– the Eighth Manifestation of Devi Durga
Spellbind, mesmerizing whitish look of Durga is Mahagauri. Goddess Mahagauri is eighth form of Devi Durga and one of the graceful Goddesses among Nav Durga. She is majestically worshiped on eighth day of Navratri pooja.
Her complexion is completely white, and thus she is revered with name ‘Gauri’. Her beauty glows like gleam of white Pearl. She denotes peace and endurance. She is represented with four arms seated on a Vrishabha (bull). Her upper left hand holds Trishul (trident), lower right hand carries Damru (hand drum) and other two hands are in different Mudras (positions). It is believed that this manifestation is of Parvati when she did hard penance to obtain her Shiva due to which her body color turned dark. When Lord Shiva accepted her great devotion he washed her body with pure Ganga water that made her body completely Gour (white). And this way, she became prominent with name ‘Gauri’ and consort of Mahadev.
Worshipping Goddess Mahagauri during eighth day of Navratra is immensely fruitful. With her grace, the entire dirt and dark scrum of soul get washed. She cleans dregs from heart of her worshippers and makes them pious. Offering invocation to this almighty makes worshipper sacred. Ashtami poojan is considered as Maha Pooja during Navratri. This auspicious day is vivaciously celebrated with whole of heart and devotion inclined toward Devi Mahagauri. During Ashwin Shukla Ashtami, the Mahagauri Pooja is performed.
Goddess Mahagauri pooja is accomplished with worship of both Goddesses Gauri and Shankar (Lord Shiva). Adherence toward Mahagauri is truly advantageous. Her worshippers are never returned with empty hands from asylum of Goddess Gauri. Grand worship, donations, customs and rituals are performed during Ashtami of Navratri Pooja to delight this deity.
Variety of blessed foods are also offered to this Goddess. On the sacred occasion of Ashtami Pooja, Kanya Pooja (feeding of little girls) are also done to please Goddesses of Navdurga. Nine little girls are invited at home of worshippers and are fed varieties of delicious sweet dishes. Devotees pay the best homage to nine little girls considering them nine forms of Navdurga. This ritual accomplishes their pooja and gives blessings of Nav Durga.
By heartily worshipping this Goddess, previous sins and influence of wrong deeds of worshippers are vanished. With her blessing, her devotees achieve the divine perfection of Universe. She influences mankind toward path of truth and purity, observing fast and worshipping Goddess Mahagauri on the eight day of Navratri Pooja is immensely fruitful, especially for unmarried girls and married woman. Worshipping her, unmarried girls get desired husband and married women enjoy peaceful, harmonious and long married life. Show your dedication, true devotion, and adherence toward glorified Goddess Mahagauri and achieve divine happiness in life.
Ya Devi Sarva Bhutesu, Maa Mahagauri Rupena Sansthita,
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha
Meaning: The Goddess who is omnipresent as the divine Devi Mahagauri, I now to Her again and again.
