The 8th day of Navratri or Durga Ashtami is dedicated to Mahagauri, the goddess of purity and grace. The name Mahagauri means someone with an extremely fair and bright complexion (Maha - great or supreme, gauri - bright and clean).
However, note that there’s more to Maa Mahagauri than just her appearance. Hence, in today’s blog, we will learn about the significance, mythological tale, iconography, and Mahagauri puja vidhi.
Mythological Tale Associated with Mahagauri
According to the legends, after defeating the devils in the form of goddess Kalratri, Maa Parvati’s complexion remained all dull and black. Meanwhile, Lord Shiva, her husband kept teasing her by referring to her as Kaali (the one with a dark, black appearance). However, this annoyed Parvati and she went on performing deep penance meditating before Lord Brahma to regain her fair complexion.
Considering Parvati’s appeal, Lord Brahma suggested that she bathe in the sacred water of river Mansarover flowing through the Himalayas. Goddess Parvati followed the instructions of Brahma and immersed herself in the waters of the Mansarovar river with utmost faith and devotion in her heart. Soon, miraculously her black skin started to wear off and what emerged out of the water was a fair and bright-like moon form of Maa Parvati.
And thereafter, Parvati was named Mahagauri due to her extremely fair appearance.
Also Read : Understanding the Fierce Form of Goddess Kalaratri
Iconography of Mahagauri
Mahagauri is the epitome of grace and beauty. She is often portrayed draped in a white saree (signifying peace and purity), riding a bull. Mahagauri is depicted with four hands, two of which carry a trishul (trident) and a damaru (drum) while the other two rest in fear-dispelling blessing gestures. Devotees seek the blessings of Maa Mahagauri to attain peace, prosperity and success in their lives.
Mahagauri Mantras
ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah
श्वेते वृषेसमारूढा श्वेताम्बरधरा शुचिः।
महागौरी शुभं दद्यान्महादेव प्रमोददा॥
Shwete Vrishesamarudha Shwetambaradhara Shuchih
Mahagauri Shubham Dadyanmahadeva Pramodada
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मां गौरी रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:।।
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Mahagauri Rupena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah
Puja Vidhi for Mahagauri and Durga Ashtami
Here is a series of rituals to perform during Mahagauri Pujan :
- Start by cleaning up your pooja space and taking a bath to purify your body. Hereafter wear clean clothes, preferably something in pink as it is considered the favorite color of Mahagauri.
- Light up diyas (earthen lamps) and incense sticks and apply kumkum (vermillion) to the goddess.
- Next, offer flowers, sweets, and fruits as a symbol of gratitude. Black gram and rava halwa (semolina pudding) are considered quite auspicious in Ashtami puja, hence make sure to prepare that as a part of bhog prasad.
- Recite Durga Chalisa path and chant Mahagauri mantras to invoke the deity.
- Conclude the puja ceremony by performing aarti and seeking the blessings of goddess Mahagauri.
- If you are fasting, make sure to perform the ritual of Kanya puja wherein young, unmarried girls representing different forms of Durga Mata are worshiped.
Also Read : The Powerful Story of Goddess Katyayani
Conclusion
Goddess Mahagauri is the epitome of wisdom, purity and grace. And worshiping her with all faith and devotion can help one get rid of their sins. So this Durga Ashtami, dedicate yourself to the great goddess to attain strength, perseverance, and peace in your life.
