Navratri, the nine-day festival of devotion and spirituality, celebrates the nine divine forms of Goddess Durga. On the eighth day of Navratri, known as Ashtami, devotees worship Goddess Mahagauri, the symbol of purity, peace, and compassion. She is one of the most revered forms of Maa Durga and holds deep spiritual significance in Hindu traditions.
Origin of Goddess Mahagauri
According to sacred texts, Goddess Mahagauri is a form of Goddess Shailputri. At the age of sixteen, her beauty and radiant fair complexion earned her the name Mahagauri, which means “extremely fair.” Her brightness is often compared to the conch shell, the moon, and the white Kunda flower.
Navratri Day 8 Worship
Devotees perform Maa Mahagauri Puja on the eighth day of Navratri (Durga Ashtami). It is believed that worshipping her with devotion brings relief from past sins, removes obstacles, and blesses one with peace and prosperity.
Governing Planet
Goddess Mahagauri is associated with planet Rahu, and her blessings are believed to reduce the malefic effects of this planet in one’s horoscope.
Iconography of Goddess Mahagauri
Maa Mahagauri is also known as Vrisharudha, as her mount is a bull, similar to her form as Goddess Shailputri. She is depicted with four hands:
- Holding a Trishul in one right hand
- Bestowing protection through Abhaya Mudra in the other
- Carrying a Damaru in one left hand
- Blessing devotees with Varada Mudra in the other
Her attire is always white, symbolizing purity, simplicity, and peace, and hence she is also called Shwetambardhara.
Devanagari Name
महागौरी
Favourite Flower
Devotees offer night-blooming jasmine (raat ki rani) to please Maa Mahagauri.
Maa Mahagauri Mantra
ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नमः॥ Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah॥
Maa Mahagauri Prarthana
श्वेते वृषेसमारूढा श्वेताम्बरधरा शुचिः। महागौरी शुभं दद्यान्महादेव प्रमोददा॥
Shwete Vrishesamarudha Shwetambaradhara Shuchih। Mahagauri Shubham Dadyanmahadeva Pramodada॥
Significance of Worship
Worshipping Maa Mahagauri on Ashtami is believed to bring purity of mind, clarity of thoughts, and spiritual upliftment. She is known as the bestower of marital bliss, happiness, and liberation.
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