Navratri Day 8
Mahagauri Puja where takes place on the 8th day of Navratri. We hope that this attempt to provide you with a deeper understanding of Navratri Day 8 rituals and their significance will force you into more devotion and bring peace and prosperity to your life.
Significance of Navratri Day 8: Maha Ashtami
The eighth day is known as Maha Gauri, which represents purity, serenity, and wisdom. In Hindu mythology, she is supposed to be the personification of love and peace. She believed in purifying the heart of all sins which you have your soul for devotee.
Her wisdom comes with the dissolution of sins we committed in the past and so she named Maha Gauri. Gauri means bright and fair; which is why it, in essence, represents the cleansing of the mind and journey towards an enlightened state. This day, dedicated to the Goddess Mahakali, is specifically worshipped by one and all as they believe it takes away negative energies from a person’s life and gives peace of mind.
Mythological Background of Goddess Mahagauri
According to some ancient Hindu scriptures, Goddess Parvati did hard penance for Lord Shiva’s reason and His partner. Several years in the Himalayas practicing serious austerities. Her body was darkened. Yet, Lord Shiva was so pleased by her devotion and perseverance. He took her for a bath in the holy waters of Ganga, and when she came out of the water, she was all beautiful and shining white like a pearl which led her to be known as Mahagauri.
This transformation represents that despite going through atonement, prayers, and purification of the soul is capable of attaining spiritual cleansing — thus achieving the most awaited union with the Supreme. That is also why she always has such respect as peace, compassion, and tranquility.
Symbolism of Goddess Mahagauri
The appearance of Goddess Mahagauri is very important in the context of spiritualism, every aspect related to her has some deep message.
- White-Natural White Dress-Radiant white outfit– the color white represents purity, peace, pageantry, and wiping out every sin.
- Chaturbhuj: This is how Mahagauri is illustrated, possessing four hands. In her two arms, she carries a trident (trishul) which notifies that she is the protector, and a damaru (small drum), symbolizing the sense of the universe. The other hands are held in abhaya mudra (fear-not) and varada mudra (dispensing blessings, wishes).
- Ornaments and Jewelry—These embellishments symbolize the loveliness of spirit and the necessity for restraint in a path towards spiritual enlightenment.
Rituals of Navratri Day 8
1. Kanya Pujan (Worship of Young Girls)
The Kanya Pujan or Kanjak Pujan is one of the significant Navratri Day 8 traditions. Nine small girls, all reinforcing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are invited home and these young feet are worshipped in respect. They are then fed (usually puri, halwa, and chana), hechoiceedis to wear new clothes, and receive gifts as they seek the elders’ blessings.
This is a celebration and an energetic ritual that supports the feminine energy, believed to be holding the Goddess’ divine vibration.
2. Sandhi Puja
In a few regions of India, Sandhi Puja is indeed held at the `time whole’ of Ashtami and Navami — as in on the ninth day of Navratra. The ceremony is a very good time when such an action has special value and will appeal to the goddess with elaborate ritual offerings. The Chandi Path is also composed and sung in these days.
3. Durga Saptashati Recitation
The ritual is to recite verses from the Devi Mahatmya also known as Chandi which is the form of Goddess Durga; devotees read out 700 verses or 7 chapters (Sapta shloki) from Markandeya Purana characterizing her immense power. These verses are supposedly unobstructed from redundancy, empowering someone to rise out of his/her obstacles and moving him/her straight on the technique of spiritual growth and also in a way shielding him/her from the evil forces.
4. Fasting
In the observance of a fast on Ashtami, many devotees use this time to cleanse their minds and bodies. For some, fasting is keeping Nine days of Navratri fast, and for others it is just Ashtami or Navami. The eating habits of devotees are restricted to nothing but fruits, milk, and satvic foods in order to keep the purity during their worship.
5. Offering of Flowers, Fruits, and Sweets
In return, the temple town is seen hordes of pilgrims offering fresh flowers, fruits, and sweets to the Goddess. For Mahagauri, Lotus Flowers and white clothes are considered the most important offerings.
