Ashtayam (from Sanskrit Ashta meaning eight and Yama meaning three-hour period) refers to the 24-hour daily cycle of devotional service or continuous chanting in Hinduism, divided into eight 3-hour intervals. [1, 2]
It primarily takes two forms:
- Deity Worship (Seva): In traditions like the Pushtimarg or Radhavallabh (common in Braj/Vrindavan), this involves eight specific periods of the day when priests perform services for the deities, such as waking (Mangala), bathing, offering food (Bhog), shringar (adorning), and putting to rest (Shayan). [1, 2, 3, 4]
- Akhand Kirtan: In other Vaishnava traditions, it refers to a 24-hour continuous chanting of Lord Vishnu’s names (like the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra or Ramdhuni). [1]
You can explore detailed methodologies and daily devotional songs on the Bhajan Marg or the Vrindavan Ras Mahima platforms.
