Chaitra Navratri Day 8- Worship Goddess Mahagauri

Navratri Day 8 Significance

Chaitra Navratri Day 8- Wednesday, 01 April 2020
(Maha Ashtami)
The favorite flower of Goddess Mahagauri is Night-blooming jasmine, mogra.
The color of the Day is pink/purple.
Deity of Chaitra Navratri Day 8 Goddess Mahagauri.
The Mantra of Goddess Mahagauri is ‘Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah’.
Ruling Planet- Rahu

Among the Navdurga, Goddess Mahagauri is the eighth manifestation of Goddess Durga. Thus, Navratri Day 8 is dedicated to Devi Mahagauri. In Hindu mythology, Goddess Mahagauri is symbolized as the most stunning and brightly sparkling. Therefore, her name is Gauri.

On the eighth day of the Navratri, the Maha Ashtami Tithi, devotees worship Goddess Mahagauri. In several places, people perform Kanya puja. Mahagauri Mata is known as Nav Durga’s 8th and most beautiful form. In several regions of India, people observe this day by the name of Sandhi Puja.

This day is dedicated to the incarnation of Goddess Durga that signifies peace and prosperity. According to Hindu Mythology, the desires of any devotee who prays for her, are fulfilled. Mahagauri Goddess is the symbol of knowledge and excellence. The color of the day is also pink.

Powerful Form of Goddess Mahagauri

Goddess Mahagauri signifies peace, harmony, endurance, and prosperity. It is said that adoring her purifies the heart of the devotee and bestows them an infinite fortune.

According to religious beliefs, the character of Mahagauri is sparkling white in appearance. Her age is eight years. She wears all the ornaments and clothes of white in color. Hence her devotees recognize her by the name of Svetambaradhara.

She has four arms. Her right hand is in the Abhaya Mudra and her lower right hand has Trident. Also, Goddess Mahaguari holds a Damru in the upper left hand and the lower hand is the Var Mudra. She rides on a Taurus, hence devotees know her in the form of Vrisharudha. In addition to this, she also rides a lion.

Story of Goddess Mahaguari

In the ancient time, Goddess Durga takes birth on earth. However, she wishes to go back to the divine dwelling and marry Lord Shiva. Thus, she goes to thick forests and undertakes tough penance to make Shiva happy.

Being severely immersed in the devotion of Lord Shiva, she doesn’t notice the dust, dirt, and heat. Therefore, her body turns dark during her penance. She continues her severe meditation to please Lord Shiva. She remains there for a thousand years. Eventually, pleased by her devotion, Lord Shiva agrees to marry her.

Further, Shiva showers rover Ganga on her in order to set her free from all the dirt and dust on her skin. As a result, her body shines and shimmers. Therefore, she receives her name Gauri after her glorious white form.

Navratri Day 8 Puja Vidhi

All across the country, the puja of Maha Ashtami has a special significance. It is one of the most important religious rituals. There are some very very important ancient traditions that people perform especially on this day. Among which, Mahasnan and Shodashopachar Puja are the starting points of the Festival, which is very like Maha Saptami Puja.

One must offer jasmine and saffron flowers to the Devi Mahagauri on this day. In Astrology, the color of these flowers signifies white color to be Conch, Moon, and tuber.

Following is the Puja Vidhi of Navratri Day 8–

At first, take a clean bath and wear clean clothes on Ashtami. Further, clean the worship area and collect the puja material. For instance, gather fruits, turmeric, curd, honey, Ganga Jal, jaggery, sweets, flowers, etc.