Goddess Mahagauri, Maa Durga’s eighth Avatar, is honored on the eighth day of Navratri, also known as Durga Ashtami. Other names for Goddess Mahagauri are Shwetambardhara (clad in white), Vrisharudha (riding the bull), Chaturbhuji (four hands), and Shambhavi. The term Mahagauri is derived from the words ‘Maha’ (great) and ‘Gauri’ (complexion). The planet Rahu is thought to be ruled by Goddess Parvati.

The Importance of Navratri Day 8- The Importance of the Eighth Day of Navratri Puja

Mahagauri, as a symbol of purity, peace, and tranquillity, is claimed to end all of her followers’ suffering. Mahagauri is also said to represent the 16-year-old unmarried form of Goddess Parvati. In her physical form, this eighth incarnation of Navdurga is represented as a three-eyed, four-armed gorgeous Goddess mounted on a white Vrushabha.

Her other two arms carry a Trishul (trident) and a damru, and two of her arms are in the Varada and Abhay mudras (poses) to bless and relieve her devotees’ concerns. The eighth day of Navratri is among the most important days of the festival. All of her worshippers’ desires are granted by Goddess Mahagauri. Those who pray to her receive respite from their troubles.

The Mahagauri Legend:

As per tradition, Parvati desired Lord Shiva as her spouse, so she abandoned her castle and began a difficult penance in the wilderness. Due to dust, dirt, and tree leaves, Parvati’s flesh went black while enduring the hard penance for many years. Finally, Lord Shiva was impressed with her perseverance and promised to marry her. Lord Shiva washed Goddess Parvati with pure Ganga water.

8th Day of Navratri Puja Rituals:

On Ashtami, the eighth day of Navratri, devotees fast and perform many rituals such as Maha Puja and Kanya Puja, in which nine small girls are worshipped as the nine goddesses of Navratri.

Some devotees break their fast on the eighth day of Navratri.

Married ladies offer the red Chunri to goddess Maha Gauri on the eighth day of Navratri puja in exchange for the long life of their husbands.

On this day, Lord Shiva is worshipped alongside Goddess Mahagauri.

Important Dates & Timings for the 8th Day of Navratri 2020:

Date of Goddess Mahagauri Puja: October 24, 2020

Ashtami Tithi Commences – 06:57 AM on October 23, 2020

Ashtami Tithi ends on October 24, 2020, at 06:58 AM.

Maa Gauri Mantra – Maa Mahagauri Mantra

Recite the Mantras listed below to obtain the blessing of Maa Mahagauri.

ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नमः॥

या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ महागौरी रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

Devotees should do the eighth day of Navratri puja with great dedication and a clear mind so that Devi Mahagauri might grant all of their wishes. Worshipping a Meru Prushth Shree Yantra can also help you achieve plenty and happiness in your life. Maa Mahagauri erases all of the devotees’ prior sins and wrongdoings and cleanses their lives. The Goddess Mahagauri guides them down the road of truth and pleasure.