Maa Mahagauri: Significance and Puja Vidhi on Chaitra Navratri Day 8
Chaitra Navratri is one of the most significant Hindu festivals celebrated annually by devotees of Maa Durga. The festival is dedicated to the Goddess and her nine incarnations, known as Navadurgas. As per Drik Panchang, Navadurga is the life stage of Goddess Parvati, who is considered to be the supreme power among all deities.
On Day 8 of the auspicious Chaitra Navratri, also known as Maha Ashtami or Durgashtami, devotees worship Maa Mahagauri. She is believed to be the eighth manifestation of Maa Durga, and is said to symbolize purity, serenity, and tranquility. The name Mahagauri is derived from two words - Maha meaning great, and Gauri meaning fair. The Goddess is depicted as having a fair complexion and dressed in white.
Maa Mahagauri is often portrayed holding a trishul and a damru, with four arms, and riding a white bull. Devotees believe that worshipping Maa Mahagauri on this day can bring them peace, prosperity, and good health. They perform various rituals, including Kanjak or Kanya Puja, Sandhi Puja, and Mahasnan.
Kanjak or Kanya Puja is a ritual where young girls are worshipped as embodiments of Maa Durga. Sandhi Puja is performed during the juncture between Ashtami and Navami, which is believed to be the most auspicious time of the festival. Mahasnan, or the holy bath, is performed to purify the mind, body, and soul.
To perform the Ashtami puja vidhi, devotees wake up early in the morning and take a bath. They then wear clean clothes and prepare the puja thali with flowers, fruits, and sweets. The puja is conducted by reciting mantras and offering prayers to Maa Mahagauri. After the puja is complete, devotees offer prasad and seek the blessings of the Goddess.
The muhurat for Ashtami puja may vary depending on the location and the prevailing planetary positions. However, according to Drik Panchang, Ashtami tithi begins at 3:57 PM on March 28, and ends at 6:45 PM on March 29. The Maha Ashtami puja muhurat is from 6:34 AM to 8:51 AM on March 29.
In conclusion, Chaitra Navratri is a time to celebrate and seek the blessings of Maa Durga and her various forms, including Maa Mahagauri on Day 8. The festival signifies the triumph of good over evil and reminds us to lead a righteous and virtuous life. Devotees perform various rituals and seek the blessings of the Goddess for peace, prosperity, and good health.
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