Navratri Day 8, known as Durga Ashtami, is a significant day in the Shardiya Navratri festival, which began on October 3 and will conclude on October 12. This nine-day Hindu celebration honours Goddess Durga, who vanquished the demon king Mahishasura. On Durga Ashtami, to be celebrated on October 11 this year, devotees especially worship Maa Mahagauri, the eighth form of Goddess Durga, symbolising purity and serenity.

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This day is marked by special rituals, including the chanting of mantras and offering prayers, as devotees seek blessings for strength and wisdom. During these nine days, worshippers venerate the nine forms of the goddess, asking for guidance and protection.

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Navratri Day 8: Worshiping Maa Mahagauri

Day 8 of Navratri, October 10, is dedicated to Maa Mahagauri who is the third form of Goddess Durga. In Hindu mythology, she is known for her beauty and bright complexion which earned her the name Mahagauri. She rides a bull which also connects her to her form, Goddess Shailputri. Goddess Mahagauri is depicted with four hands. She carries Trishul in one right hand and keeps the second right hand in Abhaya Mudra. She adorns Damaru in the one left hand and keeps the second left hand in Varada Mudra.

Navratri Day 8: Colour Of The Day

On the eighth day of Navratri, celebrate by wearing pink to honour Maa Mahagauri. This beautiful colour represents universal love, affection and harmony. Wearing pink not only enhances your charm but also makes you more approachable. Wear this vibrant colour as you celebrate Navratri and bring warmth and positivity to the day.

Navratri Day 8: Bhog To Offer

Devotees offer coconut or dishes made from coconut as bhog to Goddess Mahagauri. This offering is believed to help cleanse one’s sins and seek her blessings for prosperity and success.

Other common offerings on Durga Ashtami include:

1. Nawab BhogA mix of rice, lentils, and vegetables, symbolizing abundance.
2. KheerA sweet rice pudding made with milk, sugar, and cardamom.
3. FruitsFresh seasonal fruits like bananas, apples, and pomegranates.
4. SweetsTraditional sweets like laddus, pedas, or barfis.
5. PulsesVarious lentils or legumes, symbolizing nourishment and prosperity.

Navratri Day 8: Shubh Muhurat

According to Drik Panchang, these are auspicious mahurats for the day 8 of Navratri:

Brahma Muhurta

• Start Time: 4:40 AM
• End Time: 5:30 AM

Abhijit Muhurat

• Start Time: 11:45 AM
• End Time: 12:31 PM

Pratah Sandhya

• Start Time: 05:05 AM
• End Time: 06:19 AM

Amrit Kalam

• Start Time: 12:48 AM on October 11
• End Time: 2:26 AM on October 11

Navratri Day 8: Puja Vidhi For Maa Mahagauri

To worship Maa Mahagauri on the eighth day of Navratri, follow these simple steps:

• Wake up early, take a bath and wear clean clothes.
• Purify the idol of Maa Mahagauri and dress her in traditional garments.
• Offer jasmine flowers to the goddess and apply a tilak using kumkum or roli, followed by chanting various prayers, including Mantra, Stuti, Stotra and Kavacha.
• Present coconut-based sweets as bhog to Maa Mahagauri and conclude the puja by performing her Aarti.

Navratri Day 8: Worshiping Maa Mahagauri Significance

Maa Mahagauri is linked to the planet Rahu and is known for bringing wealth and a good lifestyle to her devotees. Worshipping her on the eighth day of Navratri is believed to help bring peace and prosperity, easing the difficulties in life. Her blessings are thought to provide comfort and abundance to those who honor her.