Today, April 5, 2025 (Saturday), marks the eighth day of Chaitra Navratri, celebrated as Ashtami. On this sacred day, devotees worship Maa Mahagauri, the eighth form of Goddess Durga. Ashtami holds great spiritual significance in Hinduism, and rituals like Havan and Kanya Pujan (worship of young girls) are considered especially auspicious.
Who is Maa Mahagauri?
Maa Mahagauri is known for her radiant, fair complexion and serene demeanor. She has four arms and rides a bull (Vrishabh). Devotees believe that worshipping her leads to liberation from past sins and protection from all forms of suffering.
Puja Vidhi (Worship Method)
- Wake up early before sunrise, take a holy bath, and wear clean clothes.
- Purify the idol or image of the goddess using Ganga Jal (holy water).
- Offer white clothes, roli (vermilion), and kumkum to the goddess.
- Prepare offerings like black chickpeas (kale chane), dry fruits (panch mewa), fruits, sweets, and coconut-based dishes.
- Perform aarti and Kanya Pujan, which holds special importance on this day.
Auspicious Timings for Puja on Ashtami (April 5, 2025)
- Brahma Muhurat: 4:35 AM – 5:21 AM
- Morning Sandhya: 4:58 AM – 6:07 AM
- Abhijit Muhurat: 11:59 AM – 12:49 PM
- Vijay Muhurat: 2:30 PM – 3:20 PM
- Godhuli Muhurat: 6:40 PM – 7:03 PM
Offerings and Favorites of Maa Mahagauri
- Favorite Color: Pink – Wearing pink on Ashtami is considered auspicious.
- Favorite Flower: Raat ki Rani (Night-Blooming Jasmine)
- Favorite Prasad: Black chickpeas, coconut sweets, kheer, puri, halwa, laddoos, and seasonal fruits.
Maa Mahagauri Dhyana Mantra
Vande Vanchhita Kamarthe Chandrardhakritashekharam,
Simharudha Chaturbhuja Mahagauri Yashasvinim.
Purnendu Nibham Gauri Somachakrasthitam Ashtamam Mahagauri Trinetram,
Varabhitikaram Trishul Damarudharam Mahagauri Bhajem.
Patambar Paridhanam Mriduhasya Nanalankar Bhushitam,
Manjeer, Haar, Keyur, Kinkini, Ratna Kundal Manditam.
Praphulla Vandana Pallavadharam Kaanta Kapolam Trailokya Mohanam,
Kamaniyam Lavanyam Mrinalam Chandan Gandhaliptam.
Stotra of Maa Mahagauri
Sarva-Sankat Hantri Tvamhi Dhan Aishwarya Pradayinim,
Jnanada Chaturvedamayi Mahagauri Pranamamyaham.
Sukh Shanti Datri Dhan Dhanya Pradayinim,
Damaruvadya Priya Adya Mahagauri Pranamamyaham.
Trailokya Mangala Tvamhi Tapatraya Harinim,
Vadam Chaitanyamayi Mahagauri Pranamamyaham.
Aarti of Maa Mahagauri
Jay Mahagauri Jagat Ki Maya, Jay Uma Bhavani Jay Mahamaya.
Haridwar Kankhal Ke Paasa, Mahagauri Tera Waha Nivaasa.
Chandrakali Aur Mamta Ambe, Jay Shakti Jay Jay Maa Jagdambe.
Bhima Devi Vimala Mata, Kaushik Devi Jag Vikhyata.
Himachal Ke Ghar Gauri Roop Tera, Mahakali Durga Hai Swaroop Tera.
Sati Havan Kund Mein Tha Jalaya, Usi Dhuein Ne Roop Kali Banaya.
Bana Dharm Singh Jo Sawari Mein Aaya, Toh Shankar Ne Trishul Apna Dikhaya.
Tabhi Maa Ne Mahagauri Naam Paaya, Sharan Aane Wale Ka Sankat Mitaya.
Shanivaar Ko Teri Pooja Jo Karta, Maa Bigda Hua Kaam Uska Sudharta.
Bhakt Bolo Toh Soch Tum Kya Rahe Ho, Mahagauri Maa Teri Hardam Hi Jai Ho.
The eighth day of Navratri is a sacred opportunity to seek the blessings of Maa Mahagauri. Devotees are encouraged to worship her with devotion, offer bhog and flowers, perform Kanya Pujan, and pray for peace, prosperity, and divine protection in their lives.
Jai Maa Mahagauri!