What to do on Day-8 of Navratri?

Navratri Day 8: Worship of Goddess Mahagauri – The Embodiment of Purity and Serenity

Navratri, the nine-day festival celebrating the different forms of Goddess Durga, reaches a significant point on its eighth day, known as Ashtami. This day is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Mahagauri, the eighth form of Durga, symbolizing purity, peace, and serenity. Ashtami is one of the most revered days of Navratri, marked by elaborate rituals, special prayers, and unique food offerings.

Significance of Day 8: Worship of Goddess Mahagauri

Goddess Mahagauri is often depicted as a radiant, fair-skinned deity riding a white bull. She has four hands, holding a trident and a damaru (drum), while the other two hands are in the mudras (gestures) of blessing and fearlessness. The name “Mahagauri” means “extremely white,” signifying her pure and peaceful nature. According to Hindu mythology, she attained this form after years of severe penance, which cleansed her of all impurities, turning her complexion pure white.

Worshiping Mahagauri is believed to bring about inner peace, purity of thought, and a serene mind. Devotees seek her blessings for the removal of all past sins and the fulfillment of their desires. The day is also known as Maha Ashtami and is considered highly auspicious, often involving the culmination of many rituals and fasts observed throughout Navratri.

Rituals and Celebrations on Day 8

1. Morning Rituals and Puja:

• The day begins with a ritualistic bath, often performed with water mixed with holy substances like turmeric, sandalwood, or rose petals, to purify the body. Devotees wear fresh, clean clothes, preferably in light colors like white or yellow, symbolizing purity.
• The puja (worship) on Ashtami is performed with great devotion and involves elaborate preparations. An image or idol of Goddess Mahagauri is placed on the altar, surrounded by flowers, lamps, and offerings. The Kalash (sacred pot), symbolizing the Goddess’s presence, is decorated with mango leaves, coconut, and red threads.
• The puja begins with the invocation of Mahagauri through the recitation of mantras, such as the Mahagauri Stotra, which praises the Goddess for her purity and benevolence. The chanting of these mantras is believed to purify the atmosphere and invoke the divine energy of the Goddess.
• Offerings to Mahagauri typically include white flowers, fruits, sweets made of milk, and other sattvic (pure) foods. A special offering of coconut is made to signify purity and auspiciousness.
• The aarti (a ritual involving lighted lamps) is performed with devotion, accompanied by the ringing of bells and the blowing of conch shells. The aarti is often followed by the distribution of prasad (blessed food) to all participants.

2. Kanya Puja (Worship of Young Girls):

• One of the most important rituals of Ashtami is Kanya Puja, where nine young girls (representing the nine forms of Durga) are worshiped as incarnations of the Goddess. These girls are typically between the ages of 2 and 10 and are treated with great reverence.
• The ritual begins with the washing of the girls’ feet, symbolizing respect and purification. They are then offered new clothes, flowers, and tilak (a mark on the forehead). Special food is prepared for them, including puris (deep-fried bread), halwa (a sweet dish made of semolina), and chana (chickpeas).
• After the meal, the girls are given gifts such as bangles, toys, or money, and are blessed by the devotees. Kanya Puja is considered a way to honor the feminine divine and seek blessings for prosperity, health, and happiness.

3. Fasting and Dietary Observances:

• Many devotees observe a fast on Ashtami, which is considered one of the most important fasting days of Navratri. The fast is seen as a way to purify the body and mind, allowing the devotee to focus entirely on the worship of Mahagauri.
• Those who are fasting typically consume only one meal during the day, which consists of sattvic foods such as:
  • Sabudana Khichdi: A dish made from tapioca pearls, often flavored with peanuts, cumin, and green chilies.
  • Kuttu Ki Puri: Bread made from buckwheat flour, usually served with aloo (potato) curry.
  • Fruit and Dairy: Fresh fruits, yogurt, and milk are also commonly consumed, as they are light and considered pure.
• For those not fasting, a simple vegetarian meal is prepared, excluding onions, garlic, and other tamasic (impure) ingredients.

1. Evening Aarti and Bhajans:

• The evening aarti on Ashtami is a significant event, drawing together family members and the community for collective worship. The aarti involves lighting lamps and singing hymns in praise of Mahagauri, creating a peaceful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
• Following the aarti, bhajans (devotional songs) dedicated to the Goddess are sung, often accompanied by traditional instruments like the dholak, harmonium, and cymbals. These bhajans express devotion and gratitude, and they help to focus the mind on the divine.
• In some regions, Garba and Dandiya dances are performed as part of the evening celebrations. These traditional dances are both a form of worship and a way to celebrate the victory of good over evil, which is a central theme of Navratri.

2. Havan and Yagna:

• A havan (fire ritual) is often performed on Ashtami to purify the environment and invoke the blessings of the Goddess. The ritual involves offering ghee, grains, and special herbs into the sacred fire while chanting mantras dedicated to Mahagauri.
• The havan is believed to cleanse the surroundings of negative energies and create a protective shield around the devotees. It is also a way to express gratitude to the Goddess for her protection and blessings.

3. Community Activities and Charitable Acts:

• Ashtami is also a day for performing acts of charity and service. Many devotees engage in activities such as feeding the poor, distributing clothes, and donating money to temples or charitable organizations.
• In some communities, large-scale food distribution events are organized, where prasad is served to everyone, regardless of social or economic status. These acts of generosity are seen as a way to earn the blessings of the Goddess and to purify one’s karma.

The Spiritual Essence of Day 8

Navratri Day 8, dedicated to Goddess Mahagauri, is a day of deep spiritual significance. The rituals, prayers, and food offerings on this day are all centered around the themes of purity, peace, and the attainment of spiritual knowledge.

1. Purity and Serenity:

• Mahagauri is the embodiment of purity and serenity, and worshiping her on Ashtami is believed to cleanse the soul of all impurities. The rituals and prayers are designed to purify the mind and body, allowing devotees to connect with the divine on a deeper level.

2. Fulfillment of Desires:

• Ashtami is also considered a day when the Goddess is highly responsive to the prayers of her devotees. Worshiping Mahagauri is believed to bring about the fulfillment of desires, whether they are related to health, wealth, or spiritual growth.

3. Honor and Respect for the Feminine Divine:

• The practice of Kanya Puja highlights the importance of honoring the feminine divine. By worshiping young girls as embodiments of the Goddess, devotees express their reverence for the feminine energy that sustains the universe.

4. Community and Unity:

• The communal aspects of Ashtami, such as group aartis, bhajans, and charitable acts, foster a sense of unity and shared purpose among devotees. These activities not only enhance the spiritual experience but also strengthen the bonds within the community.

Conclusion

Navratri Day 8, dedicated to Goddess Mahagauri, is a day of profound spiritual importance. The rituals, prayers, and food offerings on this day reflect the deep reverence that devotees have for this pure and serene form of the Goddess. Through fasting, Kanya Puja, special pujas, and community activities, devotees seek to invoke Mahagauri’s blessings for purity, peace, and the fulfillment of their desires.

As Navratri draws to a close, the energy and devotion of the devotees reach their peak, culminating in a powerful spiritual experience. Day 8 serves as a crucial step in this journey, offering an opportunity for purification, reflection, and the strengthening of one’s connection with the divine.