The eighth day of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of Maa Mahagauri. The word Maha means great and the word Gauri means radiant or fair, hence the name Mahagauri
She is compassionate, caring and is known to fulfil the deepest desires of all her devotees. It is also believed that Maa Mahagauri offers relief from all kinds of pain and suffering.
History and Origin
A long time ago, Lord Shiva went into deep penance and meditation due to the death of his first companion – Devi Sati. Lord Shiva refused to come out of his meditation and stayed away from all worldly affairs for many years.
Meanwhile, a demon by the name of Tarakasura was troubling the Gods to no end. At the request of the Gods, Devi Sati was reborn as Maa Shailaputri, the daughter of the Himalayas. She was also called as Maa Parvati. It was said that she would bring Lord Shiva out of his meditation and their child would go on kill Tarakasura. One day, Sage Narada arrived at Maa Parvati’s doorstep and told her everything about her previous birth.
He also told her that she would have to perform severe Tapasya (penance), so that Lord Shiva can know her truth. Maa Parvati agreed and gave up all the comforts and luxuries of her palace. Soon, she went into a forest and began her dedicated penance. Thousands of years passed but Maa Parvati did not give up. She refused to eat or drink anything, while also fighting through the cold, the rains and the storms. Due to this, her skin turned dark and her body was now covered with dust, soil, leaves, etc.
Due to her glow and extreme radiance, Maa Parvati came to be known as Mahagauri. She wears white clothes, rides a white-coloured bull and has four arms. She holds a Trishul (trident), a lotus and a drum in each of her hands, while she uses her fourth hand to bless all her devotees.
Maa Mahagauri represents the purity and inner beauty of every living being. She is a loving Goddess who takes care of her devotees and helps them overcome their difficulties as well.
Mantra
ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah॥
Prarthana
श्वेते वृषेसमारूढा श्वेताम्बरधरा शुचिः।
महागौरी शुभं दद्यान्महादेव प्रमोददा॥
Shwete Vrishesamarudha Shwetambaradhara Shuchih।
Mahagauri Shubham Dadyanmahadeva Pramodada॥
Stuti
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ महागौरी रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Mahagauri Rupena Samsthita।
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥
