New Delhi: Navaratri is a festival celebrated in the honour of Goddess Durga. Navratri is a Sanskrit word which means 'nine nights'. Though there are four Navaratris in a year, big celebrations are observed for two of them--first in the month of Chaitra (Chaitra Navaratri), and again in the month of Ashvin (Sharad/Shardiya Navratri).
Sharad Navratri occurs at the onset of the autumn season, whereas Chaitra Navaratri occurs in the spring. The religious traditions of both--Sharad Navratri and are Chaitra Navratri--are the same.
This time Sharad Navratri begins on October 15 and will last till October 23. The nine-day celebrations are devoted to honouring Goddess Durga in her nine forms and all of them have different significance.
These nine forms are:
1. Shailaputri
2. Brahmacharini
3. Chandraghanta
4. Kushmanda
5. Skandamata
6. Katyayini
7. Kaalratri
8. Mahagauri
9. Siddhidatri
Dynamite News brings you the significance of these nine incarnations of Goddess Durga on the day they are worshipped.
Eighth Navaratri October 22 Sunday: Mahagauri
The Eighth day is dedicated to the Goddess Mahagauri. The name Mahagauri translates to extremely bright, clean complexioned with a shine.
Mahagauri is depicted with four hands, the hands holding a trident, fear dispelling gesture, and drum, while the fourth is in a blessing gesture. She rides a white bull, usually shown wearing white clothes.
The worship of Maa Mahagauri brings peace, prosperity, and goodness in life. It is said that performing the puja helps to remove the ill effects of Rahu and other obstacles like sorrows, fear and mind related problems.
Mahagauri is the Goddesses of peace.
