Working in TN, I found out that people dont do anything or take decisions on Ashtami and Navami. I asked them why.They say ' athu appadi than.We wont do anything on these thidhis'.I asked Father. He didnt know either. Searched for 2 years. No go.
Then had a chance to meet Sri Jayendra Saraswathy Swamigal early morning one day and asked him. He clarified. Once Naradan asked Vishnu who was his most ardent devotee. Vishnu points out to a poor farmer who calls his name 3 times a day as his best devotee
Naradan was aghast. He moaned ' I utter your name every minute and you think this guy is more devote?'. Next day Vishnu places a pot full of oil on Naradans head and asked him to walk till evening without spilling the oil.
Naradan came back successful and bragged he accomplished the difficult task. Vishnu smiled and asked "How many times did you say my name today?" Naradan sheepishly told 'Not even once'. Vishnu told 'That farmer thought about me thrice despite all his worries'
Naradan was humbled. The point here is that 'When you start something new, your focus will be on the task, and you wont be able to do your godly duties'.
Hindu Dharmam expects you to Godly Pursuits. It also tells you to do your Karmam. There is a conflict here
Hence 'ATLEAST TWO DAYS IN A FORTNIGHT, DONT START ANYTHING NEW, BUT DEVOTE THOSE TWO DAYS FOR GODLY DUTIES AND PRAYERS'. Over time doing godly duties slipped into background and only dont srart/do anything remained, as it is convenient
Now why Ashtami and Navami? Ashtamam denotes decline or death in Horoscope. So dont start anything.
Also, For Devi pooja, Ashtami is auspicious. Sreekrishnsn who gave Geetha was born on Ashtami. Uthama Purushan Sreeraman was born on Navami. Hence these 2 days for prayer
