Eighth Avatar of Goddess Durga, Eighth day of Navratri, Eighth Manifestation of Goddess Durga, Eighth Form of Goddess Durga
Goddess Durga is worshipped as Mahagauri on the eighth day of Navratri. The name Mahagauri means the person with radiance like that of a lightening and very clean.
Legend of Mahagauri
It is believed that Goddess Parvati had performed a great penance for thousands of years to obtain Lord Shiva as her husband. As the time passed Goddess Parvati was covered by soil and dust. Lord Shiva was pleased with her penance and washed her with the water of Holy Ganga. She emerged out clean and white after the bath in Ganga. She was named Mahagauri for being very clean and white. She is the purest form and Mahagauri represents purity.
Another legend states that due to the penance of Goddess Parvati, her body was shining like Gold and her hair was Silver in color. Seeing her Lord Shiva named her as Goddess Mahagauri.
Another legend states that while Goddess Parvati was performing penance a Lion in search of food reached the place. The Lion saw Goddess Parvati performing penance and started to wait until she finishes her penance so that he could eat her. But Parvatis penance took thousands of years and by the time she opened her eyes, the Lion was almost dead. She was moved and blessed the Lion who recovered full energy and accepted the Lion as her vehicle.
Appearance of Goddess Mahagauri
Goddess Mahagauri appears as a eight year old child. Her complexion is white in colout like that of a Jasmine. All the clothes and ornaments are white in color and Mahagauri represents purity.
She has four hands. One hand holds a Trident, one hold a Tambourine. The other two hands represent Abhaya Hasta to protect her devotees and the Boon giving hand to bless the devotees. Her vehicle is a Bull.
Benefits of worshipping Goddess Mahagauri
It is a strong belief that Mahagauri would grant a happy and prosperous married life to women who worship her. Goddess Mahagauri is belived to bless unmarried girls with good husband. It is believed that when men worship Goddess Mahagauri, she would bless them with peace and happiness. All their sins are burnt and made free from all the sorrows and worries.
Mantra of Goddess Mahagauri
Yaa Devi Sarva Bhooteshu Mahagauri Rupena Samsthitha
Namstas aye Namstas aye Namstas aye Namo Namaha.
