October 22, 2023 | 07:17 AM IST
The fervor of Navratri is reaching new heights as we approach Maha Ashtami, celebrated on October 22. On this auspicious day, people across the country worship Maa Mahagauri, the eighth form of Goddess Shakti. In this article, we delve into the significance of Navratri Day 8, the timing for rituals, the sacred mantra, the preferred offerings (bhog), and the color associated with this day during the Shardiya Navratri festivities.
Significance of Navratri 2023 Day 8
Hindu devotees celebrate Navratri, a festival that honors Goddess Durga and her various forms. On the eighth day of Shardiya Navratri, they revere Maa Mahagauri. According to Hindu mythology, Maa Mahagauri, once known as Goddess Mahagauri, was blessed with exquisite beauty and a fair complexion at the age of sixteen. She is often depicted riding a bull, earning her the name Maa Vrisharudha. Her fairness is symbolized by her association with a conch, the moon, and the white Kunda flower, while her preference for white attire has led to her being called Shwetambardhara.
Maa Mahagauri is portrayed with four hands, holding a Trishul and an Abhaya Mudra in her right hand, a Damaru in one left hand, and the other hand in Varada Mudra. She epitomizes purity, serenity, and tranquillity and is the governing deity of the planet Rahu. Her favorite flower is the Night Blooming Jasmine or Raat Ki Rani. Devotees turn to Maa Mahagauri to seek blessings of wealth, opulence, and relief from suffering, believing that her grace can absolve them of their troubles and sins.
Navratri Day 8 Puja Vidhi, Bhog, Colour, and Timing
Puja Vidhi
Devotees begin the celebration of Maha Ashtami on the evening of October 21 and conclude it on October 22. The highly auspicious Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga, during which all wishes are believed to be fulfilled, falls between 6:26 am and 6:44 pm. To perform Kanya Puja, you can start on October 22 from 6:26 am. Additionally, the renowned Sandhi Puja, an essential ritual during Maha Ashtami, commences at 7:34 pm and concludes at 8:22 pm.
Bhog
It is customary to prepare a special bhog (offering) for Maa Mahagauri on this day. Devotees typically prepare dishes that are white in color, such as kheer (rice pudding) or coconut-based sweets.
Colour
The color associated with Navratri 2023 Day 8 is white. Adorning yourself and your surroundings with this color is a symbol of purity and devotion to Maa Mahagauri.
Mantra
To invoke the blessings of Maa Mahagauri, chant the following mantra:
Navratri Day 8: Rituals and Significance of Maa Mahagauri Worship
What is the significance of Navratri 2023 Day 8?
Hindu devotees hold deep reverence for Maa Mahagauri on the eighth day of Shardiya Navratri in 2023. This significance is rooted in the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology, where it is believed that Goddess Shailputri, at the age of sixteen, possessed exquisite beauty and a radiant fair complexion, taking on the divine form of Goddess Mahagauri. Her beauty and purity symbolize the divinity celebrated on this auspicious day, capturing the hearts of devotees who seek her blessings and grace.
Who is Maa Mahagauri in Chaitra Navratri 2023 (Ashtami)?
On the auspicious 8th day of Chaitra Navratri 2023 (Ashtami), devotees pay homage to Maa Mahagauri, the eighth embodiment of the revered Hindu goddess, Maa Durga. This day marks a significant juncture in the Navratri 2023 celebrations, offering a glimpse into the puja vidhi (rituals), shubh muhurat (auspicious timings), mantra (sacred chants), bhog (offerings), and aarti lyrics associated with the veneration of Goddess Mahagauri.
Why is Maa Mahagauri celebrated on the 8th day of Shardiya Navratri?
The 8th day of Shardiya Navratri holds special significance as it is dedicated to the worship of Maa Mahagauri, the eighth divine form of Goddess Durga. Throughout these nine auspicious days, devotees diligently observe fasts, offer sacred bhog (offerings), and chant mantras to honor the various manifestations of Goddess Durga. The name ‘Mahagauri’ translates to ‘extremely white,’ reflecting her distinctive portrayal clad in white attire and mounted upon a bull.
When is Shardiya Navratri Maha Ashtami?
Shardiya Navratri’s Maha Ashtami, a pivotal day of celebration, is scheduled for October 22. On this momentous day, devotees pay homage to Maa Mahagauri, one of the forms of the revered Goddess Durga. Delve into the day’s rich significance, precise timings, sacred mantras, traditional offerings (bhog), symbolic colors, and more as Navratri festivities continue to flourish nationwide.
Which color to wear on the 8th day of Navratri 2023?
For the 8th day of Navratri 2023, celebrated as Maha Ashtami in honor of Maa Mahagauri, the recommended color is purple, as per Drik Panchang. Adorning yourself and your surroundings with this regal hue symbolizes devotion and reverence to Maa Mahagauri during this auspicious day’s festivities.
What Prasad is offered on the 8th day of Navratri?
On the 8th day of Navratri, devotees prepare a special prasad known as bhog. This prasad typically includes dishes such as poori, halwa, and kale chane (black chickpeas). After preparing the bhog, it is offered to the goddess, and a heartwarming tradition follows – the bhog is lovingly served to young girls. This act of devotion is a part of Kanjak Puja, where devotees offer poori, sooji halwa, and sookhe kale chane to both the goddess and the young girls, seeking their blessings and sharing in the festive spirit.
