Today marks the 8th day of Navratri 2020 and Mahagauri is worshipped on this auspicious day of Navratri. Mahagauri is the eight avatar of Navdurga. Below is a list of the 'mantras', 'stotras', and 'puja vidhi' for Mahagauri. The colour of the eighth day of Navratri is peacock green.

Ashtami Tithi began at 6:45 AM on October 23 and shall end at end at 6:58 AM on October 24.

Mahagauri Maa

Mahagauri Maa is one of the most compassionate sides of Maa Durga. Mahagauri, as the name suggests, is of a fair complexion. She holds a trident and damru in the upper right and left hands, respectively. And she holds the Abhaya and Vara Mudra in the lower hands. This form of the Mother Goddess is mounted on a bull. Mahagauri governs Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the Moon), and hence, those suffering from the ill-effects of the planet worship her to rid themselves of its adverse influence.

Mahagauri Mantras

ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नमः॥

श्वेते वृषेसमारूढा श्वेताम्बरधरा शुचिः।

महागौरी शुभं दद्यान्महादेव प्रमोददा॥

Shwete Vrishesamarudha Shwetambaradhara Shuchih।

Mahagauri Shubham Dadyanmahadeva Pramodada॥

या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ महागौरी रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Mahagauri Rupena Samsthita।

Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥

To pray to Maa Gauri one should perform the Panchopchara puja by offering Gandham, Pushpam, Deepam, Sugandham, and Naivedyam (bhog). Offer shringar items (sindoor, mehendi, kajal, bindi, bangles, toe ring, comb, aalta, mirror, anklets, perfume, earrings, nose pin, necklace, red chunri, mahavar, hairpins etc).

Worship Maa Gauri and offer puri, vegetable curry, halwa as 'bhog'.

Sing an Aarti to conclude the pooja and offer your salutations by lighting a camphor. Distribute the prasad (bhog) after the puja.

Ashtami — the eight day of the Hindu festival Navratri is here. This year, Ashtami is on Saturday, October 24. It is marked as the day when Goddess Mahagauri, an avatar of Goddess Durga, is worshipped.

On the penultimate day of Navratri, prayers and offerings are given to the eighth form of the Navdurga. It is the belief that Goddess Mahagauri governs the planet Rahu which is considered to be a malefic planet.

She is also known as Vrisharudha because she is depicted mounted on a bull. Maa Mahagauri is shown to have four arms — one of them with the weapon trishul. Her second hand has a damaru, third one is shown in Abhaya Mudra, while fourth is in Varada Mudra.

Navratri 2020 Maa Mahagauri Puja Muhurat

The sunrise timing for Ashtami is 05:37 am and the sun will set at 5:04 pm. The Maha Ashtami tithi will start on October 23 at 6:57 am and will last till 6:58 am on October 24.

Navratri 2020 Day 8 colour

The colour purple should be worn on Navrati’s eighth day, Ashtami. It is the colour of intelligence and peace and should be worn on the day of Maa Mahagauri.

Maa Mahagauri Vahan

The carrier of Maa Mahagauri is a bull. In her depiction, she is shown as mounted on a bull and thus, is also known as Vrisharudha.

Maa Mahagauri Puja Vidhi

For worshipping Maa Mahagauri on Ashtami, present white flowers (preferably jasmine) as an offering and recite mantras. On this day, young girls are invited home and offered an auspicious meal as a part of the puja. The prayer ritual is called Kanjak pujan.

Significance of Maa Mahagauri Puja

It is considered that praying to Goddess Mahagauri will take your troubles away. As she governs the malefic planet Rahu, praying to her can remove the planetary defects and a person will be blessed with growth and happiness in life. This is why the day Maha Ashtami is considered to be the day when devotees should pray for removal of sufferings from their life.