The eighth day of Navratri, known as Maha Ashtami or Durga Ashtami, holds immense significance. This day is dedicated to Maa Mahagauri, the eighth form of Goddess Durga, who symbolizes purity, serenity, wisdom, and prosperity. Worshipping her removes sins, fulfills desires, and blesses devotees with peace and spiritual strength.
Who is Maa Mahagauri?
Maa Mahagauri is depicted as a radiant goddess dressed in pure white attire, seated on a bull, holding a trident and a damaru (drum). Her fair complexion shines like the moon, representing purity and calmness. She is believed to bless devotees with freedom from suffering, hardships, and negativity.
Navratri Day 8 (Maha Ashtami) 2025 Date – Tuesday, 30th Sept, 2025
Rituals & Puja Vidhi of Maha Ashtami
Wake up early, take a holy bath, and wear clean clothes (preferably white or yellow).
Decorate the puja altar with flowers, rangoli, and a kalash (urn) filled with water and mango leaves.
Maa Mahagauri loves coconut, halwa-puri, kheer, white sweets, milk, and jaggery-based prasad.
Devotees also offer white clothes, silver ornaments, and seasonal fruits.
Perform Durga Saptasayti Path. Reciting the complete Durga Saptasati on Ashtami is the way to gain all the blessings from the Goddess if you are unable to do so every day.
Mantras & Aarti
Chant the following mantra during puja:
“ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नमः॥” (Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah)
Recite Durga Chalisa, Durga Ashtottara, or Devi Mahatmya.
Perform aarti with a diya and bells. This YouTube channel will help you with the Puja
- Kanya Pujan (Kanjak Puja)
- Invite nine young girls (symbolizing Nav Durga) to your home.
- Wash their feet, apply a tilak, tie a moli (red thread), and serve them special prasad (puri, halwa, kale chane ki sabji, or Chole).
- Offer them gifts or dakshina (clothes, bangles, or money).
- Sandhi Puja (Special Ritual)
- Performed at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami.
- Considered highly auspicious for overcoming enemies, evil energies, and major life obstacles.
Significance of Maha Ashtami
- Removes past sins and grants purity of mind and soul.
- Brings prosperity, harmony, and happiness in family life.
- Protects from negative energies and suffering.
- Blesses devotees with spiritual growth and strength to face challenges.
- Kanya Puja symbolizes respecting feminine energy (Shakti) in its purest form.
Flowers, Bhog & Offerings for Maa Mahagauri
- Flowers: Jasmine, white lotus, and mogra.
- Bhog: Coconut, rice kheer, milk, jaggery sweets, and halwa-puri.
- Colors of the Day: White and yellow.
- Preferred Donation: White clothes, milk, rice, or silver items.
Special Beliefs of Day 8
- Worshippers who perform Ashtami Kanya Pujan are believed to receive Maa Durga’s eternal blessings.
- Donating food, clothes, or silver on this day is said to remove financial struggles.
- Fasting devotees usually end their fast after the Kanya Bhoj ritual.
Navratri Day 8, dedicated to Maa Mahagauri, is one of the most powerful and spiritually uplifting days of the festival. By performing Maha Ashtami puja, kanya pujan, and sandhi puja, devotees not only please the goddess but also invoke divine grace for prosperity, protection, and peace in their lives.
