Introduction :
The eighth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Mahagauri the eighth form of Maa Durga. Devi Bhagvat Purana states that nine forms and ten Mahavidhyas are all parts of Adishakti, but Mahagauri always resides with Mahadev in the form of Ardhangini.
Who is Maa Mahagauri?
Maa Mahagauri is worshiped on the eighth day of Navratri. By her austere penance, she had attained Gaur Varna (fair complexion).
In Her worldly form, Goddess Mahagauri is very bright, calm, white complexioned, and wears white clothes. She loves singing and music and rides on a white Vrishabha i.e. bull.
Maa Mahagauri’s right hand is in Abhaya Mudra to provide protection to her devotees while her other right hand carries the Trishul, in her left hand she carries the Damru, which is the symbol of Shiva and her lower left hand gives blessings to her devotees.
While Kalratri Mata is fierce and frightening Mahagauri Mata is calm and soothing.
A Narrative about Maa Mahagauri :
When Parvati decided to go on an austere penance to beget Lord Shiva as her consort, she renounced all comforts and lived in a forest for deep meditation. She meditated for several years, despite the heat, the cold, the rain, and the terrible storms. Her deep penance impressed Lord Shiva, who appeared before her and poured the holy water of the Ganga on her. The Gangajal washed off all the dirt; she regained her natural beauty and came to be known as Mahagauri.
Pooja & Mantras of Maa Mahagauri :
On the eighth day of Navratri, after getting up in Brahmamuhurta, the devotee should take bath, wear clean clothes, sprinkle Gangajal at the place of worship as usual and light five desi ghee lamps. You must then offer incense, lamps, flowers, fruit rolis, akshat etc. to mata. Mahagauri is pleased with white flowers and coconut sweets in prasadam. Devotees should wear pink colored clothes in the worship of Mata.
Then then worshipper should meditate and chant the mantras of Maa Mahagauri,
Main mantras of Mahagauri are :
- माता महागौरी का ध्यान मंत्र
ओम देवी महागौर्यै नम:
श्वेते वृषे समारूढा श्वेताम्बरधरा शुचिः।
महागौरी शुभं दद्यान्महादेव प्रमोददा॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ महागौरी रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
सर्वमंगल मंग्ल्ये, शिवे सर्वार्थ साधिके।
शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोस्तुते।।
2. ओम देवी महागौर्यै नम: “Om Devi Mahagauri Namah”, which is the beej mantra for the mother.
Why is Maa Mahagauri worshipped?
Mahagauri is Maa Durga’s eighth shakti, she represents the ‘Mool Bhav’ and worshiping her awakens the Soma Chakra. The planet Rahu is governed by Goddess Mahagauri, so by worshipping Mahagauri eradicates all the hurdles and negative effects of Rahu grah.
The Goddess Maha Gauri symbolizes kindness and morality. By worshiping her, one is liberated from the shackles of material existence and relieved of sorrows. Her devotees are absolved of their sins and leads to self-actualisation.
