Victory over Evil: 8th day of Navratri

 Maa Mahagouri ; victory over Evil: 8th day of Navratri 

Ashtami or the eighth day of Navratri is considered the most auspicious day of the festival. Ashtami symbolizes the victory of good over evil. It reminds us that righteousness will always triumph over malevolence. On this day, Maa Mahagauri is worshipped. After defeating demon Mahishasura, Maa Parvati entered in the Ganga river and as she took a bath, her dark skin washed off entirely and she came back out as a beautiful golden woman, wearing white garments and apparels, so she gained the epithet "Mahagauri". Maa Mahagauri is known as the symbol of purity, chastity and tranquility. All the nine forms of Maa Durga are worshipped on this day. The eighth day of Navaratri marks a transition to the calm energy of Mahagauri. It's a time for introspection, purification, and renewal. People seek to cleanse themselves of impurities and negative influences through devotion. Devotees worship Maa Mahagauri to get blessed with purity, tranquility, and motherhood. In this nurturing form, she is a symbol of divinity, kindness and compassion.

 On 8th day, devotees offer incense, lamps, flowers, fruit,  rolis, akshat etc. to mata. Mahagauri is pleased with white flowers and coconut sweets in prasad. The colour for the auspicious Ashtami of Navratri are white, purple, and pink. It is advised to wear those colors ethnic clothes and dedicate prayers to the goddess and seek her blessings. Mata Mahagauri blesses her devotees with peace, emotional balance, and the strength to overcome difficulties. Her divine presence instills serenity, confidence, and spiritual growth, guiding us toward a life filled with inner calm and well-being.

Chanting mantras of Maa Mahagouri is:

देवी महागौरी - श्वेते वृषे समारूढा श्वेताम्बरधरा शुचिः||

श्वेते वृषे समारूढा श्वेताम्बरधरा शुचिः
महागौरी शुभं दद्यान्महादेवप्रमोददा ॥

(Devi Mahagauri - Shvete Vrsse Samaruudhaa Shvetambara Dharaa Shucih||

Shvete Vrsse Samaaruuddhaa Shveta-Ambara-Dharaa Shucih
Mahaagaurii Shubham Dadyaan-Mahaadeva-Pramoda-Daa ||)

Maa Mahagauri resides in the Sahasrara (crown) chakra; a complete awakening of kundalini process (inspiration, learning, practice sadhana, clear out negativities, etc), the Sushumna nadi.

Happy Astami to all🙏🏻🪷🌼🌼🌸