Why are Ashtami and Navami called bad luck days? In Hindu culture, Ashtami and Navami are considered inauspicious or bad luck days. There are certain facts respnsible: Astrological and Numerological Factors, Limited Applicability, Krishna’s Birth on Ashtami, Rama’s Birth on Navami and Divine Perspective.
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The Reality:
Nowhere in the sastras it was mentioned that Ashtami and Navami are called bad luck days. In fact, these thithis are auspicious if there is a strong muharta for marriages, housewarming ceremonies. There was a mention that that who takes up journies for joining in new jobs, or for joining, these thithis are said to be not auspicious. These thithis are auspicious for construction of temples. In Durga Saptasati, Goddess says that those who perform pooja on Ashatami, Navami and Chaturdasi will be highly benefited.
Why are Ashtami and Navami called bad luck days?
According to classical texts in Electoral Astrology (commonly known as Muhurta), the following Tithis are inauspicious for general considerations:
4th (Chaturthi), 6th (Shashti), 8th (Ashtami), 9th (Navami), 12th (Dwadashi) and 14th (Chaturdashi).
These tithis are called as the Paksha Randra Tithis and are mostly avoided.
Why Navami is considered inauspicious?
Navami (9th) is avoided since it is categorized as a Rikta Tithi along with 4th and 14th tithi. Rikta means ‘Empty’ and hence these tithis do not yield positive results for auspicious tasks initiated on them and may even lead to destruction.
Why Ashtami is considered Inauspicious?
When it comes to other Tithis (6th, 8th and 12th), there is no particular reason stated why they are avoided. It is just mentioned as general indications that they do not confer good result for any auspicious undertaking.
A possible reason why Ashtami is considered bad is that its Planetary ruler is Rahu (the evilest planet among the 8 planets which own Tithis). Thus, it can be considered inauspicious as it carries the quality of its planetary lord.
Other Important points to Note:
Apart from the above, Amavasya, Shukla-Pratipada, Krishna-Thrayodashi are also considered inauspicious because of lack of Moon’s strength.
Another important thing without which I cannot end this answer is that the above tithis are only not favourable for auspicious tasks like marriage, griha pravesh, starting new ventures etc. They are not regarded negative for any regular day-to-day activities.
Additionally, as per Varahamihara, Ashtami is considered good for fortification and taking up of arms and Navami is good for ruining and destroying enemy. So, there are some suitable tasks that can be done for every Tithi. It is just that auspicious tasks are prohibited in these tithis.
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What is the scientific reason behind Ashtami and Navami?
It would be better if we do not stress upon finding a scientific reason behind every practice/date/deity/philosophy. I will admit that quite a few practices/festivals/dates have scientific and astronomical reasons, but the others have philosophical, historical as well as emotional reasons behind it, and it is perfectly normal and okay to celebrate them for their historical/philosophical/emotional reasons.
Per my knowlege, the significance of Ashtami and Navami spring from the philisophical significance of the numbers 8 and 9. the number 9 represents perfection/completeness.
- Shakta philosophy venerates the nine goddesses during the Durgapuja.
- The nine planets, the nine gems and the 9 month gestation are other historical/biological/philosophical/religious reasons that add to the significance.
The number 8 is associated with Vishnu.
- Vishnu is supposed to have 8 Shaktis.
- Krishna was the eight son born on the 8th day of the month. He had principally 8 Gopis apart from Radharani.
- Shiva is the master of 8 Siddhis and sometimes Ganesha is shown in the company of his 8 wives, called his 8 Siddhis.
- The Ashtamatrkas are the 8 powerful goddess who are the source of power to 8 gods and are seen as protective deities.
- The Chaunsath Yoginis [64 yoginis] are other fertility and protective deities, the guardians of arcane wisdom. The significance of their number is because 64 is 8 times 8.
- The eight day is in the right center of the 15 day fortnight, signifying a balance of dark and light [by the phase of the moon.]
- There are eight directions[cardinal and ordinal] excluding the zenith and the nadir and they are guarded by the Ashtadikpalas .
- There are eight Lakshmis in Ashtalakshmi , signifying the 8 riches a person can have.
The list could go on and on, and I am sure that there might be some other astronomical and mathematical significance. However, like i said earlier, it would be fine if we accept the historical/philosophical/emotional reasons as well.
Is it bad if a girl is born on Ashtami Tithi?
Why are Ashtami and Navami called bad luck days? Lord Krishna was born on ashtami, how could that be bad for anyone, be it a girl or boy.
And no tithi, believe me not a single one is a bad or good tithi to be born on. Everything that is happening to you or will happen isn’t because of the day and time you were born on, but because of your past karma and things you need to understand that are missing in your personality to be better person.
A chart is like a notice that’s put on a board somewhere. It tells you what is about to happen. But that notice isn’t the reason for that event (say a party). The reason would be different, let it be a birthday or anniversary of someone. A chart just tells you, you need to understand it and act on your Witt you gained.