On the eighth day of Navratri, also known as Maha Ashtami, devotees worship Maa Mahagauri, the eighth incarnation of Goddess Durga. She is known for her radiant white complexion and her ability to bestow blessings of peace, prosperity, and enlightenment on her devotees.
Who is Maa Mahagauri of Navratri?
Maa Mahagauri is depicted as a beautiful goddess with four arms, riding a white bull. She is dressed in white clothes and holds a trident, a damru (drum), a noose, and an abhaya mudra (gesture of fearlessness).
Her name, Mahagauri, literally means “extremely white” or “extremely fair.” This symbolizes her pure and untainted nature. She is also known as Shwetambardhara, which means “one who wears white clothes.”
Significance of Worshipping him in Navratri
Maa Mahagauri is considered to be the embodiment of peace and prosperity. Worshipping her on Maha Ashtami is believed to bring relief from all kinds of suffering and fulfill all the desires of her devotees.
She is also known as the goddess of knowledge and wisdom. Worshipping her can help us to overcome our ignorance and attain enlightenment.
Timing of Maa Mahagauri Puja
The best time to perform Maa Mahagauri puja in Navratri is during the Abhijit Muhurta, which is the most auspicious time of the day. The Abhijit Muhurta for Maha Ashtami in 2023 is from 12:15 PM to 12:59 PM.
If you are unable to perform the puja during the Abhijit Muhurta, you can perform it at any time during the day. However, it is important to make sure that you take a bath and wear clean clothes before starting the puja.
Mantra for Maa Mahagauri
There are many different mantras that can be chanted during Maa Mahagauri puja. One of the most popular mantras is:
Om Shwetambardhayai Namah
This mantra means “Salutations to the one who wears white clothes.”
Another popular mantra is:
Om Mahagaurayai Namah
This mantra means “Salutations to the extremely fair one.”
You can chant either of these mantras 108 times during the Navratri puja.
Bhog for Maa Mahagauri
There are many different types of bhog that can be offered to Maa Mahagauri. Some of the most popular offerings include:
- Kheer
- Puri
- Halwa
- Kala chana
- Coconut
- Banana
- Sweets
- Fruits
You can offer any of these items to Maa Mahagauri as bhog.
Color for Maa Mahagauri
The color associated with Maa Mahagauri is white. This symbolizes her pure and untainted nature. It is also the color of peace and tranquility.
On Maha Ashtami, devotees often wear white clothes and offer white flowers to Maa Mahagauri.
Other Things to Keep in Mind in Navratri
In addition to the above, there are a few other things that you should keep in mind while performing Maa Mahagauri puja:
- Make sure that you have a clean and well-ventilated puja room.
- Place the idol of Maa Mahagauri on a raised platform and decorate it with flowers and garlands.
- Light a lamp and incense sticks before starting the puja.
- Chant the Maa Mahagauri mantra 108 times.
- Offer bhog to Maa Mahagauri.
- Pray to Maa Mahagauri to bless you and your family with peace, prosperity, and enlightenment.
Conclusion:
Worshipping Maa Mahagauri on Maha Ashtami is a great way to seek her blessings and guidance. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can perform a meaningful and auspicious puja.
Additional Information:
- Maa Mahagauri’s Appearance:Â Maa Mahagauri is depicted as a beautiful goddess with four arms, riding a white bull. She is dressed in white clothes and holds a trident, a damru (drum), a noose, and an abhaya mudra (gesture of fearlessness).
- Maa Mahagauri’s Blessings:Â Maa Mahagauri is known to bestow blessings of peace, prosperity, and enlightenment on her devotees. She is also known to remove obstacles and help her devotees achieve their goals.