The worship of Mata Mahagauri on Maha Ashtami is an important part of Sharad Navratri. The devotion performed with faith and reverence on this day washes away all sins from life and brings happiness, prosperity, peace, and positive energy into the lives of devotees. Offering mantras, bhog, and performing Kanya Pujan are considered especially auspicious during the puja.
Mahagauri Puja: On the eighth day of Sharad Navratri, known as Maha Ashtami, Mata Mahagauri is worshipped. This puja is performed with faith and devotion both at home and in temples. After worshipping the various forms of the Mother during the first seven days of Navratri, special mantras are chanted, bhog is offered, and Kanya Pujan is performed on this day. The purpose of this religious practice is to destroy all sins, bring positive energy, and maintain happiness and prosperity in the home. Devotees pray to Mata Mahagauri for health, wealth, and salvation.
Importance of Worshipping Mata Mahagauri
The eighth day of Sharad Navratri, Maha Ashtami, is dedicated to Mahagauri, the eighth form of Mata Durga. According to religious beliefs, the puja and recitation of mantras performed on this day help wash away all sins from life and bring happiness, prosperity, peace, and positive energy into the lives of devotees. After worshipping the different forms of the Mother during the first seven days of Navratri, a special worship of Mata Mahagauri takes place on Maha Ashtami.
Mata Mahagauri
The word Mahagauri means “extremely bright and pure.” Mata Mahagauri is depicted wearing white garments, with a bright complexion like the moon, and four arms. In her right hands, she holds a trident and a gesture of fearlessness (Abhaya Mudra), and in her left hands, a small drum (Damaru) and a gesture of blessing (Varada Mudra). She is mounted on a bull as her vehicle. It is believed that her form removes life's difficulties and grants devotees liberation from all kinds of troubles.
Maha Ashtami Puja Procedure
The puja procedure for Mata Mahagauri is simple yet effective. First, install the idol or picture of the Mother on a wooden altar or in the temple. Spread a white cloth, place the Yantra, and meditate holding jasmine flowers in your hands. Offer flowers at the Mother's feet, light a lamp, and present Naivedya (offerings).
Mahagauri Mantras
- श्वेत वृषे समारूढ़ा श्वेताम्बरधरा शुचि:। महागौरी शुभं दद्यान्महादेवप्रमोददा॥
- ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नमः
- ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं महागौर्ये नम:
Chanting these mantras with faith and devotion removes all obstacles in life.
Kanya Pujan and Bhog
Performing Kanya Pujan on Maha Ashtami is considered especially auspicious. Respectfully include girls aged 2 to 10 in the puja, offer them Dakshina (donations), and receive their blessings. Offer sweets made of coconut and sugar, halwa, black chickpeas, or kheer-puri as bhog. This pleases Mata Mahagauri and brings prosperity to the home.
Mahagauri Puja Materials
- Idol or picture of the Mother
- White cloth, sindoor, saffron, camphor, incense, flowers, durva grass
- Mehendi, bindi, betel nut, turmeric, patra (wooden plank), asan (seat), chauki (small stool)
- Deepak (lamp), deepbatti (wick), naivedya (food offerings), honey, sugar, panchmeva (five dry fruits)
- Red embroidered chunri (scarf), red silk bangles
- Kamalgatta (lotus seeds), belpatra (bilva leaves), pushpahar (garland of flowers)
The Legend of Mahagauri
According to ancient legends, the form of Mata Mahagauri originated from the penance of Mata Parvati and the blessings of Lord Brahma. The Goddess performed rigorous penance to transform her dark form into a white and radiant one. According to the legend, the selection of her vehicle was also due to devotion and compassion.
Importance of Aarti and Worship
Performing Mata Mahagauri's Aarti on Maha Ashtami is considered extremely auspicious. During Aarti, light an odd number of lamps and perform Aarti over the feet, navel, face, and entire body. Doing so brings happiness, prosperity, and peace to the home. Devotees' lives become balanced and positive.
Devotion and Benefits
Worshipping Mata Mahagauri with a pure heart washes away all sins from life. Devotees receive health, wealth, salvation, and liberation from all troubles. During Navratri, this worship brings both spiritual peace and material prosperity.
