Devi ‘Maha Gauri’ is Worshipped on Eighth Day of Navratri

श्वेते वृषे समारुढा श्वेताम्बरधरा शुचिः ।
महागौरी शुभं दघान्महादेवप्रमोददा ॥

Shwete Vrishe Maha Rudha Shwetambardhara Shuchih |
Maha Gauri Subham Dadhyanmahadev Pramodada ||

Spellbind, mesmerizing whitish look of Durga is Maha Gauri. Goddess Maha Gauri is eighth form of Devi Durga and one of the graceful Goddesses among Nav Durga. She is majestically worshipped 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. Her power is unfailing and instantly fruitful. As a result of her worship, all sins of past, present and future get washed away and devotees get purified in all aspects of life.

The mount of Goddess Mahagauri is bull and because of that she is also known as Vrisharudha (वृषारूढ़ा). Goddess Mahagauri is compared with the conch, the moon and the white flower of Kunda (कुंद). She adorns white clothes only and due to that She is also known as Shwetambardhara (श्वेताम्बरधरा).

Goddess Mahagauri is depicted with four hands. She carries Trishul in one right hand and keeps the second right hand in Abhaya Mudra. She adorns Damaru in the one left hand and keeps the second left hand in Varada Mudra. Maha Gauri is intelligent, peaceful and calm. Due to her long austerities in the deep forests of the Himalayas, she developed a dark complexion. When Lord Shiva cleaned her with the water of the Ganges, her body regained its beauty and she came to be known as Maha Gauri, which mean extremely white. And this way, she became prominent with name 'Gauri' and consort of Mahadev.

Worshipping Goddess Maha Gauri during eighth day of Navratra is immensely fruitful. Ashtami poojan is considered as Maha Pooja during Navratri. This auspicious day is vivaciously celebrated with whole of heart and devotion inclined toward Devi Maha Gauri. Variety of blessed foods are also offered to this Goddess. On the sacred occasion of Ashtami Pooja, Kanya Poojan or Kanchak Poojan (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 sin and influence of wrong deeds of worshippers get vanished. With her blessing, worshipper gets the divine perfection of Universe. She influences mankind toward path of truth and purity. Illumination of her grace is infinite. She is the true Goddess of generosity and morality. Adhering toward her faith, devotees start believing on honesty, loyalty and life-long relationship. 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 Maha Gauri and achieve divine happiness in life.

Bhog Offered to Mata Mahagauri

On the day of Durga Ashtami, the eighth form of ‘Mata Mahagauri’ is worshipped. On this day Coconut is offered to the Goddess as Bhog. There is also a tradition of donating Coconut to the Brahmans. Goddess Mahagauri fulfills the wishes of childless couples with child.