Navratri Day 8 — Know Puja Vidhi, Fasting Rules

Chaitra Navratri 2025: The eighth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Mahagauri. This day is considered highly auspicious for devotees, as the worship of Maa Mahagauri is believed to remove all life’s troubles and bring happiness and prosperity. Mahagauri is a divine form of Maa Parvati, and through her blessings, a devotee attains spiritual success and liberation (moksha). In this article, we will share the method of worship, mantras, and fasting rules associated with Maa Mahagauri.

Form And Significance Of Maa Mahagauri

Maa Mahagauri has a radiant white complexion, which is why she is called "Mahagauri". She has four arms — one hand shows the Abhaya Mudra, another bestows blessings, while the remaining two hold a trident (Trishul) and a drum (Damaru). Maa Mahagauri is adorned in white attire and rides a bull, which is why she is also known as "Vrisharudha". Worshipping her is believed to destroy sins and bring peace and happiness into one’s life.

Worship Method Of Maa Mahagauri

The worship of Maa Mahagauri should be performed with proper rituals and devotion. Begin your day with a bath and wear clean clothes. Purify your home temple or worship space using Ganga water. Place an idol or picture of Maa Mahagauri on a clean and sacred surface.

Required Puja Items: Akshat, white flowers, incense and lamp, white cloth, sweets made from milk, coconut, and Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee).

Puja Procedure: Begin by performing Kalash Sthapana and filling it with Ganga water. Invite Maa Mahagauri to bless the space and offer white flowers to her. Light incense and a lamp, then chant her praises. Offer white-coloured sweets like kheer or coconut laddoos.

On this day, Kanya Pujan is considered highly auspicious. Invite young girls for a meal, feed them lovingly, and offer them gifts. Chant the special mantras of Maa Mahagauri and conclude with her aarti to seek peace and blessings.

Fasting Rules

• On this day, devotees observing the fast should follow a sattvic lifestyle and maintain cleanliness.
• During the fast, devotees may consume milk, fruits, and dry fruits as part of their light meals.
• Avoid consuming grains, and strictly refrain from eating garlic and onions during the fast.
• Chant the hymns and mantras dedicated to the Goddess throughout the day.
• In the evening, perform the aarti and conduct Kanya Pujan.

Blessings And Benefits Of Worshipping Maa Mahagauri

• All obstacles in life are removed.
• Marriage-related problems are resolved.
• Peace of mind is attained, and relief from mental stress is experienced.
• The devotee attains spiritual strength