Navratri 2024 Day 8, Maa Mahagauri & Maha Ashtami: Know puja vidhi, colour bhog, goddess durga aarti and mantra

Navratri 2024 Day 8: This year, Shardiya Navratri, a nine-day festival honouring Goddess Durga, begins on Thursday, 3rd October 2024, and ends with Dussehra (Vijayadashami) on Saturday, 12th October 2024.

Each of the nine days is dedicated to worshipping one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, including Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.

Who is worshipped on Day 8 of Navratri 2024?

On the eighth day (Ashtami), devotees worship Maa Mahagauri, the eighth form of Goddess Durga. Mahagauri is known for bringing wealth and prosperity to her followers. It is believed that worshipping her on this day can help remove obstacles and wash away sins.

The eighth day is called Maha Ashtami or Durgashtami, and it is one of the most sacred days of the Navratri and Durga Puja celebrations. In 2024, Ashtami falls on Thursday, October 10th. On this day, devotees worship Goddess Mahagauri, seeking her blessings for success and well-being.

Also Read: When is Maha Ashtami and Navami?

Who is Goddess Mahagauri?

In Hindu mythology, Goddess Shailputri was very beautiful and had a fair complexion at the age of sixteen. This is why she is known as Goddess Mahagauri, which means "extremely white." The name Mahagauri is made up of two parts: "Maha," meaning extremely, and "Gauri," meaning white.

The story of her existence goes that after Goddess Kaali killed Raktabeej, she calmed down and became Parvati, but she still had a dark skin tone. She rides a bull, which is why she is called Vrisharudha. Goddess Mahagauri has four arms: in one right hand, she holds a Trishul (trident), and the other hand is in Abhaya Mudra (a gesture of protection). In one left hand, she carries a Damaru (a small drum), and the other hand is in Varada Mudra (a gesture of granting wishes).

As we celebrate the 8th day of Navratri 2024, let's explore Goddess Mahagauri's colour, Puja rituals, auspicious timings, mantra, offerings (bhog), and Aarti.

Also Read: Durga Puja 2024 Calendar

Navratri 2024 Day 8: Date, Time, and Auspicious Timings

The Ashtami tithi begins at 12:31 PM on Thursday, October 10 and will end at 12:06 pm on Friday, October 11. This day, known as Maha Ashtami or Durga Ashtami, is considered highly auspicious for worship.

Maha Ashtami 2024 date & timing

Navratri 2024 Day 8 Rituals

In Hindu mythology, Mahagauri became "Gaur Varna" through deep meditation. The name 'Mahagauri' means "the one who is very bright." She rides on an ox.

On this day, people also celebrate Kanya/Kumari Puja or Kanjak. Devotees invite young girls to their homes to offer them food and worship them as goddesses. This day is also known as Durgashtami for those who celebrate Durga Puja.

Also Read: How is Durga Puja different from Navratri?

Ashtami Kanya Pujan or Kumari Vidhi

Devotees perform Kanya/Kumari Puja or Kanjak by worshipping young unmarried girls. They are seen as divine forms of Goddess Shakti and are given special gifts during Navratri. Worshippers wash the girls¡¯ feet, offer them a red dupatta, bangles, and other tokens of appreciation, and pray for their blessings.

Navratri day 8, Mahagauri Puja Vidhi

- Take a bath and put on clean clothes, ideally white.

- Place a picture or idol of Goddess Mahagauri in your prayer area.

- Put Chandan (sandalwood) and Kumkum (red powder) on the Goddess's idol.

- Offer fresh flowers to the Goddess as a sign of purity and devotion.

- Light a lamp with ghee or oil to create a holy atmosphere.

- Offer fruits, sweets, and milk as prasad (sacred food) to the Goddess.

- Recite mantras and chants for Goddess Mahagauri. A common mantra is "Om Devi Mahagauriyai Namah."

- Perform the aarti (waving of lights) for Goddess Mahagauri and Maa Durga.

- Meditate for a few moments.

- After the worship, share the prasad with your family members.

What is the favourite flower of Goddess Mahagauri?

The Arabian Jasmine, also known as Mogra Flower, is the flower of choice for worshipping Maa Mahagauri on the 8th Day of Navratri. Its beauty makes it a lovely offering.

What colour to wear on the 8th day of Navratri?

On the eighth day of Navratri, wear pink to celebrate and honour Maa Mahagauri. This lovely colour represents love, kindness, and harmony. Wearing pink not only makes you look charming but also makes you feel more approachable. Embrace this bright colour during Navratri to bring warmth and positivity to your day.

Navratri Day 8 2024: Bhog

Devotees offer coconuts as Bhog to Mata. It is commonly believed that donating coconuts to Brahmins on Ashtami blesses childless couples with children.

Navratri Day 8 Mahagauri Mantra

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Ya Devi Sarvbhuteshu Maa Gauri Rupen Sansthita|

Namastasyee Namastasyee Namastasyee Namo Namah||

Navratri Ashtami Maa Mahagauri Aarti with lyrics

Maha Gauri Daya Keeje, Jag Janani Daya Keeje,

Uma, Rama Brahmani, Apni Sharan Leeje.

Gaur Varna Ati Sohe, Vrishabh Ki Aswari,

Shwet Vastron Mein Maiyya, Laage Chhavi Pyaari.

Maha Gauri Daya Keeje.

Srishti Roop Tumhi Ho, Shiv Angi Mata,

Bhakt Tumhare Angin, Nit Pratigun Gaata.

Maha Gauri Daya Keeje.

Daksha Ke Ghar Janmi Tum, Le Avatar Sati,

Pragati Himachal Ke Ghar, Ban Shiv Parvati.

Maha Gauri Daya Keeje.

Maa Mahagauri Aarti Lyrics in English

Maa Mahagauri Aarti Lyrics in English

Nav Durgon Ke Maiyya, Aathvan Tera Swaroop,

Shiv Bhi Mohit Ho Gaye, Dekhke Tera Roop.

Maha Gauri Daya Keeje.

Aathve Navratre Ko, Jo Vrat Tera Kare,

Pata Pyaar Tumhara, Bhav Sindhu Woh Tare.

Maha Gauri Daya Keeje.

Ved Puran Mein Mahima, Teri Ma Aparampar,

Hum Agyani Kaise, Paaye Tumhara Pyaar.

Maha Gauri Daya Keeje.

Mahagauri Mahamaya, Aarti Teri Gaate,

Karunamayee Daya Keeje, Nishidin Tujhe Dhyaate.

Maha Gauri Daya Keeje.

Shiv Shakti Mahagauri, Charan Sharan Leeje,

Balak Jaan Ke Apna, Humpe Daya Keeje.

Maha Gauri Daya Keeje.

Maa Durga Mantra

Sarva Mangala Mangalye, Shive Sarvartha Sadhika

Sharanye Trayambake Gauri, Narayani Namostute

Sarva Swarupe Sarveshe, Sarva Shakti Samanvite

Bhaye Bhyastraahi No Devi, Durge Devi Namostute

Etatte vadanam saumyam lochana trayabhushitam

Paatu nah sarvabhitibhyah kaatyaayani namostute

Jwala Karala Matyugram Sheshasura Sudanam

Trishulam Patu No Bhiter Bhadrakali Namostute

Yaa Devi Sarva Bhooteshu Shakti Roopena Samsthitah

Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaha

Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.

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