Navratri Day 8: Maa Mahagauri Puja Vidhi, Shubh Muhurat, and Ashtami Bhog

NAVRATRI DAY 8, MAHA ASHTAMI: Navratri is a significant Hindu festival observed for nine days across India. The festival holds great religious importance. Each day, devotees pay homage to one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. The eighth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Mahagauri. According to Drik Panchang, the goddess, known as Mahagauri, at the age of sixteen, possessed extraordinary beauty and a fair complexion. She is often symbolised by the conch, the moon and Kunda flower. Let’s delve into the essential details about Goddess Mahagauri and find out key facts about this auspicious day.

This year, the eighth day of Navratri falls on Sunday, October 22.

Navratri Day 8: Puja Vidhi

To start the puja on the eighth day of Navratri, it is auspicious to begin by praying to Lord Ganesha and seek his blessings to ensure a smooth and hassle free Navratri vrat (Fasting). After seeking Lord Ganesha’s blessings, you can proceed to pray Maa Mahagauri by chanting the following Mantras. This is an essential step in the worship of the Goddess.

Navratri Day 8: Mantra

• Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah
• Shwete Vrishesamarudha Shwetambaradhara Shuchih।
• Mahagauri Shubham Dadyanmahadeva Pramodada

Navratri Day 8: Shubh Muhurat

1. During the Navratri celebrations, specific times play a crucial role in performing rituals and puja.
2. Brahma Muhurat, happening from 04:42 AM to 05:29 AM, is considered the ideal time for spiritual practices.
3. The Vijay Muhurat, falling between 02:30 PM and 03:19 PM, is another auspicious period.
4. As evening approaches, the Twilight Muhurat from 06:36 PM to 06:59 PM is a time of transition.
5. Finally, the Amrit Kaal is observed between 09:02 AM to 10:49 AM.

Navratri Day 8: Significance

It’s believed that Goddess Mahagauri governs the planet Rahu. Goddess Mahagauri is known for granting wealth, great lifestyle and relieves the suffering of her devotees. Worshiping her on the eighth day is believed to be a way to bring peace and prosperity into life.

Navratri Day 8: Colour

The colour associated with this day is purple. Purple represents the calmness of the soul, the promise of a new beginning, and the peaceful transition into higher consciousness.

Navratri Day 8: Bhog For Maa Mahagauri

On the eighth day, several devotees seek the blessings of Maa Mahagauri by offering bhog like puri, vegetable curry and halwa. Devotees can also offer:

1. Kheer is a favorite bhog of Goddess Durga. On this day, kheer is made with milk, rice, and sugar.
2. Malpua is a type of sweet dish. On this day, malpua is made with ghee, sugar, and nuts.
3. Puran Poli is a type of sweet dish. On this day, puran poli is made with jaggery, chana dal, and nuts.
4. Suji Halwa is a type of sweet dish. On this day, suji halwa is made with sugar, nuts, and cardamom.
5. Coconut is a special bhog for Goddess Durga. On this day, fresh coconut is offered to the goddess.

(* Video Source: @narendramodi/X, formerly Twitter)