Navratri Day 8: Significance of Goddess Mahagauri

The eighth day of Navratri falls on Thursday, October 10. During Shardiya Navratri, Hindu devotees honour Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms, collectively known as Navdurgas. These incarnations include Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Maa Skandamata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kalaratri, Maa Mahagauri, and Maa Siddhidatri. On Day 8, devotees specifically worship Maa Mahagauri.

Here's everything you need to know about MAA MAHAGAURI:

Mahagauri means "fair and radiant." According to mythology, to win Lord Shiva's affection, Goddess Parvati undertook intense penance. Pleased by her devotion, Lord Shiva accepted and married her. However, her rigorous penance caused her to lose her fair complexion. Seeking to regain her beauty, Goddess Parvati approached Lord Brahma, who instructed her to defeat the demons Sumbha and Nisumbha and then bathe in the sacred Ganges of the Himalayas. After completing these tasks, she emerged as Maa Mahagauri. Maa Mahagauri is depicted with four arms, riding a bull, and adorned in white garments and ornaments. She is also known for controlling the planet Rahu.

The auspicious colour for Ashtami during Navratri is pink. It is recommended to wear pink attire and offer prayers to the goddess to seek her blessings.

Ashtami, the eighth day of Navratri, is regarded as the most auspicious day of the festival. On this day, devotees worship Maa Mahagauri, who symbolises purity, chastity, and tranquility. All nine forms of Maa Durga are honoured and revered on this special occasion.

On this day, devotees rise early and begin with a sacred bath. They then place the idol or image of Goddess Durga on the altar, offering fruits, flowers, sweets, and water to the deity. Following this, the aarti is performed, and prasad is shared with family and friends.

According to Drik Panchang, the Ashtami tithi will commence at 12:31 PM on October 10 and continue until 12:06 PM on October 11.

Prathana:

“Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maam Mahagauri Rupen Sansthita, Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah.”