Chaitra Navratri, Day 8: Maa Mahagauri ~ Astro Ram Ji

Chaitra Navratri, Day 8: Maa Mahagauri & Ashtami Puja Vidhi, Shubh Muhurat, Mantras, Bhog & Aarti Lyrics

On the 8th day of Navratri 2023 (Ashtami), devotees worship Maa Mahagauri, the eighth form of the Hindu goddess Maa Durga.

According to Hindu mythology, goddess Shailputri, at the age of sixteen, was extremely beautiful and blessed with a fair complexion. Therefore, she came to be known as goddess Mahagauri because of her fair skin. Navratri's Day 8, Goddess Maa Mahagauri is considered to be the most beautiful avatar of Navadurga and is known for prosperity, health, and wealth.

Asthami or the 8th day of Navratri is dedicated to the four-armed deity Devi Mahagauri who rides on a bull or a white elephant and carries a Trishul and a damru in her hands. Maa Mahagauri is also known as Shwetambardhara, as she always wears white clothes. She symbolises purity, serenity, and tranquillity.

Devi Mahagauri Katha

According to one of the legends associated with this avatar of Maa Durga, Mahagauri performed intense penance to please Lord Shiva and seek his blessings. She wanted to marry Mahadev, and, hence, performed austerities for years. In the end, she succeeded in winning his heart and the boon of becoming his Ardhangini. Since she faced hardships while performing the penance, her body got covered with layers of dirt. And it was Lord Shiva who poured water on her to cleanse her. Soon after taking a bath, Mahagauri started glowing. Hence, the name Mahagauri.

8th Day of Chaitra Navratri 2023: Puja Shubh Muhurat

According to Drik Panchang, Durga Ashtami Tithi will begin at 7:02 PM on March 28 and will end at 9:07 PM on March 29.

8th Day of Navratri 2023: Colour

Maha Gauri’s favourite colour is peacock green, which symbolises purity, serenity, and tranquillity.

8th Day of Chaitra Navratri 2023: Bhog

Coconut is offered to Maa Mahagauri on the Ashtami of Navratri.

8th Day of Chaitra Navratri 2023: Maa Mahagauri Puja Vidhi

Begin the eighth day of Navratri Puja by invoking Lord Ganesha (Vighnaharta) and seeking his blessings for a hurdle-free Navratri Vrat.

Then, invoke Goddess Mahagauri by chanting the following mantra and aarti.

8th Day of Chaitra Navratri 2023: Maa Mahagauri Mantra

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मा गौरी रूपेण संस्थिता | नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम||

Ya Devi Sarvbhuteshu Maa Gauri Rupen Sansthita|