What is Aghora Dakini Chaturdashi and why does it matter?
By Pt. Sanjeev Sharma
Yogas, puja steps and Tantric pointers for Aghora Dakini Chaturdashi on 21 August 2025
Table of Contents
Auspicious date and combinations
Aghora Dakini Chaturdashi in 2025 falls on 21 August. It aligns with the Krishna Chaturdashi of the Bhadrapada month. The Sun will be in Leo and the Moon in Cancer. Pushya Nakshatra and the monthly Shivaratri occur on the same day, which supports Shakti worship, inner steadiness and Tantric practice.
Why this observance is held sacred
Texts and Tantric tradition both mark this night as powerful.
- It is called Rakta Chaturdashi because seekers try to attune to divine energy during the deep night.
- The night is known for Aghora sadhana, Dakini Shakini worship and Kalbhairava devotion.
- Performed with care, the rites are believed to ease spirit obstacles, untimely death and debt.
Classical and scriptural notes
- Kalika Purana and Rudrayamala Tantra present this date as ideal for invoking Dakini Shakini energies.
- Kalbhairava Tantra states that practice on this night protects from fear of death, enemy harm and unseen afflictions.
- The time is praised for Tantric attainment and connection with subtle forces.
Puja vidhi step by step
Householders can follow a simple worship sequence.
- Bath and attire
Bathe at dawn or midnight and wear white or black clothes. - Lamp offering
Light a mustard oil lamp facing north. - Lemon and sesame offering
Mark a lemon with vermilion and offer it to the Goddess or Bhairava along with black sesame. - Mantra recitation
- Om Aghorebhyo Namah 108 times. Meaning: salutations to the Aghora forms.
- Recite Kalbhairavashtak or Devi Kavach.
- Offerings
Offer coconut, lemon or halwa puri. - Charity
Donate food, sesame and clothes. This is held to disperse negative energy.
Do list
- Worship Kalbhairava and the Goddess.
- Offer lamps, sesame and food in charity.
- Chant Hanuman Chalisa and Mahamrityunjaya Mantra.
- Light lamps at home to dispel darkness.
Avoid list
- Avoid insult, deceit and harsh speech.
- Avoid anger, quarrel and disputes.
- Do not consume meat or alcohol.
- Do not go alone to deserted places at night.
- Do not attempt Tantric rites without a Guru.
Tantric and astrological view
- Unseen obstacle relief
Helpful for fear, nightmares and mental unrest. - Debt relief
Traders and debtors may gain ease through japa and charity. - Protection from foes
Practice strengthens courage and safeguarding intent.
Planetary positions and likely effects
| Planet | Placement | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Sun | Leo | Rise in confidence and authority |
| Moon | Cancer | Better emotional steadiness and empathy |
| Mars | Libra | Sharper judgment and brave choice making |
| Saturn | Pisces | Focus on inward practice and occult study |
Simple remedies for householders
- Float 11 lemons in flowing water at night.
- Light a mustard oil lamp at the main door.
- Offer sesame and water to ancestors.
- Chant Om Namah Shivaya 108 times at the home altar.
Living the teaching today
Amid pace and pressure this date trains strength, patience and protection.
- Those with mental strain may adopt meditation and japa.
- Students may worship Kalbhairava to calm exam fear.
- Businesspeople may offer lamps for relief from debt and for success.
This observance acts like an unseen shield for seekers and householders alike.
FAQs
Q1. Can a common devotee perform the puja?
Yes, lamp offering, giving in charity and mantra chanting are beneficial.
Q2. Is it effective for spirit related troubles?
Yes, texts praise this night for unseen protection.
Q3. Are meat and alcohol permitted?
No, they are prohibited.
Q4. What do the planets suggest?
Sun in Leo and Moon in Cancer support strength and mental resolve.
Q5. How can students and traders benefit?
Students through japa and focus, traders through lamp offering and sesame charity.
