Mahagauri is the eighth form of the Hindu goddess Durga, who is worshipped during the nine-day festival of Navratri. The word “Mahagauri” means “the extremely white one,” and she is depicted as a peaceful and serene form of the goddess.
Nav = nine and ratri = night. As the name implies, Navratri is a festival of nine consecutive nights. Navratri is a time of fasting, prayer, and devotion, and it is marked by the performance of puja (worship) ceremonies in temples and homes.
Navratri honors Navdurga … Nav Durga … nine forms of Durga.
They are:
These nine forms celebrate, honor and worship nine different incarnations, nine different colors and nine different qualities.
Mahagauri
Mahagauri is the eighth form of the Hindu goddess Durga, who is worshipped during the nine-day festival of Navratri. The word “Mahagauri” means “the extremely white one,” and she is depicted as a peaceful and serene form of the goddess. She is depicted with four arms, holding a trident and a tambourine, while her other two hands are in mudras (symbolic hand gestures).
As per the Hindu mythology, Mahagauri is believed to be the embodiment of purity, peace, and prosperity. She is associated with the Anahata Chakra or the heart chakra, which represents love, compassion, and harmony.
Mahagauri is worshipped on the eighth day of Navratri, and her worship is believed to bestow divine grace, peace, and prosperity on the devotees. Her worship is also believed to help in removing impurities and obstacles from the life of the devotees.
During the eighth day of Navratri, devotees offer prayers and perform aarti to Mahagauri. It is also believed that offering coconut to her can help in achieving peace and prosperity.
Overall, Mahagauri holds great significance in Navratri as she represents the power of purity, peace, and prosperity. Her worship is believed to bestow blessings of divine grace, harmony, and prosperity to the devotees.