Worshipped on the eighth day of Navratri, Goddess Mahagauri who is known for fulfilling the wishes of her devotees showcases her most powerful nature with Trishul(trident) in one right hand, while the Abhaya Mudra in the other hand. Furthermore, the Damru - a small hand drum is carried in one left arm, while the other arm holds Varada Mudra.

Story of Goddess Gauri

This Goddess has the fairest complexion of all the Durga Shaktis and is often dressed in the green or white saree signifying peace & compassion. Due to some of the calamities that took place in the process to get Lord Shiva, Maa Parvati got her complexion black. The moment he accepted her, he cleaned all the impurities and dust from her body in the river Ganga.

This is how the Maa Parvati got the name Mahagauri as she got her actual complexion back which turned to be extremely white. Hence, sometimes, Maa Mahagauri is compared to the white flower Kunda, the conch and moon as well. As per the astrological aspect, it is said that the planet Rahu is governed by the Goddess Mahagauri.

Rituals to be performed

On the Brahma muhurta, the devotees need to bath early in the morning and wear clean before worshipping the Goddess Mahagauri. All the sacred puja items like colored rice, kumkum, flowers, incense sticks, Akshat( a mixture of unbroken rice and kumkum to apply on the forehead) and a Deep- earthen lightened lamp are required.

Next is, one should use an utensil made of clay base with three layers of mud and Sapta Dhanya or grains with little water in it to retain moisture. Furthermore, take a Kalash filled with the Ganga Jal (holy water), a few coins and supari.

Add in the Akshat and Durva at the base of the Kalash. With a few mango tree leaves placed around the neck of the Kalash, coconut should be kept on top, so as to cover the mouth of the vessel.

Mahagauri Mantra

The below is the Mahagauri Prarthana Mantra, chanted to praise Maa Mahagauri. It says Maha - great or extreme and Gauri - white complexion, to be very beautiful. The one who rides on the bull and wears pure white clothes & ornaments as well.

Shwete Vrashe Samarudhah Shwetambar-dhara Shuchi |

Mahagauri Shubham Dadhyanmahdev-pramodada ||

Once you finish chanting the mantra and aarti, the devotees offer prasadam, known as Maa Mahagauri bhog. On the day of worship of puja, the Goddess is offered fresh unboiled milk or just a bowl of milk. Additionally, some of the sweets made from mawa, halwa, gram or black chana, lotus flower are also offered. Later on, this same prasadam is distributed among the devotees.