The eighth day of Shardiya Navratri is observed as the day dedicated to Goddess Mahagauri. Mahagauri is the eighth Avatar of Durga. Due to her extremely bright skin and radiance Maa Parvati came to be known as Mahagauri.

She is depicted with four hands, wearing white clothes. She holds a trident (Trishul) in her right hand and a Damaru ( tambourine ) in her left hand. The other two hands are in Varadmudra and Abhayamudra. She rides on a white bull.

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History of Mahagauri

A long time ago, Lord Shiva went into deep penance and meditation due to the death of his first companion – Devi Sati. Lord Shiva refused to come out of his meditation and stayed away from all worldly affairs for many years.

Devi Sati was reborn as Maa Parvati, the daughter of the Himalayas.

It was said that she would bring Lord Shiva out of his meditation and their child would go on kill Tarakasura. One day, Sage Narada arrived at Maa Parvati’s doorstep and told her everything about her previous birth.

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She went into a forest and began her dedicated penance for thousands of years. She refused to eat or drink anything, while also fighting through the cold, the rains, and the storms.

Finally, after a long time, Lord Shiva took notice of her penance. He even tested her devotion and realized that she was indeed his Sati, from the previous birth. Then, Lord Shiva married Maa Parvati.

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Significance

Maa Mahagauri protects as well punishes people according to their deeds. Goddess bestows with auspiciousness spiritual enlightenment and grants salvation.

She is compassionate, caring and is known to fulfill the deepest desires of all her devotees. It is also believed that Maa Mahagauri offers relief from all kinds of pain and suffering.

She killed demons Shumbh and Nishumbh.

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