In this Chaitra Navratri, March 29 is Maha Ashtami, also known as Ashtami or Durgashtami. It is one of the most significant days of Navratri and Durga Puja. On this day, Maa Mahagauri is worshiped. Inside, learn about the significance, the puja vidhi, the samagri, the timings, the color, and more.
During the auspicious festivals of Navratri and Durga Puja, it is one of the most significant days. They are in remembrance of Maa Durga and her nine Navdurgas. In remembrance of the triumph of good over evil, devotees pay homage to the Goddess in her nine forms. People worship Maa Mahagauri and engage in a variety of rituals during Ashtami, such as Kanjak or Kanya Puja, Sandhi Puja, Mahasnan, and others. Continue reading for more information.
Who is Maa Mahagauri?
According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Shailputri was extremely beautiful and blessed with a fair complexion when she was sixteen. Along these lines, she came to be known as Goddess Mahagauri in light of her light complexion.
She is referred to as Vrisharudha because, like Maa Shailputri, she rides a bull. She carries a Trishul with one hand on her right side and keeps the other in Abhaya Mudra. On her left, she holds a Damaru and keeps the other in Varada Mudra. She has four hands. The Goddess is frequently contrasted and a conch, the moon and the white blossom of Kunda in light of the fact that she has a fair tone.
Because she always wears white clothing, she is also known as Shwetambardhara. She is a representation of tranquility, serenity, and purity.
ALSO READ – Chaitra Navratri 2023: Worship Maa Katyayani like this on the sixth day of Navratri, chant this mantra!
Navratri Day 8 Significance:
Maha Ashtami, the eighth day of Navratri and the third day of Durga Puja, commemorates Maa Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, a buffalo demon. On this day, devotees pay homage to Maa Mahagauri, who is renowned for alleviating all of her devotees’ pain and providing them with wealth and an extravagant lifestyle.
During Ashtami, one can help get rid of all their problems and sins by praying to Maa Durga. The Ashtami fast is also significant because it brings luck and prosperity.
During Ashtami, people also perform Astra Puja in some parts of India. It is an auspicious day for many devotees to pray to their tools. Additionally, the weapons of Maa Durga are venerated as representations of female strength.
Navratri Day 8 Puja Vidhi and Samagri:
Devotees should start their day with Mahasnan on Ashtami to purify themselves and change into new clothes. Then, introduce nine little pots to summon nine Shaktis of Maa Durga and love them during Maha Ashtami Puja. In addition, nine young single girls are invited into homes for Kanjak or Kanya/Kumari Puja because they are regarded as divine manifestations of Maa Durga.
Devotees affix a holy dhaaga to the wrists of these girls as they stand in a single line. After that, the devotees wash their feet, apply tilak to their foreheads, and serve the girls a special puri, halva, and black grain prasad. Lastly, Sandhi Puja is also performed on this day.
ALSO READ – Chaitra Navratri Day – 4: Who is Maa KushManda? Puja Vidhi,Muhurat Significance
Navratri Day 8 Bhog:
On the eighth day, worshippers offer a special bhog of coconut to Goddess Mahagauri. It is widely believed that donating coconuts to the Brahmins on Ashtami brings prosperity and happiness.
Navratri Day 8 Mantra and Prarthana:
1) Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah
2) Shwete Vrishesamarudha Shwetambaradhara Shuchih
Mahagauri Shubham Dadyanmahadeva Pramodada
ALSO READ – Chaitra Navratri 2023: इस Ram Navami बनाए अपने मंदिरों को और भी सुंदर इन खास तरीकों से…!!!