Day 8 of Navratri: Maa Mahagauri

The eight day of navratri belongs to the Mahagauri form of the Shakti. She is known for her purity, beauty, and tranquility.

Iconography of Maa Mahagauri

Maa Mahagauri is fair in complexion and wears white saree. So, she is also called as Shwetambardhara. She is seen as riding on a bull, thus, known as Vrisharudha. She has four arms. On the right side, one hand holds a trishul (trident), and the other is in abhaya mudra (for giving protection); on the left side, she holds a damru (drum), and fourth hand is in varmudra (blessing position). She is calm in nature and looks graceful.

Story behind Maa Mahagauri

Upon performing penance for thousands of years to Lord Shiva for marrying him, Parvati's skin had become dark in colour due to harsh weather and deposit of dirt and dust. Pleased by her devotion, Shiva agreed to marry her and bathed her with river Ganga's water. Through this, she gained back her fair complexion and came to be known as Mahagauri.

There's another story where gods were suffering due to the demons named, Shumbh and Nishumbh. They were blessed with the boon by Brahma that they could only be killed by an unmarried woman. Shiva knew only Parvati can help in this situation and decided to do something. To put an end to the wrath of these demons, Shiva purposefully teased Maa Parvati by calling her 'Kaali' (meaning one who is dark in colour) in order to trigger her. She became angry and went on to perform penance to Brahma . She requested him to make her fair in complexion. Brahma suggested her to take birth in river Ganga first and slay the demons. Following him, she went to Himalayas and bathed in Ganga river. After bathing, the dark form of her shedded off from her body and she became fair in color, called as Mahagauri. The shedded form of her is known as Kaushiki, who then killed the demons, Shumbh and Nishumbh.

Significance of Worshipping Maa Mahagauri

Worshipping Maa Mahagauri helps in the purification of our mind and soul. She releases her devotees from suffering of their past sins and prevents occuring of future sins. She controls Rahu that represents illusion and material desires. Praying Mahagauri can reduce negative influence of Rahu and help people in realization of truth and incline them towards spirituality. Her blessings can bring stability in life, and make us attain inner peace and spiritual achievements. She presides over vishuddha (throat) chakra that is responsible for expression and communication as well as sahasraar (crown) chakra which represents spiritual enlightenment.