Shardiya Navratri Day 8 Maha Ashtami: Worship Maha Gauri With Kanya Pujan, Puja Vidhi, Mantra, Bhog And Dos And Don’ts

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• Oct 3, 2022 | Dhupali Das

On the eighth day of Navratri, Maa Mahagauri is worshipped...

Digital Desk: Today is the eighth day of Shardiya Navratri, and Hindu devotees worship Mahagauri, the eighth form of Maa Durga, on this day. The eighth power of Maa Durga represents the original house, and worshipping her activates the Soma Chakra. According to Devi Bhagavat Purana, nine forms and 10 Mahavighas are all parts and forms of Adishakti, but Mahagauri always resides in the form of Ardhangini with Mahadev. Her power is constant and effective. It is said that the grace of Mahagauri removes all difficulties and completes all impossible tasks. In some households, the Kanya Pujan is done on Maha Ashtami Tithi while some devotees do the Kanya Pujan on Mahanavami Tithi.

Maha Ashtami Puja Vidhi

On the eighth day of Navratri, Maa Mahagauri is worshipped. She had gained Gaur Varna by her penance. At the time of her birth, she was eight years old. Because of this, she is worshipped on the eighth day of Navratri. She is called the Annapurna Swaroop for her devotees. She is the patron goddess of wealth, splendour, joy, and peace. On this day, reciting Durga Saptashati is thought to be especially beneficial. On the other hand, individuals who do not keep a complete Navratri fast may do so only on the days of Padwa and Ashtami and seek blessings from Maa Durga by worshipping Kanya on Navami Tithi.

Shardiya Nvratri 2022: Mahagauri Pujan on Maha Ashtami

The appearance of Mahagauri in the worldly form is very bright, soft, and white. The goddess holds a trident in one hand and a damru in the other. Goddess Mahagauri, who is mounted on a white Vrishabha or bull, loves singing and music. She is said to be holding her right hand in the Abhaya Mudra while holding the Shiva symbol damru in her left hand. In her lower hand, she is giving Abhay and in one hand, she is carrying the Trishul.

While the goddess' Kalratri form is violent, the Mahagauri form is calm and peaceful. On the day of Maha Ashtami, worshipping her grants all wishes.

Shardiya Navratri: How to worship Mahagauri on Maha Ashtami

On the eighth day of Shardiya Navratri, after getting up in the Brahmamuhurta and taking a bath, wear clean clothes and meditate while chanting the mantra of the mother.  After that, light five desi ghee lamps and continue to sprinkle Gangajal at the site of worship. Then, before starting the Puja of Maa Mahagauri, chant the mantra ‘Om Devi Mahagauri Namah‘, the welfare mantra of the mother. After that, light the lamp and incense, and make offerings of flowers, fruit, roli, akshat, etc. Offer Mahagauri white flowers. You can also use things made of coconut or coconut itself. Kanya is worshipped by some on Navami and by others on Ashtami Tithi. Devotees should wear pink coloured clothes while worshipping Mahagauri.

Mahagauri Puja Mantra for Mahashtami Puja:

Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah:

Shwete Vrushe Samarudha Shvetambardhara Shuchih|
Mahagauri Shubham Dadyanmahadeva Pramodada॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Mahagauri Rupena Sanstha|
Namastasya Namastasya Namastasya Namo Namah॥

Sarvamangal Mangalye, Shiva Sarvartha Sadhike|
Sharanye Tryambake Gauri Narayani Namostute ॥

Happy Mahashtami to you all!