worship mata mahagauri on the eighth day of navratri know durga puja subh muhurta importance and maa durga arti kab hai mahasthami bml

Chaitra Navratri 2023 Durga Ashtami: Chaitra Navratri is one of the most important festivals celebrated annually by the Hindus. It is dedicated to Maa Durga and her nine avatars, also known as Navadurgas. Devotees of Maa Durga offer prayers to the goddesses and Navadurgas during the nine-day long festival. According to the Drik Panchang, Navadurga is the life state of Goddess Parvati, who is considered to be the supreme power among all deities. After worshiping Maa Kalaratri on the 7th day, people observe the eighth day of Chaitra Navratri also known as Mahaashtami and Durgashtami. This day has special importance in Navratri. During Ashtami people worship Goddess Mahagauri and perform various rituals including Kanjak or Kanya Puja, Sandhi Puja, Mahasnan and others.

Who is Maa Mahagauri?

According to Drik Panchang, Goddess Shailputri was fair in complexion and very beautiful. She came to be known as Goddess Mahagauri because of her beauty. Mother Gauri’s ride is a bull. That’s why they are also known as Vrisharudha. She is depicted with four hands – one holding Trishul and right hands making Abhaya Mudra, and in left hands she holds Damru and other in Varada Mudra.

Goddess Mahagauri rules over the planet Rahu and is a symbol of purity, peace and tranquility. Maa Mahagauri is also compared to the white flower of conch, moon and blunt because of her fair complexion. She wears only white clothes, and thus she is also known as Svetambardhara.

Auspicious time of Maha Ashtami Puja

This year Chaitra Navratri Mahashtami will be celebrated on 30th March. According to Drik Panchang, Ashtami Tithi will start on March 28 at 7:02 pm and end on March 29 at 9:07 pm.

Chaitra Navratri Ashtami Puja Method

On the day of Ashtami, the devotees of Maa Durga start their day with a great bath to cleanse themselves of impurities and wear new clothes. People do Kanya Puja on Ashtami by inviting nine unmarried girls to their homes. She is considered a divine form of Maa Durga and is worshiped by the devotees. These girls sit in a row, after which a sacred thread is tied on their wrists, their feet are washed, tilak is applied to their forehead, and the girls are offered offerings made of puri, halwa and black gram.

Significance of Chaitra Navratri Mahashtami

Ashtami celebrates the victory of good over evil as Maa Durga defeated the buffalo demon Mahishasura on this day. People worship Maa Mahagauri and ask her to bestow them with wealth and a luxurious lifestyle and to remove all their miseries. One can get rid of all their problems and sins by praying to Maa Durga during Ashtami. Ashtami Vrat also has significance as it brings prosperity and fortune.

Chaitra Navratri Day 8 Mantra:

1) Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah

2) Shwete Vrisheshmarudha Shwetambardhara Shuchi:

Mahagauri Shubham Dadyan Mahadev Pramodda