Navarathri Day 8 Significance – Maa Mahagauri

Updated on: 17.09.2024

For the pious, the nine days of Navarathri is a time meant to fully immerse oneself in prayers and rituals that glorify each divine form of Devi Maa Durga. Each of these nine manifestations, the Navadurga, have special significance and unique rituals.

Top 10s Only presents a quick look at some of the rituals and practices associated with Day 8 of the Navarathri festival that will be celebrated on October 10, 2024 (Thursday).

Do you want to know more about the Significance of Day 7 of the Navarathri festival? In case you do, you can check that out here on our site too!

Top 10 Significances Of Day 8 Of Navarathri

The 8th Day of Navarathri falls on the auspicious day of Ashtami. This is why this Navarathri Day is often referred to as Durgashtami. Goddess Maa Mahagauri is worshipped on this day. Goddess Maa Mahagauri is a depiction of purity, austerity, and wisdom. Worshipping her is believed to help her devotees overcome obstacles in life.

1. The Name Of Goddess Worshipped On Day 8 Of Navarathri

The eighth day of Navarathri is dedicated to the worship of the Goddess Maa Mahagauri. The name Mahagauri is an amalgamation of two words – ‘Maha’ means great, and ‘Gauri’ means radiant. The name Mahagauri refers to her fair and immensely glowing complexion. Since Goddess Maa Mahagauri is shown as always wearing white clothes, she is also called Swethanbara dhare. She has also been compared to the moon and white flowers due to her fair complexion. As she rides a bull, she is also known as Vrisharudha.

2. The Speciality Of The Goddess Worshipped On Day 8 Of Navarathri

The Goddess Maa Parvati is called Maa Mahagauri due to her radiant and extremely glowing complexion. She has four arms. Three hold a lotus, trishul, and drum while the remaining hand is in a blessing pose. Goddess Maa Mahagauri is depicted as always wearing white clothes and riding a white bull.

Legend has it that Goddess Maa Parvati, in a bid to marry Lord Shiva, underwent severe penance. Lord Shiva tested her in many ways, including making her wait for a very long time. Happy with her patience, he finally agrees to marry her but due to the vagaries of nature, Goddess Maa Mahagauri had lost her glowing complexion. So Lord Shiva unleashed the holy Ganga on Goddess Maa Mahagauri and this divine river washed away all the dirt. Thus, Devi Maa Parvati transformed into Maa Mahagauri. 

3. The Colour On Day 8 Of Navarathri

The Navarathri Day 8 colour is Pink. It represents hope, social upliftment, and self-refinement. Pink, a harmonious blend of fiery red and serene white, embodies the soulful essence of nature.

4. The Sweets To Be Offered On Day 8 Of Navarathri

Navarathri day 8 naivedyam is Rice Payasam which is a sweet dish made from rice and milk. It is offered to the Goddess Maa Mahagauri during the prayer rituals.

5. The Snacks To Be Offered On Day 8 Of Navarathri

Kadalai paruppu sundal is a navarathri day 8 snack offering made as part of the rituals to appease Goddess Maa Mahagauri. It is made from Bengal gram. Another snack item commonly offered is Motchai Kottai sundal which is prepared from Hyacinth beans.

6. The Other Food Items To Be Offered On Day 8 Of Navarathri

Along with the above-mentioned dishes, coconut, coconut rice and puliyodarai are offered to Goddess Maa Mahagauri, along with milk, as Navarathri day 8 bhog during the puja rituals.

7. The Flowers To Be Offered On Day 8 Of Navarathri

Rose, Maghizham (Spanish cherry flower), and Sampangi (tube rose) are offered to the Goddess Maa Mahagauri along with the other Navarathri day 8 offerings. The puja area is seen decorated with these beautiful flowers.

8. The Rangoli On Day 8 Of Navarathri

Lotus-themed rangolis are made to mark the speciality of the 8th Day of Navarathri. Flowers are used to make beautiful rangoli designs at the entrances of the houses before the puja rituals. This is believed to be a fitting welcome for the beautiful Goddess Maa Mahagauri.

9. The Raaga On Day 8 of Navarathri

The raaga on Navarathri day 8 is Punnagavaralai. This raaga is said to calm the mind and control anger. Devotional songs in this raaga invoke the festive spirit in one and all. 

10. The Belief On Day 8 Of Navarathri

Goddess Maa Mahagauri is believed to be very kind and grants the wishes of her devotees. On this day, it is believed that donating coconuts to Brahmins fulfils the desire of childless couples. Those who worship her are freed from all the hardships of life. Goddess Maa Mahagauri is believed to govern the planet Rahu which is thought of as a malefic planet.

Goddess Maa Mahagauri symbolizes peace and intelligence. She is the eighth avatar of Goddess Maa Parvati. Maa Mahagauri blesses spiritual seekers and removes the fear of rebirth by granting salvation. The rituals observed and celebrations made today mark the generosity of the Goddess Maa Mahagauri.

Did we get all the rituals? Do you have different rituals than these? Let us know in the comments. We would love to know.

If you are still interested in reading more about the festival of Navarathri, you may find reading about the Top 10 Significance Of Day 9 Of Navarathri very interesting.