Chaitra Navratri Day 8: Worshipping Maa Mahagauri 

Ashtami, or the 8th day of Chaitra Navratri, is one of the most important days of this festival. Navarathri Day 8 is dedicated to Goddess Mahagauri. On this day, the 8th of Chaitra Navratri, people worship Maa Mahagauri and are known to offer her items that include jaggery, mogra flowers, and items of beautification (Shringar) and perform Puja. If you want to know more about the right way to perform puja with the correct vidhi on the 8th day of Chaitra Navratri and the dos and don’ts that you must keep in mind, then read below.

8th Day of Chaitra Navratri: Muhurat and Tithi timings

• Puja Muhurat Start Time: 15 April 12:11 PM
• Pooja Muhurat End Time: 16 April 01:24 PM
• Date: 16th April 2024, Tuesday

The Story Of Maa Mahagauri 

According to Hindu mythology, in earlier times, Goddess Durga took birth on Earth in human form. However, after some time, she wanted to go back to the divine land. She also wished to marry Lord Shiva. In order to do so, Parvati Mata went into deep meditation and penance, to please Lord Shiva, in a forest. After many years of penance, Mata Parvati, because of the dust, dirt and Sun’s heat, became dark and dusky.

However, as she was so immense in penance and her devotion to please Lord Shiva was so strong that she did not even notice these discomforts. Moreover, later Lord shiva, after being pleased from her penance, agreed to marry her. After this Lord Shiva proceeded to shower her with river Ganga. Lord Shiva throws river Ganga on Mata Parvati in order to clean her up and get all the dirt and dust out.

After being washed, Mata Parvati returns to her state with white and shining skin. Moreover, it is described as it seems that she was equivalent to a source of light because of her bright skin tone. Thus, she is named Gauri. This is the Mahagauri katha of getting her name, Gauri. 

Also Read: Chaitra Navratri Day 1: Worship Mata Shailputri on the first day of Navratri

Rituals Practiced On 8th Day Of Chaitra Navratri

Just like any other festival, the festival of navratri also has a written set of rituals and practices that must be followed by anyone and everyone celebrating the festival. To help you, we have made a list of all rituals. Therefore, read below in order to know the most auspicious way to worship Maa Mahagauri and celebrate the 8th day of navratri. The rituals are as follows:

Puja Vidhi 

One of the most important things while celebrating a Hindu festival includes performing the puja. Many individuals have a different way of performing the puja and some do not even know what to do. Well, worry not as we have mentioned below the entire puja vidhi for your ease. The puja steps are as follows:

• Clean the premises and the puja area
• Take a bath and wear clean clothes
• Place the idols of Shiva and Mahagauri and worship them
• The puja must start by offering flowers to the Gods and Goddesses
• Then offer jaggery and gangajal 
• Light diyas and perform aarti
• Distribute the offerings to everyone

Donations

Donations are an important part of celebrating any festival. These donations not just bring joy and good karma to the giver but also enhance joy in the life of the other person as well. On the occasion of the 8th day of Chaitra Navratri individuals can donate the following items:

• Saffron or red chunri to Goddess
• Food in temples
• The red flag in temples
• Hold kanya bhoj

Fasting rituals

Many people observe a fast throughout the entire 9 days of Navratri. However, some just fast on some specific days. Fasting might seem an easy process to some, however, on the contrary, this is not the case. There is a proper set of rules and guidelines that an individual observing a fast on any day of navratri must take under consideration and follow. These guidelines are as follows:

• Wake up early
• Clean the puja area and set up all the puja related items in place. Do not forget to clean the idols of Gods and Goddesses.  
• Take a bath and wear fresh and clean clothes
• Perform the puja 
• If you are observing fast, then you can have fruits and milk-based products like curd and milk as your meal for the day
• During the evening, recite the navratri 8th day katha
• Perform the night aarti and offer the food to the Goddess first
• After the puja, distribute the rest of the food as offerings among all the members of the house and others. 

Kanya Pujan 

Kanya Pujan, or worshipping young girls, is an essential ritual on Day 8 of Navratri. Thus, devotees invite young girls to their homes, wash their feet, and offer them food and gifts. This ritual is a way of honouring feminine energy and seeking the blessings of Goddess Katyayani.

Mantras

Mentioned below are the 8th day of the Chaitra Navratri mantra. Recite the mantras as a part of praying. 

• Mahagauri Mantra – ‘Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah’
• Here is the Mahagauri beej mantra – ‘Shree Clean Hree Vardayai Namah’
• Mahagauri Prayer Mantra – ‘Shwete Vrisheshmarudha Shwetambardhara Shuchih, Mahagauri Shubham Dadyan Mahadev Pramodda’

Also Read: Chaitra Navratri Day 3: Worship Mata Chandraghanta on The Third Day Of Navratri

Dos and Don’ts of Chaitra Navratri Day 8

Mentioned below are some dos and don’ts that an individual must keep in mind while celebrating this festival. These are as follows:

Dos:

• Use milk for cleansing the idols of Gods and Goddesses
• Offer prasads to girls
• Recite Maa Mahagauri mantras 
• Perform regular puja
• Keep your house clean

Don’ts

• Abstain from onion and garlic 
• Restrain from eating meat-related products
• Avoid grains during fasts
• Do not do the following – Haircut, Nailcut and Shaving
• Avoid smoking tobacco
• Restrain from drinking alcohol

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Also Read: Chaitra Navratri 2023: Significance, Date, Muhurat And Rituals

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