Ashtami Tithi अष्टमी
The 8th lunar day · deity Shiva (Rudra) · Jaya tithi
Ashtami (अष्टमी) is the 8th lunar day (tithi), presided over by Shiva (Rudra) and counted a Jaya tithi (victorious — good for confrontation, disputes and bold acts). Ashtami, the eighth tithi, is powerful and dedicated to Shiva and the Goddess. The tithi prevailing at sunrise is applied to the whole day in the panchang.
Key takeaways
- Presiding deity: Shiva (Rudra).
- Nature: Jaya — victorious — good for confrontation, disputes and bold acts.
- A Jaya tithi suited to acts of strength, valour and devotion; some routine auspicious work is done cautiously.
- Occurs in both the Shukla and Krishna paksha each lunar month.
Ashtami at a glance
| Presiding deity | Shiva (Rudra) |
| Nature | Jaya — victorious — good for confrontation, disputes and bold acts |
| Position | 8th tithi of each paksha |
What is Ashtami tithi?
Ashtami, the eighth tithi, is powerful and dedicated to Shiva and the Goddess. As a lunar day, Ashtami can begin or end at any clock time, so the panchang uses the Ashtami that is running at sunrise.
Presiding deity of Ashtami
It is linked with Rudra (Shiva) and Durga. Worship and vrats on Ashtami are directed to this deity.
Nature: a Jaya tithi
Ashtami belongs to the Jaya group of tithis, which are victorious — good for confrontation, disputes and bold acts. The five natures — Nanda, Bhadra, Jaya, Rikta and Purna — repeat through the fortnight and help decide which activities a day suits.
Festivals and observances on Ashtami
Krishna Janmashtami (Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami), Durga Ashtami of Navratri, and the monthly Kalashtami fall on Ashtami.
- Krishna Janmashtami — Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami — the birth of Krishna
- Durga Ashtami (Maha Ashtami) — Ashwin Shukla Ashtami, during Sharad Navratri
- Ahoi Ashtami — Kartik Krishna Ashtami
- Radha Ashtami — Bhadrapada Shukla Ashtami
- Kalashtami — every Krishna Paksha Ashtami, dedicated to Bhairava
Festivals fixed to Ashtami recur every year but on shifting Gregorian dates; several also depend on the lunar month and paksha. Confirm this year's dates on the festivals and calendar pages or your local panchang.
What Ashtami tithi is good for
A Jaya tithi suited to acts of strength, valour and devotion; some routine auspicious work is done cautiously. Combine the tithi with a favourable nakshatra, an auspicious choghadiya and the weekday, avoiding Rahu Kaal, when choosing a muhurat.
Ashtami in the panchang
You can see whether today is Ashtami on any city's daily panchang, and find upcoming Ashtami dates on the panchang calendar. Learn about all the tithis, the 27 nakshatras, or read the complete panchang guide.
Tithi attributes follow traditional sources; for religious observance confirm the exact tithi and timings with your local panchang.
Common questions
Which deity rules Ashtami tithi?
Ashtami tithi is presided over by Shiva (Rudra). It is linked with Rudra (Shiva) and Durga.
What festivals fall on Ashtami?
Krishna Janmashtami (Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami), Durga Ashtami of Navratri, and the monthly Kalashtami fall on Ashtami.
Is Ashtami a good tithi?
A Jaya tithi suited to acts of strength, valour and devotion; some routine auspicious work is done cautiously.
What is a tithi?
A tithi is a lunar day — the time for the Moon to move 12° from the Sun. A lunar month has 30 tithis, 15 in the waxing Shukla paksha and 15 in the waning Krishna paksha.
What is a Jaya tithi?
Jaya tithis are victorious — good for confrontation, disputes and bold acts. Ashtami is one of them.