On the eighth day of Navratri, devotees worship the eighth form of the Divine Mother – Maa Mahagauri.
The name Mahagauri means “the great radiant one, pure and white in complexion.” Her glow is compared to crystal, the moon, and camphor. She is also called Shwetambardhara (the one adorned in white). Governing the Sahasrara Chakra, she bestows purity, peace, and spiritual illumination. She is believed to remove sins and impurities, and she governs the planet Rahu.
Mythological Legend
According to Shiv Puran and Skanda Puran, when Maa Parvati performed intense penance in the Himalayas to attain Lord Shiva as her consort, her body became covered with dirt, leaves, and dust, turning her complexion dark.
Pleased by her penance, Lord Shiva appeared and lovingly cleansed her body, bathing her with the holy Ganga waters. After purification, her form turned dazzling white like milk, pearls, and the moon – and thus she came to be worshipped as Mahagauri.
Another tale narrates that after the slaying of demon Mahishasura, the gods praised the Goddess. Appearing as Mahagauri, she destroyed their sins and blessed them with prosperity and happiness.
Form and Appearance
Maa Mahagauri is depicted as serene and compassionate. She rides a pure white bull (Nandi), symbol of righteousness and justice. She is four-armed, holding a trident, a damaru, and displaying varada (boon-giving) and abhaya (protection) mudras. Her divine form is adorned with white garments, pearl ornaments, and a shining crown.
Symbolism of White
White is her sacred color – representing purity, peace, truth, and spirituality. It is also the color of the Sahasrara Chakra, the crown center of spiritual awakening and liberation. On this day, devotees wear white attire and offer white flowers, sandalwood paste, sweets, and fruits.
Rituals of Worship
- Wake up early, bathe, and wear white clothes
- Decorate the altar with white fabric and flowers
- Invoke Maa Mahagauri with mantras and offer white offerings – rice pudding, milk sweets, coconut, almonds
- Light a ghee lamp and perform Aarti
Mantras
Beej Mantra:
“Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah”
Dhyana Mantra:
Seated on a white bull, clad in radiant white,
O Mahagauri, beloved of Mahadev,
May you bestow auspiciousness upon us.”
Benefits of Worship
- Awakens the Sahasrara Chakra, leading to self-purification and liberation
- Brings inner peace, confidence, and freedom from negativity
- Ensures harmony and purity in married life
- Grants respect, clarity, and goodwill in society
- Brings success in fields of yoga, healing, and spiritual teaching
Kanya Pujan (Worship of Girls)
On Ashtami, young girls aged 2–10 are worshipped as embodiments of the Goddess. Their feet are washed, they are offered delicious food, clothes, and gifts, and their blessings are sought.
Conclusion
Maa Mahagauri embodies purity, serenity, and divine compassion. Her worship washes away sins, removes negativity, and brings spiritual radiance into one’s life. Devotees who worship her with true devotion experience both inner and outer purification, along with divine peace.
The articles presented here on the nine forms of Navadurga during Navratri are simply a compilation of information gathered from different sources.
Religion is a matter of personal faith.
Before following any of the details mentioned here, it is advisable to consult scholars or experts with authentic knowledge of scriptures and traditions.
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