Ashoka Ashtami Katha, Legend of Ashok Ashtami, Story behind Ashok Ashtami
Ashoka Ashtami is celebrated in a Grand manner in Eastern parts of India. There is a legend behind performing this ritual. According to that Story, During the heavy battle with Ravana, Rama was not able to kill him. Then he got advise from Vibhishana (Bibhishan) that pray godess Shakthi and take her blessings.
Lord Rama worshiped Lord Shiva and Godess Shakthi at the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar for seven long days and got Goddess blessings from them on the Ashtami (eighth) day. In the next battle, he killed Ravana by using Brahmastra. Lord Ram celebrated This Victory by taking out a procession of God Shiva and Goddess Shakti in a chariot on the Ashtami day. From that day onwards Chaitra Shukla Ashtami is celebrated as Ashoka Ashtami. This Festival marks the victory of Good over evil.