Prathamastami-(प्रथमाष्टमी) प्रौढ़ाष्टमी- প্রৌঢ়াষ্টমী-প্রথমাষ্টমী

Prathamastami:-



 Prathamastami ( Hindi-प्रथमाष्टमी)( Bengali-প্রথমাষ্টমী))or Prauda Ashtami ( Hindi-प्रौढ़ाष्टमी), Padhuan Ashtami, (Bengali -প্রৌঢ়াষ্টমী) short name Padhuan or Puda(পুড়া পরব ) is a festival which is observed in Odisha and Utkal Brahmin community of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and other parts of India and abroad, for the long life and prosperity of the eldest child. At the age of 5, Lord Shri Hari Narayan's avatars are consecrated through Prana Pratishta at their birthplace. Similarly, in Utkal Brahmin families, on Prathmashtami, when the eldest child turns 5, they traditionally take a seat on a wooden pedestal known as a "Pidha."



 Prathamastami is an annual celebration observed on the 8th day following Kartik Purnima. During this significant event, the eldest child of the family is honored with a ceremonial lamp lighting and a series of elaborate rituals, accompanied by the chanting of sacred Mantras. This age-old tradition is rooted in the belief that Lord Shri Krishna once occupied the seat of honor on Prathamastami, and his worship was diligently performed.

The date of Prathamastami is determined by a panel of astrologers. In preparation for this auspicious occasion, various substances such as clay, ghee, sandalwood paste, and flowers are ceremonially applied to different parts of the body of the eldest child or elder of the family. They then partake in a ritual bath in holy water, followed by the priest anointing them with clarified Chandan (sandalwood paste), milk, curd, and honey. The individual is adorned with doob-grass and akshata (unbroken rice grains), symbolizing completeness and prosperity.

A traditional custom is for the maternal uncle to provide new clothing for the child. The celebration also involves offering five types of grains, five types of leaves, and five varieties of flowers to the deities, including Lord Ganesh and the family's chosen deity. A water-filled pitcher, covered with coconut and mango leaves, is placed as the centerpiece of the worship, and it is honored with offerings of five different kinds of foods, including pithas (sweets), as a gesture of gratitude and devotion.


Following the worship, the child is dressed in the new clothes and seated on a wooden pedestal known as a "Pidha." In front of the child, a Kalash is positioned on a bed of paddy. Above the Kalash, a branch of mango leaves and a coconut are carefully arranged. Subsequently, either the mother or another elderly woman extends her heartfelt wishes for the child's longevity and well-being by offering prayers to Maa Sasthi Devi
Age of seating on asan of Prathamastami or Praudastami.
 Both the male and female to be above 5 years of age are eligible to seat on asan/ wooden pedestal (Pidha) of Prathamastami ( Hindi-प्रथमाष्टमी)( Bengali-প্রথমাষ্টমী))or Prauda Ashtami ( Hindi-प्रौढ़ाष्टमी)/Padhuan Ashtami, (Bengali -প্রৌঢ়াষ্টমী) short name Padhuan or Puda(পুড়া).

*Utkal Brahmins and Prathamastami:-
Utkal Brahmins, renowned for their commitment to preserving the purity of Brahmanatva (Brahminhood) and their adherence to Vedic principles, consider the celebration of Praudastami, also known as Puda or Prathamastami, as a significant ritual. It can be seen as the coronation ceremony of the eldest child in an Utkal Brahmin family, symbolizing their commitment to upholding the fundamental Vedic principles for righteous living.

However, it's essential to note that Prathamastami is not exclusive to Utkal Brahmins but is observed with religious reverence by various communities in Odisha. This festival serves as an inspirational occasion for all Hindu communities to embrace and practice the fundamental Vedic principles for leading a virtuous life.

The Vedas, the ancient scriptures, provide three fundamental guidelines for righteous living:

Devotion to duty.
Steadfastness.
Propriety.
Prathamastami, or Prauda Ashtami, serves as a reminder to all members of the Hindu community to embody these rules in their daily lives, contributing to a harmonious and morally upright society.



Social significance:-
The Prathamastami festival carries profound social significance as it underscores the importance of the firstborn child within a family. The firstborn child is traditionally expected to be obedient and uphold the family's traditions, and they ultimately shoulder the responsibility of caring for the family after the parents pass away. This sense of continuity and the preservation of family customs are entrusted to them.

For these compelling reasons, the eldest child is honored with a revered position within the family, especially in anticipation of the time when they will assume the role of family stewardship following the parents' demise. This day is also known by other names such as Saubhagini Ashtami, Kaal Bhairav Ashtami, and Paap-nashini Ashtami, reflecting the various aspects and beliefs associated with this significant occasion.

This article was written with the divine inspiration of Lord Jagannath.






Prabir  is an Indian author who was born into a Utkal Brahmin family in the Indian state of West Bengal. He is known for his books, which are sold through Amazon.com, Flipkart.com, and Abebooks.com. Prabir is known for his genre/style of writing and has gained a dedicated following of readers who appreciate his unique perspective/engaging storytelling/etc. Prabir  has a passion for writing and has dedicated his career to creating engaging and thought-provoking works for his readers. His books and articles cover a wide range of genres and topics, and he is highly popular within the intellectual community for his contributions.
 
प्रबीर  एक भारतीय लेखक हैं। उनका जन्म भारतीय राज्य पश्चिम बंगाल में एक उत्कल ब्राह्मण परिवार में हुआ था। उनकी किताबें Amazon.com,flipkart.com और abebooks.com के जरिए बेची जाती हैं। 12 लाख से अधिक लोगों ने उनकी किताबें और लेख पढ़े हैं।

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