Introduction
Goddess Mahagauri is the Eighth manifestation of Navdurga worshipped on the Eighth day of Navratri. She is called Mahagauri because she is the ultimate fairy in the universe. Therefore, Lord Shiva termed her Mahagauri. However, the other form of goddess Parvati is ultimately dark and is referred to as Kali.
Therefore, it is interesting to understand the significance of the goddess Parvati being both dark and fair in the form of Kali and Mahagauri respectively. Read this article to learn the insightful story behind and praise Mother Gouri for her blessing on this Navratri.
Story Behind Mother Parvati As Mahagauri
Goddess Parvati performed a long penance to get Lord Shiva as her husband. As a result of long penance, her complexion became brown or a bit dark, and Lord Shiva remarked on her as Kali. After being disappointed by this remark, goddess Parvati performed a long penance. Lord Brahma was pleased with Mother Parvati's long penance and appeared to her to give her some boon or blessing. Lord Brahma advised her to take a bath in the holy Ganga.
She followed the advice and took a bath in the Holi Ganga. As a result, she got a golden, bright, and, ultimately fair complexion as a boon. Thus, referring to her golden appearance in white cloth, Lord Shiva called her ‘Mahagauri’. The bright fair complexion of Goddess Mahagauri is often compared with the white moon or white flower of Kunda.
Goddess Mahagauri Depiction
Goddess Mahagauri is depicted with four hands having a Trident in one of her right hand and another right one in Abhay Mudra. She is holding a Damru in one of her left hand and another left one in Varad Mudra. She mounts on a white bull therefore she is also called Vrisharudha. She adorns white cloth which is why she is called Shwetambardhara also.
Iconography
Following is detailed information on various iconographies that hold high significance and you must learn them. Read about them in the below lines:
Trident
Trident is a powerful weapon to destroy evil forces. The three points of it are associated with the three fundamental aspects of the universe - creation, preservation, and destruction. This is the primary weapon of Lord Shiva and hence he is regarded as the ‘Destroyer Of The Universe’.
Abhay Mudra
Abhay Mudra originated from the Sanskrit word ‘Abhay’ which means fearless. That’s why Abhay Mudra is a symbol of fearlessness. Goddess Kushmanda with the Abhay Mudra gives us the lesson to become fearless and fight evil back.
Varad Mudra
Varad Mudra is for the blessing to their devotees who worship the goddess Kushmanda with devotion. The Sanskrit term ‘Varad’ is used for providing boons and wishes.
Damru
Damru is considered to be very auspicious in Hinduism and has a very holy significance in Buddhism. In Hinduism, It is associated with Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is the creator & Destroyer of this universe. It is believed that the shape of Damru is a symbol of this universe which was created with the process of expanding, collapsing, and re-expanding. The unique shape of ‘Damru’ which is expanding at the base and narrows down and collapses at one point from where it re-expands is the perfect symbolism of this creation process of the universe. The sound of Damru is the energy that arises because of this process and hence plays a significant role in the creation of the universe.
White bull
Goddess Mahagauri rides on a White Bull that symbolizes the high significance of white over darkness. The white bull is the symbol of purity and devotion.
Goddess Mahagauri As The Unification Of Other Forms
Goddess Mahagauri is the unified form of Mother Kaushiki, Mother Chandi, and Mother Chamunda. It is believed that some demons were creating a huge nuisance for Devas and thus Devas urged goddess Parvati to protect them and provide relief from their atrocities.
Goddess Parvati then created the goddess Kaushiki who was as beautiful as the goddess Mahagauri. She was radiating pristine and had a milk-white skin. As she appeared from the Kosh of Goddess Parvati, she derived her name as ‘Kaushiki’.
Slaying Of Demons Shumbh, Nishumbh and Raktbij
Demons, Shumbh and Nisumbh according to Shrimad Devi Bhagwat Purana, had the boon from Lord Brahma that they can be defeated only by women. Therefore, assuming that no woman in the universe could be as powerful to defeat them, they became cruel to Devas and lost their control.
Devas prayed to Goddess Parvati and portrayed the whole story. Goddess Parvati then created ‘Goddess Kaushiki’ from her physical sheath and turned herself into a black embodiment and referred to as ‘Goddess Kalika’.
Goddess Kaushiki brought out Chandi & Chamunda who defeated Dhrumlochan and Raktbeeja. After defeating all these demons goddess turned back into Kaushiki and slayed Shumbh and Nishumbh. Hence this way, Mata, provided relief from the atrocities of Shumbh and Nishumbh to Devas.
Goddess Mahagauri Temples
The two famous Goddess Mahagauri temples are located in the Ludhiana and Varanasi districts of India. Get detailed information about them in the below lines:
1. Sidh Shakti Peeth Shri Mahagauri Mata Mandir, Ludhiana
Sidh Shakti Peeth Shri Mahagauri Mata Mandir is one of the Shakti Peeth among the 52 Shakti Peeth of goddesses. The temple is situated in Ludhiana at Shimlapuri, Kwality Chowk, and is a much more popular Devi shrine. You can visit the temple anytime to seek Goddess Mahagauri’s blessing for you and your families.
Image: Sidh Shaktipeeth Shri Mahagauri Temple, Ludhiana
2. Mahagauri Mandir Varanasi
Mahagauri Mandir in Varanasi is the temple dedicated to the goddess Mahagauri. The temple is situated at “Vishwanath Gali, Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – 221001. The temple is open for visits from 5 am to 10 pm on all days.
The Mahagauri temple is situated on the premises of Annapurna Temple where free food is distributed to all devotees. The temple has a rich history and worshiping Mata here has a mystic effect in the life of devotees.
Why Should You Worship Goddess Mahagauri?
Ashtami is revered as the most significant day for devotees when they keep fast for the whole day and worship the goddess for her blessings. The Mahagauri form of the goddess Navdurga is the embodiment of purity and serenity. Therefore, she showers true motherly love to her devotees and fulfills their wishes.
Highlights
(a) Goddess Mahagauri is the eighth manifestation of Navdurga and is worshiped on the eighth day of Navratri.
(b) Her other names include Vrisharudha and Shwetambardhara because she rides on a white bull and adorns white cloth respectively.
(c) Goddess Mahagauri is the unified form of various other manifestations of Maa Parvati - Kaushiki, Mother Chandi, and Mother Chamunda.
(d) The two famous temples of Maa Mahagauri are situated in Varanasi and Ludhiyana.
(e) Mother Mahagauri is the ultimate fairy in the universe and has a golden appearance in white cloth.
Conclusion
Ashtmi puja in Navratri has a special significance and so does the worship of Mother Mahagauri. She is revered as the true symbol of motherly love who can go beyond the limit to protect her devotees and sons & daughters like you and me.
