Watch this video on YouTube.
On the eighth day of Navratri, worship is offered to Maa Mahagauri, the eighth form of Goddess Durga. Maa Mahagauri represents beauty, peace, and compassion. Her appearance is exceptionally beautiful and radiant, and her worship brings purity, tranquility, and happiness into life. By worshipping Mahagauri, devotees are said to be freed from all troubles and sins, gaining happiness, prosperity, and success.
Maa Mahagauri’s Appearance
- Color: Maa Mahagauri has a complexion as pure and bright as milk, which is why she is referred to as “Mahagauri.
- Attire: She wears white clothing, earning her the name “Shvetambharadhara.”
- Vehicle: Her vehicle is a bull, which symbolizes strength, leading to her being known as “Vrisharoodha.”
- Weapons: Maa Mahagauri has four hands, in which she holds a trident, damru (drum), and is depicted in the abhaya (fearlessness) and varada (blessing) mudras.
The Legend of Maa Mahagauri
According to mythology, Parvati performed intense penance to obtain Lord Shiva as her husband. During her rigorous penance, her body became dark due to hardships. Pleased with her devotion, Lord Shiva accepted her and bathed her in the waters of the Ganges, restoring her radiant complexion. Thus, she came to be known as “Mahagauri.”
Worship Procedure for Maa Mahagauri
- Bath and Clean Attire: Bathe in the morning and wear clean clothes. Purify the worship area.
- Kalash Installation: Set up a kalash (pot) in front of the idol or picture of Maa Mahagauri, filling it with Ganges water, betel leaves, a coin, and a coconut.
- White Flowers and Kumkum: Offer white flowers, kumkum (vermilion), and rice (akshat) to Maa Mahagauri.
- Mantra Chanting: Recite the following mantras during the worship:
- Meditation Mantra:
Shveta vrisham samaaroodha shvetambaradhara shuchi.
Mahagauri shubham dadhyanmahaadevaprmodada. - Main Mantra:
Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah.
- Meditation Mantra:
- Offerings: Offer coconut and white sweets, such as kheer or white barfi, as prasadam (offering) to Maa Mahagauri.
- Incense, Lamp, and Aarti: At the end of the worship, light a ghee lamp and perform the Aarti (devotional song) for Maa Mahagauri to receive her blessings.
Maa Mahagauri’s Meditation Mantra
Shveta vrisham samaaroodha shvetambaradhara shuchi.
Mahagauri shubham dadhyanmahaadevaprmodada.
Maa Mahagauri’s Stotra
Ya Devi Sarva Bhooteshu Maa Mahagauri Roopena Sansthita.
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah.
Purpose and Benefits of Worship
- Worshipping Maa Mahagauri infuses the devotee's life with purity, peace, and prosperity.
- Her blessings remove all troubles and sorrows from life.
- Devotees gain mental peace, happiness, and prosperity.
- Worship of Maa Mahagauri awakens the Sahasrara Chakra, leading to spiritual growth.
Fruits of Worship
On the eighth day of Navratri, the worship of Maa Mahagauri, a person is cleansed of all sins and experiences a sense of purity. With her blessings, devotees attain mental and physical peace. Her grace brings happiness and prosperity, especially in marital life.
