving Syahu cursed her, binding her womb.
Frightened, she begged her sisters-in-law to accept the bond in her place. The youngest agreed. Thereafter, each child born to the youngest daughter-in-law died on the seventh day. In her sorrow, she sought a learned priest’s guidance. He advised her to serve Surahi cow, who was Syahu’s friend.
Every morning, the young woman quietly cleaned the cow’s resting place and tended her. Surahi discovered her devoted service and asked what she wished for. The woman explained her sorrow and begged for help in obtaining Syahu’s release. Surahi set out with her.
On their journey, they rested beneath a tree where Garuda Pankhini’s young nested. The woman saw a snake approaching the young birds and killed it, saving them. Their mother returned and, seeing blood, mistook the woman for their attacker. The woman showed her the dead snake and explained. Grateful, the bird carried both travellers across the seven seas to Syahu.
Syahu welcomed her friend Surahi. At Surahi’s request, the young woman removed the lice from Syahu’s head and served her attentively. Pleased, Syahu blessed her with seven sons and seven daughters-in-law. The woman asked how this blessing could bear fruit when her womb remained bound. Having obtained Syahu’s promise, she explained that Syahu herself held the bond.
Honouring her word, Syahu released her. She told the woman to return home and perform the concluding celebration of Ahoi Mata’s vrat, preparing seven Ahoi images and seven customary kadhai offerings. At home, the woman joyfully found seven sons and seven daughters-in-law. She celebrated the udyapan with devotion.
The elder daughters-in-law expected to hear her grieving for her children. When no cries came, they sent children to enquire. They returned with news of a celebration. The family gathered, heard how Syahu Mata had blessed her, and hailed the Mother.
O Ahoi Mata, as you removed the youngest daughter-in-law’s sorrow, bring auspiciousness to every home. Bless those who tell and hear this story, and keep their children under your loving care. Jai Ahoi Mata!
