Navratri, a nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, reaches its eighth day with the reverence of Maa Mahagauri. This day is considered highly auspicious as devotees seek the blessings of this radiant form of the Goddess for peace, prosperity, and relief from all sufferings.
According to Hindu mythology, Maa Mahagauri was created when Goddess Parvati underwent severe penance to win Lord Shiva’s heart. After enduring years of austere practices, her complexion turned dark due to the intense conditions. Later, Lord Shiva, moved by her devotion, bathed her in the waters of the holy Ganga, which restored her original fair complexion. From that day onwards, she came to be known as Mahagauri, where “Maha” means great and “Gauri” means fair or white.
Navratri 2024 Day 8: Puja Rituals
The puja rituals of Maa Mahagauri are simple yet profound. Here’s how devotees can perform the rituals:
- Clean the Puja Area: Start by cleaning the puja area and setting up a small altar with an idol or picture of Maa Mahagauri.
- Offer White Flowers: White flowers such as jasmine (also known as raat ki rani) are considered her favorite. Place them at her feet while reciting her mantras.
- Chant Mantras: Recite the mantras dedicated to Maa Mahagauri. Chanting these mantras with devotion and faith is believed to fulfill desires and remove obstacles.
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ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नमः॥Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah॥ |
- Perform Aarti: Light a ghee lamp and perform aarti to praise and invoke her blessings.
- Offer Prasad: Offer white sweets like coconut or milk-based delicacies as prasad to Maa Mahagauri and later distribute it among family members.
Reciting the mantras, prarthana (prayer), and stuti (hymn) dedicated to Maa Mahagauri helps in invoking her divine blessings. Here are a few chants for devotees to use during the puja:
Prarthana:
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श्वेते वृषेसमारूढा श्वेताम्बरधरा शुचिः। महागौरी शुभं दद्यान्महादेव प्रमोददा॥Shwete Vrishesamarudha Shwetambaradhara Shuchih।Mahagauri Shubham Dadyanmahadeva Pramodada॥ |
Stuti:
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या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ महागौरी रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Mahagauri Rupena Samsthita।Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥ |
Navratri 2024 Day 8: Worship of Maa Mahagauri
Goddess Mahagauri is worshipped on the eighth day of Navratri, which is also known as Ashtami. It is believed that the Goddess, with her fair complexion and serene nature, bestows peace and strength upon her devotees. She removes all past sins and helps believers achieve purity of mind and soul.
Devotees perform special pujas, offer white flowers, and chant mantras to seek her blessings. The color of the day is white, symbolizing purity and tranquility. It is recommended to wear white clothes while worshipping Maa Mahagauri, as it is believed to please the Goddess and invoke her divine grace.
Goddess Mahagauri is believed to govern the planet Rahu. Worshipping her helps in reducing the malefic effects of Rahu in one’s horoscope and brings about stability and clarity in life. Many devotees observe fasts on this day to show their devotion and receive the grace of the Goddess.
Ashtami and Navami Falling on the Same Day? Check Navratri Kanya Pujan Date and Timings
The eighth day of Navratri is dedicated to worshipping Maa Mahagauri, the symbol of peace and compassion. Her divine grace helps in the purification of the soul and the elimination of negative energies. By offering prayers and chanting mantras on this day, devotees can experience spiritual upliftment and inner harmony. Let us all offer our heartfelt devotion to Maa Mahagauri and seek her blessings for a prosperous and peaceful life.
Also Read: Karva Chauth 2024 Date and Time: When is Karwa Chauth fasting this year?
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