During the eighth day of Sharadiya Navaratri, worship is performed to the eighth form of Goddess Durga, Maa Mahagauri. This day is also known as Durga Ashtami or Mahashtami. This year, because the Saptami falls on two days, Durga Ashtami will be celebrated on October 19th on Monday. According to beliefs, worshipping Maa Mahagauri helps rid one of suffering and brings happiness and prosperity to the home. Furthermore, reading this story is considered a highly auspicious act.
The History of Worshipping Maa Mahagauri
Maa Mahagauri is revered as a deity with an exceptionally calm, gentle, and divine appearance. Her attire and ornaments are predominantly white, which is why she is also called Shwetambardhara. The goddess has four arms; her vehicle is the bull, so she is also known as Vrisharuda. In one right hand, she holds the Abhaya mudra, and in the other, the Trishula. In her left hands, she displays the Damaru and the Vara mudra.
According to ancient legends, Maa Mahagauri performed severe ascetic worship for a long time to attain Lord Shiva as her husband. Due to this asceticism, her body took on a dark hue. When Lord Shiva was moved by her devotion, he cleansed her body with water from the Ganges, after which her color became extremely radiant. Since then, she has been known as Mahagauri.
The First Story of Worshipping Maa Mahagauri
According to mythological history, Goddess Parvati undertook severe austerities striving to make Lord Shiva her husband. She remained in meditation for a long time. Her austerity was so strict that the color of her body changed. After a significant period, Lord Shiva searched for Goddess Parvati and found her. There, he saw her wonderful and radiant appearance. Her color shone like moonlight and the white flower Kund. Seeing this appearance, Lord Shiva rejoiced. According to religious beliefs, it was after this that Parvati came to be known as Mahagauri.
The Second Story of Worshipping Maa Mahagauri
Another common story states that Parvati practiced austerities for many years to attain Lord Shiva. Due to prolonged meditation under the sun, rain, and difficult circumstances, her body darkened. After completing the austerities, Lord Shiva accepted her and washed her body with water from the Ganges. After this, her color became light again. Following this incident, the goddess's name became Gauri, and her divine appearance was named Mahagauri.