MAA MAHAGAURI | CHAITRA NAVRATRI 2022

Devi Mahagauri is a majestic, magnificent form of Goddess Parvati who is radiant and beautiful. She is the most beautiful of the nine Durgas and is worshipped on the eighth day of Navratri Pooja. Her golden and illuminating appearance clears negative forces and thoughts from her devotees and bestows divine grace on them.

History & Origin

Due to the death of his first companion, Devi Sati, Lord Shiva went into deep penance and meditation a long time ago. For many years, Lord Shiva refused to come out of his meditation and avoided all worldly affairs.

Meanwhile, a demon named Tarakasura was causing havoc among the Gods. Devi Sati was reborn as Maa Shailaputri, the Himalayan daughter, at the request of the Gods. Maa Parvati was another name for her. It was said that she would awaken Lord Shiva from his slumber and that their child would go on to kill Tarakasura.

Sage Narada appeared on Maa Parvati’s doorstep one day and told her everything about her previous birth. He also told her that she would have to accomplish severe Tapasya (penance) in order for Lord Shiva to know the truth about her.

Maa Parvati agreed and gave up all of her palace’s comforts and luxuries. She soon went into the woods and began her dedicated penance. Despite the passage of thousands of years, Maa Parvati did not give up. She refused to eat or drink anything while also battling the cold, rain, and storms. Her skin darkened as a result, and her body was now covered in dust, soil, and leaves.

She became very pale and thin. Maa Parvati lost all of her radiance and became extremely weak as a result of this severe Tapasya. Lord Shiva finally noticed her penance after a long time. He even put her devotion to the test and discovered that she was his Sati from a previous life. Maa Parvati agreed to marry Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva decided to cleanse her because she had grown weak and was covered in dirt. He let the holy Ganga waters fall through his hair and onto Maa Parvati. This holy water washed away all the dirt from Maa Parvati’s body, allowing her to reclaim her lost radiance.

In a festival known as Gauri Habba, Devi Mahagauri is mostly worshipped by women for auspiciousness and prosperity. The festival is celebrated throughout India to celebrate both the abundance of crops and to seek protection for her female devotees.

Mahagauri Mantra

ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नमः॥

Significance

Kanya Pujan, also known as Kanjak or Kumari Puja, is the most important part of Maha Ashtami, during which devotees invite nine young girls and one boy to their homes and offer them food, gifts, and worship. The children are fed halwa, puri, and Chana (black chickpeas), the same bhog made for the Goddess, with love and devotion.

Temple

D-9/1, Annapurna Temple is the address of Mahagauri Durga Temple. Vishwanath Gully refers to the narrow lane or Gali that leads up to the temple.

Local transportation is available for devotees’ convenience.

From 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., the temple is open for worship. Aarties are held twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. Annadanam is done daily at the temple premises at noon where devotees are offered free food.

Frequently Asked Question

What colour is associated with Maa Mahagauri?

Mahagauri is Devi's eighth incarnation. She is the giver of all wishes. Pink represents hope and a new way of looking at things.

What to offer as a ‘Bhog’ on the eight day?

On this day, worshippers perform Kanjak Puja and offer prasad to the goddess and kanjak (girl) in the form of poori, sooji halwa, and sookhe kale chane.

What does the idol of Maa Mahagauri look like?

Devi Mahagauri has a fair complexion, similar to that of a conch or jasmine. Her upper right hand holds a trident, and her lower right hand is in Vara mudra. Her upper left hand is holding a Damaru (hand drum), and her lower left hand is in Abhay mudra, which removes fear from her worshippers' minds. Her grace and beauty are enhanced by her use of jewellery and a large headdress. Her majestic, golden appearance symbolises prosperity and abundance, and she rides a bull.

Which is Maa Mahagauri's favourite flower?

Mogra is often offered to Mahagauri.

Where does Maa Mahagauri abode?

The abode of Maa Maha Gauri is Kailash Giri, her consort is Lord Shiva, and her planet is Rahu.

With the Blessings of Maa Mahagauri, we’ve delivered this article in the best form and hope that it helped you! If there are any discrepancies you can mention them in the comment section. May Maa Mahagauri shower all the blessings and strength on you!