Navratri 2017 day eight: How to worship MahaGauri, the deity who defeats evil forces.
Thursday, September 28, 2017 IST
Devotees worship the goddess as Maha Gauri on the eighth day of Navratri. With three eyes, four hands, and a fair complexion, MahaGauri is believed to defeat all evil forces of the universe. She holds a damru and a trident in her two hands while the other two hands are held in postures of ‘abhay’ and “varad” — blessing devotees with fearlessness and well-being.
Different regions of the country have different ways of worshipping the goddess and performing the rituals. Here, we talk about the traditions that originated near Varanasi.
How to worship Ma Maha Gauri: Diya, jasmine flowers and perfume are offered to the goddess. Chant “Shwete Vrishe samaarudha, Shwetambardhara shuchih MahaGauri shubham Dadyanmahadevpramodada”. Devotees also recite the Durga Saptashati after offering the puja.
Kanya pooja: Some devotees also observe kanya poojan on Ashtami. Young girls are invited (at least nine) and devotees worship these girls as forms of the goddess. They are offered clothes, fruits, money, and a meal prepared in desi ghee.
Best time for the puja: The best time for puja on Thursday is between 8:20am and 5:27pm.
Mythological story around Maha Gauri Mata: It is believed that Goddess Parvati performed tapa for a long time and the abstinence made her complexion go dark. However, when lord Shiva appeared before her, she turned fair. She rides a bull
What to eat and wear: White and yellow are Maha Gauri Devi’s favourite colours, so devotees should eat white or yellow-coloured food and wear clothes in these colours.
Related Topics
Related News & Articles
‘Dharmasaya Dharata’ which means religion is what we practice. Hence, whatever the wise thought was good for health and hygiene has been enforced in t...
Recently posted . 4K views . 3 min read
With Navratri just around the corner, there is a significant degree of bliss and felicity in the air surrounding people of different cultural backgrounds. Owing t...
Recently posted . 868 views . 5 min read
Food is a basic need for all living creatures. Be it the meek ant or the mighty lion, king of the jungle, every living creature needs food for their survival.
Recently posted . 923 views . 1 min read
Navratri Colours 2018: Navratri 2018 is just around the corner and Indians are looking forward to celebrate the nine avatars of Hindu divine Goddess Durga. The fest...
Recently posted . 1K views . 2 min read
In one of our previous articles, we advised against keeping a ‘Shivlinga’ at home or in a place where it wouldn’t be regularly and religiously w...
Recently posted . 900 views . 2 min read
Trending News & Articles
Nanda Vrata is dedicated to Shiva and it is believed that Goddess Sati observed this vrat to get Shiva as her husband. It is observed during Phalgun Shukla Paksha...
Recently posted . 15K views . 3 min read
This question has seeked me ever since I can remember ...from my childhood..in my dreams...in my realisation and my internal assimilation of Lord Krishna as my god....
Recently posted . 7K views . 1 min read
Story of Sharabha and Narasimha
In Hinduism, the ‘trimurti’ (Gods) - Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh, are...
Recently posted . 5K views . 1 min read
Have any of you realised how beneficial and helpful the lemon is when kept in a transparent glass of water, what it does? Here is the lemon ...
Recently posted . 4K views . 1 min read
More in Spiritual
The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: It is believed that there is an imperishable, peepala tree that has its roots upward and its branches falling on the floor....
Recently posted. 795 views . 2 min read
There are several names given to Kartik Purnima which hold immense cultural relevance.
Recently posted. 778 views . 0 min read
Mahakumbh Mela is highly celebrated in the city of Ujjain. Many of us are unaware that this Kumbh Mela is not only attended by male naga sadhus but is a great attra...
Recently posted. 4K views . 2 min read
Recently posted . 3K views
Recently posted . 861 views
Recently posted . 1K views
Recently posted . 1K views
Understanding Sun's Planetary Energy - Knowing the Heavenly Father
What is the message of the Sun i...
Recently posted. 807 views . 2 min read
Shravan Maas or Sawan month is considered very auspicious to the devotees of Lord Shiva. Almost everyone of them will be fasting either for the whole month or at ...
Recently posted. 1K views . 4 min read