For Tranquility and Stability – Maa Mahagauri Puja
As the divine journey of Navratri reaches its eighth day, devotees turn their hearts and prayers toward Maa Mahagauri, the radiant Goddess of purity, peace, and compassion. Known for her serene beauty and benevolent nature, Maa Mahagauri is worshipped on this sacred day, also called Ashtami, one of the most powerful and auspicious days of Navratri. Her blessings are believed to wash away past sins, clear the path of obstacles, and fill the devotee’s life with harmony and grace.
On this day, homes and temples across India and the world resonate with prayers, chants, and the joy of Kanya Pujan (Kanjak), where little girls are worshipped as living forms of the Goddess. Day 8 of Navratri is not only about devotion but also about embracing purity, compassion, and inner strength in our modern lives.
Date and Colour of the Day— Navratri Day 8 (Goddess Mata Mahagauri)
In 2026, Navratri Ashtami starts on Sunday and ends on Monday; therefore, Navratri Ashtami is observed on Monday, 19th October 2026. And, as Navami tithi starts on the same day, Navratri Navami is also celebrated on the same day, i.e., Monday, October 19, 2026.
Therefore, Navratri Day 8, Sunday, October 18, 2026, according to the Hindu Calendar, is observed as Saptami. And, Navratri Day 9, October 19, 2026, is observed as Ashtami as well as Navami according to the Hindu Panchang.
Durgashtami on Monday, October 19, 2026
- Ashtami Tithi Starts: 08:27 a.m. on October 18, 2026
- Ashtami Tithi Ends – 10:51 a.m. on October 19, 2026
Maha Navami on Monday, October 19, 2026
Ashwina Navratri Parana on Tuesday, October 20, 2026
- Navami Tithi Starts: 10:51 a.m. on October 19, 2026
- Navami Tithi Ends: 12:50 p.m. on October 20, 2026
- Goddess Worshipped: Maa Mahagauri— Goddess of purity, serenity, and compassion.
- Colour of the Day 8: Purple— showcases luxury, royalty, and grandeur.
- Mata Mahagauri Puja: On this sacred day of Navratri, adorning yourself in purple while worshipping Maa Durga is believed to invite prosperity, abundance, and divine grace. Embrace this majestic shade with devotion, and let it draw you closer to the blessings of Mata Mahagauri.
Who Is Maa MahaGauri?
Maa Mahagauri is believed to be a 16-year-old form of Goddess Parvati, representing eternal youth and grace. Clad in white attire and riding a bull, she carries a trident and a damru, radiating peace and compassion. Her name, ‘Mahagauri’, means extremely fair and bright, symbolizing inner purity and the destruction of past sins.
Significance of Day 8 of Navratri
Day 8 is a day of spiritual upliftment and blessings. It is said that worshipping Maa Mahagauri washes away all sorrows and grants peace of mind. She blesses devotees with purity of thoughts, forgiveness, and a heart full of kindness. This day also holds a special place because it is believed that Maa fulfills the deepest wishes of her devotees when prayed to with true devotion.
Navratri Day 8, that is, Mahashtami, also known as Maha Durgashtami, is the second and one of the most significant days of Durga Puja. The day begins with Mahasnan and Shodashopachar Puja (षोडशोपचार पूजा), similar to the rituals of Maha Saptami, with the exception of Prana Pratishtha (प्राण प्रतिष्ठा), which is performed only once on Saptami.
On this sacred day, nine small pots are installed, symbolizing the nine divine forms of Goddess Durga. Through performing the ritual of installing these nine pots and performing Mahashtami Yagya, the nine Shaktis of Maa Durga are invoked and worshipped with utmost devotion.
A special highlight of Mahashtami is Kumari Puja, where young unmarried girls are revered as the living embodiment of Goddess Durga herself. While Kumari Puja is observed in many regions throughout all nine days of Navratri, performing it specifically on Mahashtami is considered especially auspicious and powerful.
Importance of Worshipping Mata Mahagauri
- Devotees believe that worshipping Maa Mahagauri brings:
- Relief from past karmic burdens
- Prosperity, peace, and happiness in family life
- Marriage blessings and harmony in relationships
- Mental clarity and spiritual elevation
Rituals of Navratri Day 8 that Promote Peace and Nobility
- Kanya Pujan (Kanjak): Young girls are invited, worshipped as the living embodiment of Maa, and offered food, gifts, and respect.
- Offerings: Coconut, sweets, and especially milk-based prasad are offered to Maa Mahagauri.
- Mantra Japa: Chanting mantras and reciting Durga Saptashati invokes her divine grace.
Mantras of Navratri Day 8 That Resonate
- ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नमः॥” (Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah)
- “श्वेत वृषे समारूढ़ा श्वेताम्बरधरा शुचिः। महागौरी शुभं दद्यान्महादेवप्रमोददा॥”
Chanting these mantras with devotion is believed to remove obstacles and bring peace into one’s life.
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Why Day 8 of Navratri is Important for You
Day 8 Navratri Ashtami is not only about devotion, but also about realigning your inner self with purity and peace. It is the day to attract wealth through inner peace and tranquility. Worshipping Maa Mahagauri is a call to shed negativity, forgive, and embrace compassion.
For devotees, this day is a reminder that when the heart is pure, the path to blessings and divine grace becomes clearer.
Modern-Day Celebrations and Spiritual Teachings
Today, many families celebrate Ashtami with community Kanya Pujan, charity, and acts of kindness. The new generation is also blending into the age-old traditions, retaining their roots intact, and restrengthening their faith. In modern times, worshipping Maa Mahagauri teaches us the importance of purity in thoughts, words, and actions. It inspires us to live with grace, compassion, and a sense of responsibility toward society.
A Call for Courage and Faith
As you bow to Maa Mahagauri on this sacred day, open your heart to forgiveness, compassion, and serenity. Let this day remind you that true strength lies in the purity of soul and the kindness of spirit. With Maa Mahagauri’s blessings, may your life be filled with peace, love, and divine light.