Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Mahagauri Rupena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah
This day is also known as Durga Ashtami or Maha Ashtami . Goddess Shakti is worshiped as MahaGauri on the Eight day of Navratri.’ Maha’ means ‘big’ or ‘intense’ and ‘Gauri’ means the fair hued thus MahaGauri means the very fair complexioned one, ‘Gaur’ also means daughter of Mountain Giri.
She is four armed and her favoured vehicle is the bull or vrushab thus her name Vruksharudha. It is said that Devi Parvati had undertaken severe penance for winning Mahadeva’s heart due to which she had lost her lustrous complexion. When Mahadeva appeared in front of her pleased with her single minded focus and strength of her meditation, he had showered her with holy river Ganga washing off the hardships and austerities of the penance thus returning her original fair complexion. Hence Mata MahaGauri is considered to be resplendent and is compared to fresh white snow, clear quartz crystal (spatik), white conch, full moon and worshiped with the white Kunda flowers. She is visualized in pristine white garments and ornaments hence she is known by the name of Shwetambhardhara. Mata MahaGauri is thought to be a sixteen year old maiden and is worshiped thus.
Another popular sankalpa of Devi is as Mahishasuramardini, it is believed that on this day Devi put an end to the tyranny of the demon king Mahishasura. She took the form of Sri Durga during the battle with various accompanying Shakti or feminine manifestations for specific purposes/ requirements of the fierce battle with the demon king. Devi Mata Durga is a fierce warrior form, she created by merging the powerful energies and strengths of the three primary Gods viz Mahadeva Shiva, Vishnu and Bramha. She is visualized as seated on a ferocious lion, is eight armed and carries various kinds of weapons gifted by the Gods to her for her battle with Mahishsura. Ashtami is also known as Astra Puja day. In many parts of the country on this day the tools of trade, vehicles and weapons etc are also worshipped.
One of her favoured mantras is:
Sarva Mangala Mangalye Shive Sarvadha Sadhike l
Sharanaye Trayambakhe Gauri Narayani Namostuthe ll
In North India there is a beautiful tradition of inviting groups of young girls or Kanyas, Nine in number (from age two to age ten) to the home, where traditional puja is conducted with them and then they are provided choicest of food, sweets and gifts. They are worshiped as young Devi’s. It is said this act of caring and kindness of young maiden makes Devi MahaGauri very happy. This is also the second day of Mata Saraswati Puja. There is a symbolic tradition of packing up school books, study materials and reference books, religious books etc placing them at the altar or giving them to the near by temple for worship of three days. It is believed that Mata Saraswati Goddess of Knowledge and arts will visit and bless the owners of the book. On the final day that is Dusshehra the packed books are retrieved and opened by respective owners, and a page opened randomly , such page is read and understood or written upon. If a musical instrument is opened then it is played on the final days which pleases the Devi.
Sky blue color is the favoured color of the day as it expresses serenity like the calm clear skies. She rules planet Rahu or North Node of the Moon, imaginary point in the sky with the tail end being called as Ketu. Rahu a shadow planet however is considered very important due to its potential to cause serious blockages in the horoscope if found to be maleficent or afflicted (poorly placed) . Rahu indicates laziness, filthiness, delays, hurdles. A well placed Rahu in a politicians horoscope indicates rising to high positions, power, success through fair or unfair means. Rahu rules over thief’s, jails, poisons, black magic and has the power to confer sudden wealth. Thus people with poorly place Rahu should pray to Mata MahaGauri for relief issues caused by Rahu.
Meditating on Mata MahaGauri brings about the coolness of fresh snow, clarity of the clear quartz and serenity of the full moon and freshness like the mellow sweet perfume of the Kunda flower. She makes the mind crystal clear making the process of meditation and upliftment smoother. Worshiping of MahaGauri results in various benefits for her devotees. It is said that with her blessings the most difficult and impossible tasks become possible. She bestows Prosperity, Peace, happiness, good health and good fortune.
Some of the mantras used in her meditation and worship (gathered from various sources) are given below:
1) Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah
2) Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Mahagauri Rupena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah
3) Om Devi Mahagauryayi Namah Shwete Vrishesamarudha Shwetaambardhara Shuchih
Mahagauri Shubham Dadyanmahadev Pramodadaa
Continuing with my sharing of Devi Stuti from Devi Bhagwatam..
“Deva DaruVanne Pushtir Megha Kashmir Mandale
BhimaDevi HimaDraudu Tushtir Vishweshari Tada
Kabala Mojhane Shudhir Mata Kaya Varhohane
Shankho Dhare Dhara Nama DrithiPindarage Tada…”
Namo Devi Maha Devi Siddhayae Shantaye Namo Namah
Discussion about this post